Seoul’s hipster capital of Seongsu-dong is bustling like never before, its streets and cafes drawing throngs even in the winter cold. Fancy pop-up stores are around virtually every corner, each one a magnet for an endless stream of picture-perfect moments.

Overlooking an intersection near Exit 5 of Ttukseom Station, Same Dust is a quiet refuge for the artistically inclined. This photography bookstore exudes a serene yet visually captivating vibe, with its vibrant bookshelves and display stands showcasing an array of photobooks and works on paper.

Some books have sticky notes that read “out of print,” their tidy handwriting are the work of Alan Eglinton, a visual artist from the UK and the bookstore's owner.

“We have just received new publications by the Korean female artist Lily Lee this week. She does everything herself, from the design and printing to distribution. She has her own style,” Eglinton said during an interview with The Korea Herald held on Nov. 26.

“We select works by artists from various countries, but in fact, nationality isn’t a priority. The focus is on showcasing pieces that are genuinely appealing to us,” he added.

Same Dust offers an eclectic selection of photobooks, illustrations and works on paper. Approximately 70-80 percent of its collection is from overseas, while the rest was published locally.

In photography, dust is a challenge for both analog and digital photographers alike, since it finds its way onto camera sensors just as easily as photo negatives.

As the store’s name suggests, the British artist takes a bold and challenging approach when selecting works.

“Alongside renowned artists like Alec Soth from the US and Coco Capitan from Spain, we also introduce lesser-known yet unique photographers, even if we‘re uncertain whether their works will resonate with Korean buyers. We’re willing to take risks,” he said.

Eglinton uses the plural “we,” though the store is now solely his responsibility. He may have been referring to his Korean partner, who helped establish the business and was the reason for his move to South Korea in 2020.

The store wasn’t originally meant to be a bookstore. It was intended to be his private studio in Seongnae-dong, near Seoul‘s Olympic Park, where he worked on his own projects.

“I spontaneously ordered books from several publishers I liked, especially those in Europe, to display them in the space. Later, some Korean publishers and photographers also approached me with their books,” he said.

A year later, he relocated the photobook store to Seongsu-dong. The “edgy” and “progressive” vibe there seemed like the perfect space to meet a more diverse range of customers and artists, he explained.

“Koreans seem very passionate about photography in its various forms. I can see it when their eyes sparkle when they pick up a book in our store. Whereas the design and printing of Korean photobooks has remained quite classical for many years, I think nowadays more and more Korean people are discovering new ideas in the making of photobooks or artbooks, which is quite exciting,” he said.

Photobooks created by Eglinton himself are also on display in one corner of the store.

One of his books, titled ”Yes No Maybe,“ is about his wedding proposal to his partner. Filled with photos of a variety of subjects taken during their travels in Korea, he says the book is like a love letter to her.

“Sometimes her engagement ring was on, but some days it was off. The photo of the whirlpool in the book may reflect my feeling of confusion at that time, although I didn't consciously take that picture with that idea in mind,” he said.

Such personal experiences are what inform many of Eglinton's photographic works.

“Responding to the world around me is my main focus. Photography is all about connecting with yourself and with other people,” he said.

After graduating from the French National School of Photography in Arles, in the south of France, in 2006, several of his projects were published by French and Korean publishers. His photobook titled “poems,” published by the Korean publisher Datz Press, features images and texts about his observations of everyday scenes.

“The design and sequencing are elements in the making of a photobook that can have an impact on the viewer‘s interpretation or reception of the work," he said.

“When looking at a photobook, people can flip through the photos back and forth, allowing them to animate the book and come up with many different interpretations.”

Going forward, Eglinton hopes to connect with more photobook enthusiasts here.

“When you’re a photographer or a publisher, you can be working by yourself. I’m thinking of holding a book talk where people are talking about photography with a glass of wine.”

As part of his efforts to reach out, he has helped some young artists prepare their portfolios.

“I recently started running portfolio reviews at Same Dust. Most of the participants are young artists, although the reviews are not limited to any specific age group. Some of them brought very well designed book maquettes with them. It’s nice to see young artists doing their own thing and taking risks with their projects.”