Photographing Libertine in Itaewon

I photographed Libertine, a bar and kitchen located in Itaewon, from a documentary point of view. The project focused on how architecture, material, and atmosphere come together in a dense urban setting. Libertine sits just a few minutes from Itaewon Station, yet it feels removed from the surrounding nightlife. That contrast shaped how I approached the space through photography.

Architecture and Interior Design

The interior design was developed by Will Craig of Discursive Form, in collaboration with Zabel & Partner. Together, they created a space defined by concrete surfaces, tiled floors, and carefully controlled lighting. Rather than layering decoration, the design relies on proportion, texture, and restraint. While photographing, I focused on how these elements interact across the room.

A Space Within the City

Libertine sits in the middle of one of Seoul’s busiest areas. On weekend nights, Itaewon moves fast. Inside Libertine, however, the pace slows. High ceilings, dark wood, and a strong floor pattern reference older interiors without copying them directly. Through photography, I aimed to capture this balance between familiarity and distance.

Material, Light, and Use

Light plays a key role in the space. It softens the concrete and adds warmth to the darker materials. As people move through the bar, the atmosphere changes gradually rather than dramatically. Instead of staging scenes, I observed how the interior worked during regular service. This approach allowed the images to reflect real use rather than an ideal version of the space.

Food and Everyday Rituals

Libertine operates as both a bar and a kitchen. The menu draws from American influences and changes with the seasons. Dishes such as house-made bacon and Jeju free-range roast chicken sit alongside carefully mixed cocktails. While the food itself was not the focus of my work, the rhythm of service added another layer to the images. People come for different reasons, yet the space supports all of them.

Looking Back

Photographing Libertine became an exercise in observing how design supports atmosphere without drawing attention to itself. Architecture, light, and material work together quietly. For me, the project offered a chance to document a space that creates distance from its surroundings while still remaining part of the city.