Selfie Booths in Seoul

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable activity for all ages, the photo signature self-studio is a must-visit! Found on nearly every corner, these studios offer a fully self-service experience with no staff, yet everything remains beautifully tidy and well-maintained. It’s a testament to the trust and respect that make these places special.

From stylish sunglasses to quirky hats and adorable headbands, the variety of accessories makes each visit unique. Stepping into the studio, I felt like a star—an actress dressing up in different characters, transforming with every prop and pose. The entire space is a feast for the eyes—so colourful and beautifully lit with sparkling crystal lighting, making every moment feel extra special. Whether you’re there with kids, friends, or even just yourself, the excitement of dressing up and capturing moments is pure joy. The lively music playing in the background only adds to the experience, making you want to dance between shots.

And the best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly! For just 5,000 won, you get six high-quality pictures, making it an unbeatable entertainment option. Whether you want to create lasting memories with your family or have a blast with friends, this self-studio is the perfect place to let loose, get creative, and take home a little piece of happiness.

This particular studio was in Insadong—or maybe I had already wandered into Bukchon! But the great thing is, you don’t have to look far to find them. These studios are everywhere in the centre of Seoul, each with its own unique vibe but always offering the same fun and dazzling experience.

My daughters had so much fun—they really didn’t want to leave! We ended up doing it all twice, and even then, they still wanted more. "Just one more!" they kept saying, eager to try a different outfit, a new prop, a fresh pose. Seeing their excitement made the whole experience even more magical. I could so imagine coming back here with friends, not just to take pictures but to hang around, try on different looks, and capture endless fun moments together.

Interesting Facts About Self-Photo Studios in Korea:

📸 Boom in Popularity: Self-photo studios (셀프 사진관) have become a huge trend in South Korea, especially among young people and families. They gained popularity as an alternative to traditional photo booths, offering a more personalized and private experience.

🔍 Trust-Based System: One of the most fascinating aspects is that despite being fully self-service, these studios remain neat, and no one takes the accessories! Many businesses in Korea, including unmanned convenience stores and snack shops, operate on a similar trust-based system with CCTV monitoring, and theft rates are astonishingly low.

📷 High-Quality Photos: Unlike regular photo booths, self-photo studios use professional-grade cameras, lighting, and minor touch-up features, ensuring that each shot looks polished and professional.

🎤 K-Pop Influence: Many self-photo studios are inspired by the sleek, well-lit aesthetics seen in K-pop promotional photoshoots. Some studios even offer backdrops and filters that resemble idol photocard sets.

🎭 Different Styles & Themes: Some studios go beyond simple accessories, offering themed settings like retro, vintage, or fantasy backdrops with unique props, making each visit feel like a new adventure.

Interesting Observations:

💡 Cultural Reflection: The popularity of these studios highlights Korea’s deep appreciation for capturing memories in an aesthetic way. It’s an evolution from sticker photo booths (Purikura) in the early 2000s to today’s high-tech self-photo studios.

👫 A Social Experience: While it’s technically “self-service,” it’s actually a highly social activity. People laugh, pose, and even dance while waiting for their turn, making it more than just a simple photo session—it’s an experience.

💰 Affordable Luxury: It’s surprising that something so polished and professional costs only 5,000 won, making high-quality photography accessible to everyone.

📸✨ Step into a world of fun at the photo signature self-studio! With endless accessories, music, and a fully self-service setup, it’s the perfect place for hours of entertainment with friends and family. And at just 5,000 won for six pictures, it’s an absolute steal! 🎶💃🎩👓 #SelfStudio #PhotoFun #MemoriesMade