One of the most common questions I get as a photographer in Seoul is: “What are the best options for hiring a professional photographer here?” Tbh, Seoul has no shortage of options, but each one offers a very different experience, at sometimes a VASTLY different price-point.
Whether you want the classic palace portraits, or cinematic street shots, choosing the right photographer makes all the difference. Below, I’ll walk you through five popular choices — ranked from #5 to #1 — and explain why, in the end, I believe Modu Studios is the best option for capturing your Seoul memories.
Seoul is full of creative freelance photographers, many of whom specialize in street, event, or fashion photography. If you want something edgy and unique, this can be a great path.
That said, finding the right freelancer can be tricky — portfolios vary widely, communication can sometimes be difficult (particularly in Korea), and pricing isn’t always transparent. I've also had friends be straight up scammed after they found someone off of craigslist and blindly sent them a "deposit". So be careful!!
Korea’s wedding photo industry is world-famous, and some of these studios also cater to tourists. They often provide full services like hair, makeup, and styling, with polished in-studio photos.
It’s a really dramatic look, but if you’re hoping for more authentic outdoor or lifestyle-style photoshoot around Seoul, this option can feel quite staged and formal IMO. Also, many rely on translators as they don't have people in-house who speak fluent english. This usually isn't a major problem, however I've heard that it can be hard sometimes fully articulating your vision for the shoot.
Booking a photographer through Airbnb Experiences is an easy, budget-friendly way to capture your trip. These sessions are usually 1–2 hours and take you around areas like Bukchon Hanok Village or Itaewon for quick, casual portraits.
The downside? It can be super hit or miss. Some photographers are excellent, but others are just hobbyists offering a less professional service, and lower, less-refined overall quality.
For many visitors, renting hanbok and hiring a palace photographer through websites like Klook or Trazy is the go-to option. Shooting at Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace while dressed in traditional Korean attire can be a truly unforgettable experience!
However, these photographers often work in volume, capturing hundreds of tourists a day, and often treat their shoots strictly as a business. They're not always the most friendly and accommodating to tourists. The photos can also feel more rushed and generic compared to a personalized photoshoot, as they edit literally thousands of photos every week. Plus, their editing consists mainly of just applying a preset, rather than detailed, finely tuned edits.
Number one on the list is Modu Studios, where we combine cinematic, K-drama-inspired photography with a personal, relaxed, and unforgettable photoshoot experience.
Here’s what makes us different:
Our clients often tell us the experience feels less like posing for a camera and more like starring in their own Seoul movie or drama. That’s exactly what we aim for: photos that feel cinematic, personal, and timeless, and showcase the beauty of Seoul's history and streets.
Seoul has no shortage of talented photographers and photo packages, but if you’re looking for the perfect balance of professionalism, creativity, native english communication, and affordability, Modu Studios is the clear #1 choice.
Your time in Seoul is special — your photos should be too. Let’s make sure they’re the kind you’ll cherish for a lifetime. You can find our entire list of photoshoot packages here, or check out our portfolio!
