Choosing a photographer in Seoul can feel like shopping for skincare in Olive Young. Every option looks good, every package claims to be “the best,” and you’re left wondering what the actual difference is between a budget shoot, a mid-range studio, and a premium photographer.
Jeff and I from Modu Studios, have lived and worked as photographers in Seoul for years, shooting everything from travel portraits to full-on campaigns with brands like Atomos and Hyundai. After helping hundreds of clients choose the right package, we’ve learned exactly what separates a cheap/budget photoshoot from a premium one and where the real value actually comes from.
Below is the honest breakdown we give our own clients. Some Seoul photographers charge more because they’re truly worth it. Some charge more because… well… tourists don’t know any better.
And somewhere in the middle is where Modu Studios lives: not the most expensive option in Seoul, but delivering quality and value that genuinely rivals the (usually only Korean-speaking) premium-tier studios.
Let’s break it all down.
If you’ve ever seen a “photoshoot in Seoul for 80,000 won” ad, you might wonder whether it’s too good to be true. The short answer is yes.
Here’s what budget packages usually include:
Minimal editing
Basic contrast, basic color correction, maybe a preset. No masking, no fine adjustments. The photos look acceptable, but not cinematic or polished.
Little to no posing guidance
Many budget photographers shoot fast and move on to the next client, and often do group sessions that include random people that you don't know. If you’re confident on camera, you’ll survive but if not, it might feel awkward.
Predictable locations
Expect the busiest spots like Gyeongbokgung’s main gate or the front of Bukchon. These locations are iconic but often overused and crowded. However, they’re convenient for the photographer.
Short shoots
Most budget sessions are 20–40 minutes. That’s usually not enough time to get comfortable, let alone build real chemistry with the photographer.
This isn’t to say they’re bad. If you only need a few simple memories, budget photographers serve that purpose well. But they’re limited because the price doesn’t allow for in-depth work. If you're interested in booking a budget Seoul photoshoot you can check out Airbnb's Photography Services page.
Premium photographers earn their rates for a reason. When you hire at the top tier, you’re paying for a level of craftsmanship that goes well beyond clicking a button.
Here’s what you get:
Signature editing styles
Premium studios spend years perfecting color grading, tone curves, custom LUTs, and film emulation. These are the photographers whose photos you instantly recognize on Instagram.
A strong artistic direction
They guide your poses, adjust your outfit, fix awkward angles, and direct you like a movie scene.
Location or in-studio expertise
Premium studios know the hidden alleys of Euljiro, quiet spots at Changgyeonggung, and the exact time of day when the light hits Namsangol Hanok perfectly. Also, many premium photographers operate in professional indoor studios that add another level of professionalism to the shoot.
Better equipment and technical experience
Sharp lenses, full-frame cameras, dual backups and proper lighting. They’re not experimenting. They’re delivering.
Premium editing time
A high-end session often includes 2–5 hours of post-production per shoot. Every image is carefully crafted.
These photographers are typically booked out weeks or months in advance and start around 400k to well over 800k KRW.
We’re not going to claim we’re the priciest studio in Seoul, because we aren’t.
But if you compare the quality of the final photos, our editing process, and the results we consistently deliver, we sit very close to the premium tier. The difference is that our pricing is intentionally more accessible.
Most clients tell us the same thing after they book us:
“It felt like we were getting a premium, cinematic shoot… without the premium price tag.”
Why? Because of our fine editing process.
This is the part that clients tell us they didn’t understand until they saw our before and after examples.
Our Fine Edits include:
• Film-inspired tones using Dehancer Pro
• Our own custom presets modeled after Portra 400, Kodak Gold and Kodachrome
• Subtle halation and bloom
• Masking that enhances skin, clothing and backgrounds separately
• Color and tone curve adjustments that give the images depth and richness
• Light film grain for a timeless, cinematic finish
This is what separates a “nice picture” from a “wow… that looks like Netflix cinematography” moment.
The truth is that Fine Editing is the most time-consuming part of photography. Many budget studios skip it entirely. Even some high-end studios deliver simple color grading rather than full film emulation and detailed adjustments. You can see our full blog post about our editing process here.
This is where Modu Studios overdelivers.
Our packages are intentionally priced in a sweet spot:
Better value than premium studios
Much higher quality than budget studios
Cinematic, editorial-style images at a mid-tier rate
Clients consistently tell us they booked because they wanted something special without spending the 500k–800k KRW that premium studios often charge.
We also shoot at the exact same locations premium photographers use. Some of the most beautiful spots we frequently recommend include:
• Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces
• Euljiro, Jonggak, and Jongro's neon-lit alleys
• Bukchon or Ikseon-dong’s traditional hanok streets
• Guro Digital Complex for cyberpunk-style night photos
• Seoul Forest, Namsan and the Han River
We shoot them differently. We edit them differently. The results stand out. You can see for youself on our portfolio page here.
If you want simple travel memories, a budget option is totally fine.
If you want luxury, editorial-style images and money isn’t a concern, the highest-tier premium photographers are great.
If you want premium-level image quality with better value for your money, Modu Studios is a perfect fit.
This is why so many tourists, couples, and even local Koreans book us instead of the most expensive studios. Our combination of direction, shooting style, cinematic editing, and location expertise is what clients keep coming back for.
You can browse our portfolio and see more before-and-after samples here.
And if you already have a photoshoot date in mind, you can check our packages here.
We’re always happy to help you choose the right type of shoot, the best location, and the ideal time of day based on your trip. Just send us a message.
