Photo Booths or Self-photo Studios in Korea? How to Choose

Walk around Hongdae, Seongsu or Ikseon-dong and you will often spot a small photo booth. Friends try on headbands, couples share tiny prints, and a few playful minutes become a souvenir. Yet the names can be confusing: four-cut photos, self-photo studios and photographer-led studios offer different experiences. Which suits your trip?

Four-cut photos: a small souvenir of your day

In a four-cut booth, you take a series of pictures and print selected shots together in a frame. Life4Cuts, or 인생네컷, is a particular brand, although its Korean name is also used informally when talking about four-cut photos.

You usually select a background or frame on a touchscreen, pose within the allotted time, then choose which pictures to print. Some branches offer hats, headbands or glasses, and you may find limited collaboration frames featuring characters or artists. The short process makes booths easy to fit between other plans.

What makes a self-photo studio different?

Like a booth, a self-photo studio lets you take the pictures yourself rather than having a photographer release the shutter. The difference is often more space or a private shooting room.

With the camera and lights already set up, use a remote shutter and try expressions and poses during your booked time. Rather than simply choosing four shots, some packages let you select favourites from a larger session. Colour correction and printing may also be offered. Equipment, session length, retouching and print options vary, so check the package before booking.

When to choose a photographer-led session

For a more deliberately composed portrait, consider a session with a photographer. They adjust lighting and composition for your purpose and often help with expressions and posture. This can suit individual profiles as well as couple, friendship and family portraits.

Some packages include selecting images after the shoot and receiving professionally retouched results. A photographer-led session does not automatically include all original files, hair or makeup; check the package contents against the photographs you want.

The three formats at a glance

Four-cut booth

Take your own pictures in a small booth and receive a printed strip straight away. Usually a walk-in experience, it suits a quick stop alone, with friends or as a couple.

Self-photo studio

Use a remote shutter in a separate shooting space. Good for experimenting with poses at your own pace; many studios require advance booking. Digital files and prints depend on the package.

Photographer-led session

Receive help with lighting, composition and poses. A useful choice for profiles, family portraits and special occasions, usually booked in advance. Check the number of retouched images and prints included.

Services vary by brand, branch and package.

A self-photo experience in Seoul

Seoul has options ranging from unstaffed street-side booths to studios reserved for a private session.

Cheese Smile Studio in Bukchon offers both self-service and photographer-led sessions. Choose whether to press the shutter yourself or receive a photographer’s guidance; couple, friendship, family and profile packages are available.

A booth such as Life4Cuts offers a shorter stop without planning a long session. Choose the experience and result you want rather than assuming one format is better.

Cheese Smile Studio

• Address: 3F–4F, 27 Bukchon-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: 10:00–19:00; closed Tuesdays.
• Official studio information

Before taking your pictures

Check digital file access. Some booths let you download photos or a short video through a QR code on the print. This is not offered by every brand, and links may expire.

Check group size. A small booth may not fit everyone. For family or group pictures, check the space and maximum number of people.

Separate shooting time from delivery time. Studios may need extra time for retouching and printing. If your session is on your last day, confirm how you will receive the results.

Which photograph will you keep returning to?

A playful strip with a friend and a carefully planned portrait can both become favourite memories. Booths capture the mood of a few cheerful minutes; self-photo studios give you more room to experiment. A photographer-led session may suit a special occasion or family portrait.

If you spot a booth during your trip, take a short break and make a small print. Looking at it later may bring back the story of that day.

Session lengths, prices, bookings and file delivery vary by brand and package.