Set against the idyllic backdrop of Jeju Island, The Hakuda Photo Studio is a captivating, slow-burning novel that blends moments of magic with quiet emotional depth. The story follows Jebi, a woman who has escaped the chaos of her life in Seoul, only to find herself in an unexpected place of healing in a charming village by the sea. From the moment she encounters a statue of an octopus with a mysterious promise to granting wishes, the novel pulls you into a world where new beginnings and personal growth unfold gently yet powerfully.

Jebi’s journey is beautifully woven together with various characters who each have their own stories and struggles. She helps a group of women bikers with a spontaneous photoshoot, takes part in a quirky pre-wedding shoot for a very demanding bride-to-be, and even assists a geologist whose camera breaks, each moment carrying its own lessons and warmth. There are family photoshoots, hidden secrets, and unexpected connections that gradually reveal the truth of the village’s past.

The setting truly feels like another character, much like in Hometown Cha Cha Cha, offering that same comforting, small-town charm. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching Jebi grow into her place in the village, not just as a helper at the photo studio, but as someone who begins to accept her own worth. The bond she forms with Seokyeong, the photo studio owner, and the quiet wisdom of the village help her embrace a new path, one that ties her to the ocean and the mysterious octopus legend.

However, there were a couple of elements that didn’t quite resonate with me. The story of the retired policeman, who confesses a decades-old crime, felt oddly out of place within the otherwise serene and heartwarming vibe of the novel. His backstory didn’t seem to align with the tone of the book and, in my opinion, wasn’t needed.

Despite these small bumps, the novel shines through its moments of genuine emotion, unexpected tenderness, and thought-provoking themes about love, loss, and healing. Jebi’s eventual journey into the sea to return the octopus feels like the perfect culmination of her personal growth. It's not just a magical act; it's an emotional release, a letting go, and a step towards finding peace within herself.

The Hakuda Photo Studio is a tender, quietly transformative novel, perfect for anyone who loves stories of self-discovery, the beauty of small towns, and the mysterious ways the universe brings us what we need.