The ¡°photopress generation¡± refers to the trend-leading younger generation in Korea. ¡°Photopress¡± is a compound word of ¡°photo¡± and ¡°express.¡± The photopress generation is a group of people who have no hesitation in expressing themselves through photos. People have enjoyed taking photos for a long time, so why was the word ¡°photopress¡± only recently coined? It¡¯s because many people in Korea not only enjoy taking photos, but also actively use photography as a medium to brand themselves.

Taking photos has become a culture and trend in Korea. It is common to look for photo spots at travel destinations or stand in long lines at pop-up stores to take photos. A recent trend has been to meet up with friends and take pictures together through instant photo booths. It has also become common to visit professional photo studios to shoot a concept that maximizes one¡¯s charm rather than taking photos that capture one¡¯s identity.

Why has the photopress generation become so passionate about photography? Young Koreans, especially those in their mid-twenties or younger, have been adept at using digital devices and digital recording since they were young. For them, photography is one of the easiest ways to capture moments. The younger generation is also highly exposed to products and services tailored to the individual. This is one of the reasons they have no hesitation when it comes to consuming products that fit them and allow them to express themselves properly.

This isn¡¯t the only reason. Young people in Korea also value the experience they gain. They are willing to go through the process of achieving a certain goal, even if it¡¯s arduous because they find joy in the experience. Likewise, they think that, while long, the process of visiting a photo studio to take a beautiful photo is meaningful in itself. The current photography culture in Korea was created by the preferences of the younger generation, who find photography to be one of the most accessible and familiar mediums for recording.