People say that the era of film is gone, that digital photography finally took over. With Kodak bankrupt and Fujifilm the only major manufacture left in the market, many beloved films are discontinued or their price has risen significantly. It is unlikely that things are going to improve anytime soon, if not ever. It’s also getting more and more difficult to find a reliable photo lab, as many are closing down due to decreasing business.

But analogue, film lovers aren’t ready to let go yet. It’s just not the same with digital. It’s like an addiction and a habit. Besides, medium-format users can’t abandon their Hasselblads or Rolleiflexes, right? Medium format and large format photography is probably where digital has not caught up yet. Whatever the reason, if you’re using film and looking for a reputable place to have your films developed and scanned in Seoul, Fotomaru is the place to go.

I’ve known Iroo, the owner of Fotomaru, for quite some time now. He’s been running photography labs in Chungmuro area, the photo district of Seoul, for about 8 years. Iroo published two books on film photography in Korea. Among Korean photographers, amateur and pro alike, he is well-known for his meticulosity and craft; he really has keen eyes for detail. He has processed films and made fine art and exhibition prints for many professional photographers and artists including myself. Fotomaru develops films for Lomography Korea and is readily equipped to serve international customers with Paypal accounts. You’ll find the prices really competitive and reasonable compared to other professional photo labs in the U.S. or Canada. They also have an Imacon drum scanner and do digital pigment printing with Epson printers.

I endorse their service wholeheartedly. I did prints for my last exhibition ‘Dongdaemun Stadium’ at Fotomoru and was 200% satisfied with them. They also make fine art prints for my print sale.

Check out their English page, e-mail them, or go visit them in Chungmuro if you’re in Seoul. Fotomaru is open Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 7pm. The lunch break is from 12 PM to 1PM during which time there will be no service.

Here is how you can find your way to Fotomaru from Chungmuro Station, Seoul Metro Line #3 or 4.

TEL.+82-(0)70-8235-4911

FAX.+82-(0)2-2274-4911

서울시 중구 충무로3가59-17 2층

2F 59-17, Chungmu-ro 3ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea