5 Photo Studios and Booths to Try in Jongno, Seoul

There is more than one way to bring home a photo from Jongno. Plan a portrait with a photographer, press the shutter yourself in a private studio, or stop at a booth during a neighbourhood walk. Your choice depends on the pictures you want and how much time you have.

These five places span Bukchon, Seochon, Gwanghwamun and Hyehwa–Daehakro. Alongside the style of each session, check whether you need a booking and when you will receive the finished photographs.

01. youngchive Seochon: a quick photo stop with a warm, nostalgic feel

youngchive Seochon | Seochon | Unstaffed photo booth

For an easy souvenir during a Seochon walk, youngchive offers a booth you can use without reserving. Stop with a friend or partner and capture a playful pose or a spontaneous expression. The brand’s official introduction shows a space combining hanok character and wood finishes.

Best for: Solo visitors, friends, couples and anyone who enjoys instant prints with a nostalgic feel.

Visit details

• Address: 47 Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: Official information lists 24-hour unstaffed operation throughout the year.
• Entry: No reservation required; there may be a queue at busy times.
• Format: Self-service photo booth.

Official branch information · How it works

02. SIENA STUDIO: a portrait session centred on you

SIENA STUDIO | Hyehwa–Daehakro | Photographer-led studio

If you would like a portrait with a more deliberate concept, explore SIENA STUDIO near Hyehwa Station. Its official site presents personal editorial-style sessions, colour portraits and actor or model portfolios.

Discuss your preferred look, clothing and background with the photographer. Hair and makeup packages are also listed; confirm exactly what your chosen package includes. The official profile session information says retouched photographs are delivered two weeks after you finish selecting your images. For a short trip, agree how files will reach you after you return home.

Best for: Personal editorial-style or colour portraits, and visitors who want to plan a concept with a photographer.

Visit details

• Address: 5F, 9 Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: Weekdays and Saturday 10:00–19:00; Sunday and public holidays 10:00–18:00.
• Booking: Advance booking, with enquiries by telephone or KakaoTalk Channel.
• Access: Near Hyehwa Station Exit 4.
• Sessions: Personal editorial portraits, colour portraits, actor/model portfolios and hanbok portraits.

Official website · Sessions and booking

03. Cheese Smile Studio: relaxed portraits in Bukchon

Cheese Smile Studio | Bukchon–Anguk | Self-service and photographer-led sessions

Combine a Bukchon walk with couple, friendship or family photographs. Cheese Smile Studio offers both remote-shutter sessions, where you take your own pictures, and sessions with a photographer’s guidance. It also lists profile, ID, passport and visa photographs.

Choose a self-service session if you enjoy trying expressions at your own pace, or a photographer-led session if you would like direction. Packages with retouched files, prints and frames are listed, but the exact contents depend on your chosen product. Book a time that fits your itinerary.

Best for: Couples, friends, families and visitors needing profile or document photographs.

Visit details

• Address: 3F–4F, 27 Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: 10:00–19:00; closed Tuesdays.
• Access: About five minutes on foot from Anguk Station Exit 2 or 3.
• Booking: Advance booking required. Enquire by telephone or KakaoTalk for ID, passport and visa photographs.
• Sessions: Self-service and photographer-led portraits; couples, friends, families, profiles and document photographs.

Official studio information

04. odtmode Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun: take the shutter into your own hands

odtmode | Gwanghwamun | Self-service studio

If taking your own pictures feels more comfortable, odtmode’s Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun branch has a camera and lighting set up for remote-shutter sessions inside the hotel building. Its official booking information lists both colour and black-and-white sessions. Try different poses with a friend or partner, and check the permitted group size, session length and whether original files are included before booking.

Best for: Couples and friends who want to take their own studio photographs.

Visit details

• Address: Room 1019, 10F, Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, 71 Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Listed hours: Weekdays 13:30–20:00; weekends 11:00–21:00.
• Closures and available slots: Check the branch booking page for your visit date.
• Format: Colour and black-and-white self-service studio sessions.

Official booking information

05. DON’T LXXK UP Daehakro: playful pictures from above

DON’T LXXK UP | Hyehwa–Daehakro | High-angle photo booth

For a different perspective, try DON’T LXXK UP in Daehakro. The brand introduces high-angle booths with a camera looking down from above. Look up, change your hand gestures or try a playful pose with friends or a partner. It is an easy idea to combine with a performance or walk in Hyehwa–Daehakro.

Best for: Friends and couples who want a high-angle souvenir photograph.

Visit details

• Address: 37 Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours and closures: Check the branch information before visiting.
• Format: High-angle self-service booth.

About the brand · Branch information

What would you like to bring home?

For a short stop during a walk, consider youngchive or DON’T LXXK UP. For time to experiment with poses, consider a self-service studio. For a planned profile portrait or guidance with couple and family pictures, look for a photographer-led package.

Allow enough time for booked sessions. Check group size and session length, but also the delivery date for retouched images and exactly which digital files and prints you will receive.

Booking, payment and language support differ by business. Completing a booking with a foreign phone number or overseas-issued card was not tested for this guide.