About Us
The Name
'Gugwa', which is derived from the letters 구과 (九果), is motivated by the idea of the Nine Fruits as it is referenced in Galatians 5:22–23 of the Bible. Our name symbolizes how various concepts and virtues come together to form a complete . The things we are enthusiastic about—people, art, culture, and events—are all together at Gugwa.
Our Mission
Founded by photographer and artist Soohyun Kim in collaboration with artists Sung Jang and Taek Kim, our goal is to offer a modern space with a Korean aesthetic. From inexpensive self-portraits and photo booths to luxurious portrait sessions with the opportunity to rent traditional Korean costumes, we offer a variety of photography options.
Our minimalist venue is designed to be versatile, serving as both an educational workshop and event space. We showcase a rotating gallery of artwork on the walls to foster cultural exchange and conversation.
Jewelry, kitchenware, and traditional Korean clothes are among the artisanal goods from Korean and Korean-American designers that can be found at our boutique's physical location and online store.
If you are interested in utilizing our space for your next event or educational workshop, please contact us at gugwa@studiosoo.com.
Our Other Brands
We also offer luxury wedding and commercial photography and videography services through Studio Soo and family portrait services through Chicago Baby, both based in Chicago.