Photo booths & ID

Explore & experiences

Photo booths & ID photos

Life4Cuts strips, Photoism couples shots, concept-photo studios for K-Drama-quality portraits, and the ID photo specs you actually need for a Korean / US / EU visa.

Playbook

Selfie booth = 8 seconds × 4 shots

Decide your poses before stepping in. Move with each beep.

Bring K-Pop merch

Holding photocards / light sticks of your bias makes for canonical "in Korea" content.

ID photo studios beat embassy photographers

Korean ID photo studios will reshape your hairline, fix lighting, and deliver an accepted file for €15–30.

Bring a contrast outfit

White walls + white shirt = washed out. Wear a deep color.

Drop the digital file to AirDrop / KakaoTalk

Every booth has a QR — you do not need a Korean account to download.

Brands you’ll see

Life4Cuts

인생네컷 · selfie-booth

₩4,000–6,000 per strip of 4 photos

The classic. Plain white booth, customizable frame, 8 seconds per shot.

2 printed strips + a digital file via QR.

Branch examples

Hongdae main street (multiple) · Myeong-dong · Gangnam Station · Sinchon

Good

+ No reservation; walk-in.
+ Frames celebrate K-Pop comebacks, seasons, dramas.
+ Digital copy = Instagram-ready.

Watch

− Friday/Saturday evening = 30+ min wait at Hongdae.
− Some booths only accept Korean cards.

Photoism

포토이즘 · selfie-booth

₩5,000–7,000

Trendier branding, more frame options, often inside cafes.

Strip + digital. Some branches have themed sets (a sofa, neon walls).

Branch examples

Yeonnam-dong · Garosu-gil · COEX Mall

Good

+ Themed branches make great backdrops.
+ English UI on the kiosks.

Watch

− Brand expanding fast — some branches have outdated kiosks.

Photomatic

포토매틱 · selfie-booth

₩5,000

Sleek black-and-white look, popular with couples.

Strip with the famous Photomatic frame (Tokyo-inspired).

Branch examples

Itaewon · Hongdae · Apgujeong Rodeo

Good

+ Photo strips have a more "vintage Japanese" aesthetic.

Watch

− Smaller branches — sometimes only 1 booth.

Haru Studio

하루 사진관 · photo-studio

₩30,000–80,000 per person

Bookable "ID photo" studios — used for visas, resumes, and Instagram profile photos.

Pro lighting, makeup-optional, retouched files within a week.

Branch examples

Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Exit 9) · Gangnam Station · Sinsa

Good

+ Visa-grade ID photos accepted by all embassies.
+ Often offers a "K-Pop profile" / "audition" package.

Watch

− Reservation required; book 3–7 days ahead.
− Most studios speak Korean only — bring the spec sheet from your embassy.

Crinkle Studio (Wrinkle)

주름사진관 / 크링클 · photo-studio

₩60,000–150,000

Couples + friend groups go for K-Drama / vintage shoots.

Concept-photo studio — costumes, hair, makeup all on-site.

Branch examples

Hongdae · Seongsu · Daegu

Good

+ Costumes included (hanbok, school uniform, retro).
+ Files within 2–3 days.

Watch

− English-speaking staff inconsistent — use translator app.

Mono Mansion

모노맨션 · photo-studio

₩40,000–90,000

Couples, friend groups, K-Pop fans recreating "fan-meet" shots.

Self-shoot studios — rent a furnished room with pro lights + cameras + remotes.

Branch examples

Seongsu · Hapjeong · Gangnam

Good

+ No photographer — your photos, your pace.
+ Many themed rooms.

Watch

− Lighting kit takes practice — watch the YouTube tutorial first.

Sticker photo booths (퓨리쿠라-style)

스티커 사진 · sticker-photo

₩3,000–5,000

Japanese-style purikura that survived in Korea, mostly in Hongdae arcades.

Sheet of small stickers, often with auto-cute filters.

Branch examples

Hongdae arcade alleys

Good

+ Fun groups of 3–4.
+ Cheaper than Life4Cuts.

Watch

− Filters can be aggressive — try a "natural" version first.

ID photo specs by country

Country	Size	Notes
Korea (visa, ARC)	35 × 45 mm	Ears visible, neutral expression, plain white background.
US (passport / visa)	2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)	Square. White background. Glasses generally not allowed.
EU / Schengen	35 × 45 mm	Light gray or off-white background often required.
UK (passport)	35 × 45 mm	Cream / light gray background. No smiling, mouth closed.
Japan (visa)	40 × 45 mm	White background. No accessories.
China (visa)	33 × 48 mm	Specific cm-precision — bring the consular spec sheet.