Eric Kim is a Korean-American street photographer and educator who has developed a deep relationship with Vietnam through both personal ties and professional endeavors. Best known for his candid street photography and popular blog, Kim has traveled, lived, and taught extensively in Vietnam, integrating himself into the local culture and photography community. Below is a comprehensive look at Eric Kim’s biography and activities as they relate to Vietnam, including his background, projects, workshops, photography work, public appearances, and cultural/lifestyle reflections.
Personal Background and First Vietnam Trip (2014)
Eric Kim’s initial connection to Vietnam came through his partner (now wife), Cindy Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese heritage. Cindy’s family had fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975, and she was born in a refugee camp on Pulau Bidong, Malaysia, before being raised in the United States . By 2014, Cindy’s family had established a Vietnamese restaurant in California, and returning to Vietnam was a profoundly personal experience for her . In the summer of 2014, Kim accompanied Cindy on a trip to Vietnam – his first time visiting the country – and they planned an extended two-month stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) . During this period, Kim launched a self-assigned photography project called “Saigon Diary,” aiming to document daily life in Saigon as well as Cindy’s homecoming experience .
Saigon Diary Project: Over those two months in 2014, Eric Kim kept an online diary on his blog, posting frequent updates with photographs and behind-the-scenes commentary from their life in Saigon. In these “Saigon Diary” entries, he described everything from the journey over (a 14-hour flight from Vancouver) to the first impressions of Vietnam’s vibrant street life . The diary was both a personal documentary and a learning exercise: Kim shared contact sheets and “works in progress” images, openly critiquing his own shots as a way to educate readers on his creative process . For example, he recounted experimenting with a Fujifilm X-T1 and X100s camera to capture candid moments in markets, elevators, and cafes around Saigon, discussing what worked or didn’t in each attempt . This transparent, educational style made the Saigon Diary a rich blend of travelogue and photography tutorial.
A major focus of Kim’s Saigon Diary was immersing himself in Vietnamese culture and daily routines. He made a concerted effort to learn the Vietnamese language and engage with locals, often using simple phrases to spark friendly exchanges. In one diary entry, Kim noted that he would practice speaking with people like a hotel chef – complimenting him in Vietnamese and joking around – which led to shared laughter and even better service (the chef offered extra food unprompted) . These anecdotes illustrated Kim’s belief that learning basic local language skills enhances the travel experience and opens up cultural connections . Kim even enrolled in Vietnamese lessons during the stay, and by the end of the trip he could hold basic conversations (albeit “a 4-year-old is still better than me,” he quipped) . All of this became content for his blog, where he described Vietnamese coffee culture, the omnipresent motorbikes of Saigon, and adventures like a family trip to Bien Hoa for a relative’s wedding . The Saigon Diary series (which ran in seven parts) not only showcased Kim’s street photography in Vietnam but also served as a travel journal reflecting on Vietnamese food, traditions, and the process of adapting to life in Saigon.
This 2014 project marked Eric Kim’s first intensive engagement with Vietnam’s art and culture scene. It also laid the groundwork for his continuing ties to the country. Notably, during this time Fujifilm Vietnam produced a video feature of Kim shooting on the streets of Saigon, indicating local recognition of his work . By the end of the two-month stay, Kim had grown deeply fascinated with Vietnam, hinting on his blog that this would not be his last time there.
Living and Working in Hanoi (2016–2017)
Eric Kim’s brief visit to Vietnam in 2014 turned into a far more extensive stay a couple of years later. In 2016, Kim and Cindy moved to Hanoi in northern Vietnam, driven by Cindy’s academic pursuits. Cindy had earned a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct doctoral research on Vietnam’s library history and archives, which brought the couple to Hanoi for an extended period . Kim saw this as an opportunity for a new adventure: as he wrote on the eve of their departure, “Today is our last day in America before we move to Vietnam/France for the next 2 years… I have no idea what the next 2 years of my life is going to look like… this is going to be one hell of an adventure.” . The plan entailed roughly 1.5 years in Vietnam and another 6 months in France (where Cindy would continue research in French archives) .
Hanoi Diaries and Cultural Immersion: After relocating to Hanoi, Eric Kim continued his practice of journaling his experiences. He started a series of “Hanoi Diary” entries on his blog, written in the form of letters or personal reflections. These diary posts chronicle his adaptation to life as an expat in Vietnam’s capital. For instance, in Hanoi Diary #4: “Learning How to Speak Vietnamese,” Kim describes sitting in a cafe at the JW Marriott in Hanoi during Cindy’s Fulbright orientation, enjoying a bowl of phở, and reflecting on the challenge and excitement of learning Vietnamese as a foreigner . He used these diaries to discuss daily life, from the practicalities of Hanoi’s coffee shops and Wi-Fi to deeper meditations on language and culture shock. In Hanoi Diary #3: “The Privileged Life of an Expat,” Kim acknowledged the comforts he enjoyed living in Hanoi as a foreigner and the affordable, convenient lifestyle available to expatriates there (e.g., inexpensive food and services), while also pondering his purpose and goals during the stay (such as personal projects and self-improvement). In Hanoi Diary #2, he wrote about “daily life, coffee, wifi, and personal goals,” indicating how integral Vietnam’s coffee culture and internet connectivity were to his routine . By Hanoi Diary #6: “Living in Airplane Mode,” Kim even experimented with a minimalist “offline” lifestyle – essentially turning off his phone data and living disconnected from constant internet, an idea he found liberating in Hanoi’s environment . These Hanoi diaries painted a picture of a photographer not just passing through, but truly living in Vietnam and grappling with the expatriate experience.
During roughly a year in Hanoi, Kim threw himself into learning the language and understanding the culture on a deeper level. He attended formal Vietnamese language classes (for example, at VLS – Vietnamese Language Studies – in Saigon during earlier visits , and likely similar programs in Hanoi) and continued to practice daily with locals. He noted that speaking Vietnamese, even imperfectly, endeared him to people he met – as he put it, locals “seem to love the amusement of seeing a random Korean guy speaking the local language… They smile a lot at me, give me better service, and even teach me more Vietnamese” . This kind of cultural immersion became a recurring theme in his writing. Kim’s personal life in Hanoi also involved meeting local friends and photographers. He mentions, for instance, befriending Hanoi street photographers like Chu Viet Ha, whom he called “one of my best friends in Hanoi” and one of his favorite contemporary shooters . This indicates that Kim integrated into Hanoi’s creative community, exchanging ideas and even collaborating (he filmed a mini documentary and conducted an interview with Chu Viet Ha on his blog) .
Crucially, Eric Kim embraced Hanoi not just as a place to live cheaply, but as a source of inspiration and productivity. In a later reflection, he described Hanoi as a “creative digital nomad paradise” – citing surprising perks like “insanely fast WiFi” and ubiquitous internet access in Vietnam’s cities . He found that the environment allowed him to focus on his creative projects and maintain a high output of writing and photography. In fact, Kim was highly productive during his Vietnam stay, regularly publishing blog posts, vlogs, and even e-books. He ran a YouTube vlog series titled “Hanoi Vlog” with episodes where he mused on life lessons learned in Hanoi, documented daily routines, and shared street scenes (one vlog summarized “3 life lessons I’ve learned living in Hanoi” after eight months there) . These reflections often highlighted how living in Vietnam taught him simplicity and flexibility. For example, he observed that in Hanoi he realized “you don’t need much” to be happy and creative, reinforcing his minimalist philosophy . Kim’s time in Hanoi clearly had a profound impact on his lifestyle and outlook, reinforcing his penchant for minimalism, spontaneity, and cross-cultural engagement.
Photography Workshops and Projects in Vietnam
Beyond his personal blogging, Eric Kim also actively shared his photography knowledge in Vietnam through workshops and public talks. In 2017, while based in Hanoi, Kim organized an ambitious week-long travel workshop titled “Hanoi to Sapa Street Photography Experience.” This workshop took a group of students on a six-day journey from the historic streets of Hanoi up to the mountain villages of Sapa in northern Vietnam . Kim later remarked that the 2017 Hanoi–Sapa workshop was “one of the most phenomenal and memorable experiences of my life,” recalling the “epic adventures… exploring new back-alleys, having the best Vietnamese local food, and all the deep and profound conversations we had on life.” . The workshop combined travel with an immersive photography course – participants practiced street photography in diverse settings (from Hanoi’s urban bustle to the rural markets of Bac Ha) and received daily coaching and critique from Kim. What made these Vietnam workshops special was the blend of photography with cultural context: Kim and Cindy leveraged their local knowledge to introduce students to off-the-beaten-path locations, authentic cuisine, and local customs. Kim noted that since he had “lived as an expat in Hanoi for close to a year,” he and Cindy knew all the best cafes, restaurants, and hidden spots, allowing them to give participants a truly authentic experience connecting with local life . Cindy’s presence was a bonus; by 2019 she had joined as a co-instructor on some trips, “leveraging her expertise in Vietnamese language and culture, to give us all a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.” . This marriage of photography education with cultural education became a hallmark of Kim’s Vietnam workshops.
Following the success of 2017, Eric Kim planned another Hanoi to Sapa workshop in April 2019, again inviting international participants to experience Vietnam through their lenses. Around this time, Kim also delivered at least one public lecture in Vietnam: in 2019 he gave a street photography talk in Hanoi that was conducted in English with Vietnamese translation . (Video footage titled “Eric Kim Street Photography Workshop Talk – Hanoi 2019 (English/Vietnamese)” shows that this talk was accessible to a local audience, indicating Kim’s desire to engage with Vietnam’s photography enthusiasts directly.) Additionally, he has appeared in local media; for example, as mentioned earlier, Fujifilm Vietnam featured him in a video shoot in Saigon, and he has a significant following on social media among Vietnamese and global fans.
In terms of photographic output, Vietnam has figured prominently in Eric Kim’s portfolio. He has produced several photo essays and series set in Vietnam. After the 2019 workshop, he published the “Eric Kim Hanoi Photography Essay” on his blog – a collection of images and observations that analyze the character of Hanoi through street photographs . In this essay, Kim commented on the rapid changes in Hanoi, noting the juxtaposition of modern and traditional: “massive malls, everyone with new iPhones, yet still respect for the traditional Vietnamese past.” His images from Hanoi often capture this contrast: for instance, a luxury car cruising past old-quarter street vendors, or youths in trendy fashion against historic backdrops. Earlier, in 2014, his Saigon Diary series had similarly doubled as a photographic project, yielding many candid shots of Saigon’s people and cityscapes – from bustling wet markets to quiet moments in cafes. Kim’s Vietnam photographs have been shared widely on his platforms, and he created dedicated galleries for “Vietnam Street Photography” on his site to showcase his work in cities like Hanoi . He tends to shoot up close and personal, so his Vietnam images often feature intimate street portraits and dynamic compositions of everyday life. Beyond his own shooting, Kim has also shone a spotlight on Vietnamese photographers. On his blog he has interviewed and featured the works of local street photographers (e.g., his in-depth interview with Chu Viet Ha, a prominent Hanoi photographer, brought Vietnamese street photography to his international audience) . This cross-cultural exchange highlights Kim’s role not just as a photographer in Vietnam, but also as a connector between Vietnamese artists and the wider photography world.
Cultural Influence and Public Engagement in Vietnam
Eric Kim’s extended engagement with Vietnam has had a noticeable influence on both himself and others, bridging cultural and educational domains. Within Vietnam’s art and photography community, Kim became a well-known figure. His workshops in Hanoi attracted not only foreign participants but also drew interest from local photographers who assisted or attended his talks. Through his blog and YouTube channel (which often featured Vietnam-based content), Kim indirectly mentored many emerging Vietnamese street photographers. Notably, Chu Viet Ha – a Hanoi street photographer whom Kim befriended – credited Eric Kim’s online resources with helping inspire Vietnamese shooters: “I’m inspired by Eric Kim for useful lessons from his YouTube channel and his articles on how to shoot street photography. It helps a lot of other street photographers find inspiration and orientation in their photography.” . Statements like this suggest that Kim’s educational impact in Vietnam extended beyond his in-person events; his freely available essays, tips, and videos (some of which were likely consumed by a Vietnamese audience) have contributed to the growing street photography scene in Vietnam by providing guidance and inspiration.
Culturally, Eric Kim has acted as a kind of ambassador both for Vietnam (to his global audience) and for photography (to Vietnamese enthusiasts). He has used his platform to celebrate Vietnam’s unique qualities – writing about everything from Hanoi’s “romantic” blend of nature and city life to the rich coffee culture and street food that he adores. At the same time, by engaging so openly with the culture (learning the language, respecting local customs, and highlighting local creatives), he earned respect from the Vietnamese community. Kim often emphasizes the importance of connecting with people when shooting in foreign places, a philosophy he practiced in Vietnam by interacting warmly with his subjects and surroundings rather than remaining an observer. This approach likely influenced local photographers to be proud of everyday Vietnamese life as art, and it encouraged foreign photographers to approach Vietnam with respect and curiosity rather than exoticism.
In his personal growth, Vietnam left a lasting mark. Kim has often stated that his time in Vietnam taught him to live more deliberately and creatively. He observed that being in Vietnam reinforced his minimalist and nomadic tendencies – for example, he noted that he prefers owning little and moving freely, an attitude strengthened by the ease of life in Hanoi where “your dollar goes much further” and luxuries are more affordable . In one summary of lessons from Hanoi, Kim listed insights such as discovering his “love of walking” and “love of interacting with others, especially in foreign languages,” as well as appreciating Vietnam’s fast internet and tech infrastructure as an enabler for creative work . These reflections show how living in Vietnam influenced his lifestyle philosophy. To this day, Kim often references Vietnam in his talks and writings as a place where he experienced tremendous personal and artistic growth. For instance, he fondly recounts the freedom of riding motorbikes in the misty mountains of Sapa or the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – experiences that reinforced his belief in seeking adventure and story-worthy moments as a photographer .
In summary, Eric Kim’s involvement in Vietnam spans multiple facets: from documenting the country’s streets in his photographic projects, to immersing himself in the culture and language as a resident, to educating others through workshops and online content, and even to fostering cross-cultural friendships in the art community. His biography is uniquely tied to Vietnam through his wife’s heritage and scholarly work, which initially brought him there, and through the memorable projects he realized in Vietnamese cities. Kim’s influence in Vietnam can be seen in the way he’s helped nurture an interest in street photography among young Vietnamese photographers and how he’s portrayed Vietnam to a worldwide audience in a positive, nuanced light. Through blog diaries, photo essays, and public engagement, Eric Kim has both learned from Vietnam and given back to it – leaving an imprint on its cultural landscape, especially in the realm of photography and creative exchange.
Sources:
- Eric Kim, “Saigon Diary #1: First Day in Vietnam,” EricKimPhotography.com (2014) – personal background on Cindy’s Vietnamese heritage and goals for the Vietnam trip .
- Eric Kim, “Saigon Diary #5: Travels to Bien Hoa, Learning Vietnamese, and Coffee Culture,” EricKimPhotography.com (2014) – experiences learning Vietnamese and engaging with locals in Vietnam .
- Eric Kim, Hanoi Diary #4: Learning How to Speak Vietnamese, EricKimPhotography.com (2016) – notes from Hanoi during Cindy’s Fulbright, reflecting on language learning .
- Eric Kim, Don’t Miss the Adventure… Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam Travel Street Photography Experience, EricKimPhotography.com (2018) – workshop description noting his year living in Hanoi and 2017 workshop experiences .
- Eric Kim, Hanoi Photography Essay, EricKimPhotography.com (2019) – cultural observations on Hanoi’s modernization and tradition and personal lessons from time in Hanoi .
- Eric Kim, Interview with Chu Viet Ha, “Chu Viet Ha,” EricKimPhotography.com – example of Kim’s collaboration with Vietnamese photographers and his influence on them .
- YouTube – “Eric Kim Street Photography Workshop Talk, Hanoi 2019 (English/Vietnamese)” – evidence of Kim’s public lecture in Vietnam .
- Eric Kim, “Saigon Diary #2” and “#3” – additional context on daily life and photography process in Vietnam .
- Eric Kim’s social media/blog posts (2014–2019) on Vietnam – various insights on Vietnam’s coffee, street life, and his travel routines . (All accessed and cited from Eric Kim’s official blog).