Leo Park, a 16-year-old artist from South Korea, has attracted significant attention for his detailed sketches of British landmarks, amassing nearly 550,000 followers on Instagram. His work, which often blends iconic architectural sites with elements of fantasy and folklore, has led to a collaboration with the UK-based publisher Colour Your Streets. Leo contributed 30 illustrations to their latest colouring book, *Enchanting British Cities*, featuring landmarks such as King’s College Chapel in Cambridge and the Three Graces in Liverpool.
In his first interview with a British outlet, Leo described his connection to the UK as deeply rooted in childhood experiences. He first visited the country at the age of ten, accompanied by his parents, initially inspired by the Harry Potter series. However, his fascination quickly expanded beyond the fantasy world, developing into an appreciation for British history and diverse regions outside of London, including places like Manchester and Scotland.
Leo shared personal memories from his visits, including a friendly restaurant worker in Bath who served him a salad while he sketched and an “amazing” steak restaurant in Doncaster, highlighting the warm hospitality he encountered during his travels. His affinity for the UK is reflected not only in his drawings but also in his sentiment, describing the country as “magical.”
Despite his growing popularity, Leo maintains a humble perspective regarding his art. He intentionally avoids commercializing his work and has not sold any original pieces, prioritizing his passion over financial gain. On the subject of his artistic skills, particularly drawing people, he admitted feeling less confident and humorously compared some of his statue sketches to those created by a young child.
Earlier in his artistic journey, Leo recalled feeling nervous when crowds gathered to watch him draw. However, his attitude has shifted over time, now feeling uneasy if observers do not engage with his work. As he continues to refine his craft, Leo’s unique blend of architectural precision and imaginative details continues to captivate an international audience.
