I watched these machines take over Korea in real time.
One day in 2018, I noticed a strange booth in Hongdae. A few teenagers were crammed inside, screaming, posing, and laughing. I walked past thinking: “That’ll last a month.”
35 years in Korea, and I’ve been wrong about trends before. But never this wrong.
Within a year, photo booths were EVERYWHERE. Every subway station. Every shopping district. Every tourist area. Korea went from zero to thousands of machines almost overnight.
By 2020, I finally tried one. My Korean colleague dragged me in. “You HAVE to do this.”
I’m a man in my 50s. I did not think I had to do this.
But four photos and one ridiculous pose later, I was holding a strip of pictures with rabbit ears drawn on my head. My colleague was crying laughing. I was smiling more than I had in weeks.
Now I get it.
If you’re visiting Korea and haven’t done a photo booth yet, this guide is for you.
What Are Korean Photo Booths?
Korean photo booths (포토부스) are self-service machines where you take a set of photos, choose frames, and get printed photo strips.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Photos | Usually 4 shots |
| Time | 3-5 minutes total |
| Price | ₩3,000-5,000 |
| Output | Printed photo strips |
| Digital | QR code download available |
The Korean name:
인생네컷 (insaeng necut) literally means “4 cuts of your life” — four photos that capture a moment.
Why it’s different from Western photo booths:
| Western Photo Booth | Korean Photo Booth |
|---|---|
| Basic camera | High-quality, beauty filters |
| Simple backgrounds | Hundreds of themed frames |
| Just photos | Props, stickers, drawings |
| Often old machines | Modern, sleek design |
| Privacy curtain | Open or semi-open (no shame!) |
Korean photo booths are essentially a mini professional photo studio crammed into a machine.
Why Are They So Popular?
1. The “Beauty Mode”
Korean photo booths have built-in beauty filters that:
- Smooth skin
- Brighten eyes
- Slim face (slightly)
- Even skin tone
- Add soft lighting
You look like the best version of yourself. Not fake — just… polished.
My first photo strip: “Wait, is that ME? I look 10 years younger.”
2. Cute Frames and Themes
| Theme Types |
|---|
| Seasonal (cherry blossoms, Christmas, Halloween) |
| Character (Sanrio, Disney, Line Friends) |
| K-drama themed |
| K-pop themed |
| Vintage/retro |
| Minimalist |
| Couple frames |
| Friend group frames |
New frames rotate regularly. Some are limited edition. Fans collect specific frames.
3. Affordable Memory
₩4,000 for a physical souvenir that fits in your wallet.
No need to buy expensive souvenirs. A photo strip is personal, unique, and costs less than a coffee.
4. Social Experience
It’s not about the photos — it’s about the chaos inside the booth.
Choosing poses. Arguing about frames. Laughing at failed shots. The 3-second countdown panic.
I’ve seen groups of friends spend 30 minutes doing multiple rounds, laughing harder each time.
5. K-Culture Connection
Korean celebrities do photo booths. K-drama characters do photo booths. It’s woven into modern Korean culture.
Taking a photo strip is basically a Korean rite of passage now.
Major Photo Booth Chains
인생네컷 (Insaeng Necut)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | The original, most popular |
| Locations | 2,000+ nationwide |
| Price | ₩4,000 |
| Quality | Excellent |
| Frames | Wide variety, frequent updates |
The brand that started it all. Highest quality photos and best frame selection.
하루필름 (Haru Film)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Second most popular |
| Locations | 1,000+ |
| Price | ₩4,000 |
| Quality | Excellent |
| Special | Black & white option popular |
Known for aesthetic, minimalist frames. The black and white mode produces beautiful results.
포토이즘 (Photoism)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Growing fast |
| Locations | 500+ |
| Price | ₩4,000 |
| Special | Larger photo options, profile shots |
Offers bigger photo sizes and individual portrait modes — not just strips.
포토그레이 (Photogray)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Premium option |
| Locations | 300+ |
| Price | ₩4,000-5,000 |
| Special | Higher quality printing, unique frames |
Slightly more premium feel. Popular with couples.
셀픽스 (Selfix)
| Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Budget option |
| Locations | Growing |
| Price | ₩3,000-4,000 |
| Special | Affordable, good quality |
Quick Comparison
| Brand | Price | Quality | Frames | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 인생네컷 | ₩4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most |
| 하루필름 | ₩4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Many |
| 포토이즘 | ₩4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium |
| 포토그레이 | ₩4,000-5,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Growing |
| 셀픽스 | ₩3,000-4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Growing |
Where to Find Photo Booths
Seoul Hot Spots
| Location | Density | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hongdae | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Photo booth STREET (dozens in one area) |
| Myeongdong | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tourist central |
| Gangnam Station | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Underground shopping area |
| Sinchon/Ewha | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | University area |
| Insadong | ⭐⭐⭐ | Traditional + modern mix |
| Itaewon | ⭐⭐⭐ | International area |
Hongdae is the photo booth capital.
One street near Hongik University Station has 20+ booths side by side. Different brands, different themes, different vibes. You could spend an hour just booth-hopping.
Other Locations
| Location | Photo Booths? |
|---|---|
| Shopping malls | Almost always |
| Subway stations | Many major stations |
| Tourist areas | Yes |
| Theme parks | Special themed ones |
| Movie theaters | Sometimes |
| Department stores | Usually |
You won’t have to search hard. They’re everywhere.
How to Use a Korean Photo Booth
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Booth
Look at the sample photos displayed outside. Each brand and machine has different frame styles.
Step 2: Pay
| Payment Method | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Cash (coins/bills) | ✅ Yes |
| Card (tap) | ✅ Most machines |
| Kakao Pay | ✅ Some machines |
Most machines take both cash and card now. Have ₩4,000 ready just in case.
Step 3: Enter and Settle
- Enter the booth
- Check the mirror/screen
- Fix hair, adjust lighting
- Place bags to the side
- Stand at the right distance (markers on floor)
Step 4: Choose Frame
The screen shows available frames. Scroll through and select one.
| Tip |
|---|
| Decide BEFORE entering — saves time |
| Preview frames on the machine’s exterior display |
| Seasonal frames change, so check what’s new |
Step 5: Take Photos
| Sequence |
|---|
| Countdown: 3… 2… 1… 📸 |
| Usually 4-6 shots |
| ~5 seconds between each shot |
| Change poses between shots! |
Step 6: Choose Photos
Some machines let you:
- Select which 4 photos to print
- Retake if you blinked
- Add stickers or drawings
Step 7: Print and Download
| Output |
|---|
| Physical photo strip prints (usually 2 copies) |
| QR code for digital download |
| Some machines email photos |
Total time: 3-5 minutes
Tips for the Best Photos
Posing
| Photo | Suggested Pose |
|---|---|
| 1st | Normal smile (warm-up) |
| 2nd | Fun/silly pose |
| 3rd | Cool/serious pose |
| 4th | Best smile or group pose |
Popular poses in Korea:
| Pose | Description |
|---|---|
| V sign (✌️) | Classic Korean pose |
| Heart hands (🫰) | Finger heart |
| Surprised face | Mouth open, hands on cheeks |
| Back-to-back | For couples/friends |
| Funny face | Ugly pose (개그 사진) |
| Chin on hands | Cute, dreamy look |
Lighting Tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Stand centered — lighting is designed for the middle |
| Light-colored clothing photographs better |
| Avoid hats that cast shadows on face |
| Tilt chin slightly down (more flattering angle) |
Group Tips
| Group Size | Tips |
|---|---|
| 2 people | Easy, lots of couple poses |
| 3 people | Middle person slightly back |
| 4 people | Two rows or creative stacking |
| 5+ people | Squeeze! It’s part of the fun |
Max recommended: 4 people. More than that gets very cramped.
Props
Many photo booth shops have free props:
| Props |
|---|
| Sunglasses |
| Headbands (animal ears, flowers) |
| Hats |
| Signs and speech bubbles |
| Fans and feathers |
Grab props BEFORE entering the booth. No time to choose during countdown.
Photo Booth Etiquette
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Be quick if others are waiting | Hog the machine |
| Take your printed photos | Leave photos behind |
| Have fun and be silly | Be self-conscious |
| Share photos with friends | Block the entrance |
| Try different machines | Only do one (try at least 2!) |
Special Photo Booth Experiences
Character Collaboration Booths
| Collaboration | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Sanrio (Hello Kitty) | Various locations |
| Disney | Select malls |
| Line Friends | Flagship stores |
| K-pop groups | Pop-up events |
Limited edition frames with popular characters. Fans specifically seek these out.
ID Photo Booths
Not just fun — Korea also has excellent ID photo booths.
| Feature |
|---|
| Professional lighting |
| Beauty retouching |
| Passport/visa photo specs |
| ₩5,000-8,000 |
Need a passport photo? Korean ID photo booths produce better results than most photo studios back home.
Photo Booth Cafes
Some cafes combine coffee with photo booths:
- Drink coffee
- Take photos
- Decorate your prints
- Relaxed atmosphere
Found in Hongdae and Seongsu-dong areas.
What to Do with Your Photos
Decorating
Many photo booth areas have:
- Sticker stations
- Cutting tools
- Decorative tape
- Markers for drawing
Koreans decorate their photo strips and trade with friends.
Displaying
| Idea |
|---|
| Phone case (slip behind clear case) |
| Wallet |
| Fridge magnet |
| Scrapbook |
| Room wall decoration |
| Gift for friends |
Digital Sharing
| Method |
|---|
| Scan QR code → save to phone |
| Share on Instagram/social media |
| Send to friends via KakaoTalk |
Costs
Price Summary
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard photo strip (4 cuts) | ₩3,000-4,000 |
| Premium frames | ₩4,000-5,000 |
| Larger format photos | ₩5,000-6,000 |
| ID photos | ₩5,000-8,000 |
| Photo + print set | ₩6,000-8,000 |
Budget for Photo Booth Fun
| Level | Budget | Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Try once | ₩4,000 | 1 strip |
| Fun session | ₩12,000-16,000 | 3-4 different machines |
| Photo booth crawl | ₩20,000-30,000 | Multiple brands + props |
Honestly? Budget ₩15,000-20,000. You WILL want to try more than one.
Photo Booths vs. Other Countries
| Feature | Korea | Japan | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beauty filter | Strong | Strong | Basic |
| Frame variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Price | ₩4,000 | ¥400-500 | $5-10 |
| Availability | Everywhere | Arcade focused | Rare |
| Cultural significance | High | High | Low |
Korea and Japan are the photo booth capitals. Korea edges ahead on frame variety and location density.
My Personal Photo Booth Journey
First Time (2020): Reluctant
Colleague dragged me in. I stood stiff, barely smiled. Thought it was silly.
But the photos came out… actually good? The beauty filter was kind to my aging face.
Second Time (2020): Warming Up
Tried it with visiting friends from abroad. They went crazy. I started doing the V sign. Korean cultural assimilation complete.
Now: Convert
I have a small collection of photo strips in my wallet. Each one is a memory — friends visiting, company dinners, random Tuesday nights in Hongdae.
A 50-something man with photo booth strips in his wallet. Korea changed me.
Best Memory
Taking photos with my Korean neighbor’s kids. They taught me poses. They laughed at my “old man” attempts. Those photos are on my fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Korean photo booths cost?
Most photo booths cost ₩3,000-4,000 per session. You get a strip of 4 photos, usually printed in 2 copies so you can share with a friend.
Where are the most photo booths in Seoul?
Hongdae has the highest concentration — one street has 20+ booths side by side. Myeongdong, Gangnam Station, and most major shopping areas also have many.
Do Korean photo booths have beauty filters?
Yes. Most machines automatically apply light beauty filters — skin smoothing, brightening, subtle face adjustments. You look polished but still natural.
Can I get digital copies of my photos?
Yes. Most machines provide a QR code after printing. Scan it with your phone to download digital copies. Some machines also offer email delivery.
How many people can fit in a photo booth?
Most booths comfortably fit 2-4 people. You can squeeze in more, but it gets very tight. For groups of 5+, consider the larger format machines at Photoism.
What’s the difference between photo booth brands?
Insaeng Necut has the most frames and locations. Haru Film is known for aesthetic black and white options. Photoism offers larger formats. Try 2-3 brands to find your favorite.
Do I need to know Korean to use the machines?
Most machines have simple visual interfaces. Some offer English options. The process is intuitive — pay, choose frame, pose, print. You’ll figure it out even without Korean.
Can I use a credit card at photo booths?
Most modern machines accept credit/debit cards via tap payment. Some older machines are cash only. Carry a few ₩1,000 bills just in case.
Final Thoughts
I resisted photo booths for years.
Too silly. Too young. Not for me.
Then Korea did what Korea does — made me try something new, made me laugh, and gave me a memory I carry in my wallet.
Four photos. Three seconds each. One strip of paper.
That’s all it takes to capture a moment in Korea.
You’ll walk past hundreds of photo booths during your trip. The machines glow, the sample photos beckon, groups of friends laugh inside.
Don’t walk past.
Step in. Choose the silliest frame. Make the ugliest face. Panic during the countdown.
The photos won’t be perfect. That’s exactly why they’ll be your favorite souvenir.
₩4,000 for a memory that fits in your wallet.
Best deal in Korea.
— Ted K
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