There was a time when photo studios served as special spaces to celebrate meaningful occasions. Birthdays, graduations, and weddings were traditionally captured in these formal settings. However, in recent years, the way people approach photography has significantly evolved toward greater self-expression and personalization. Beyond traditional photography, it has evolved into a culture of self-expression. In this article, self-photo studios and photo booths have developed not just as places to take pictures, but as cultural phenomena that reflect the lifestyle of the MZ generation. These spaces allow individuals to express their unique personalities and emotions freely through photography, while also capturing memorable moments with friends. This article will explore how this new photo culture has become popular in Korean society, focusing on both its social and economic dimensions.
The spread of self-photography culture
Photo booths originated from sticker photos. In 1995, the Japanese company ATLUS popularized instant photo booths that use label paper, and they were introduced in Korea about three years later. However, in the late 2010s, the rise of smartphones offering convenient alternatives led to a decline in their popularity of photo booths. Afterward, the era of photo booths began. The culture of four-cut photos became even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. As restaurant operating hours were restricted during the pandemic, young people, especially teenagers, turned to four-cut photo booths as a new hangout option.
This shift is closely related to broader social changes, particularly the MZ generation’s increased desire for self-expression. The rise of single-person households and the contactless culture have expanded individual leisure activities; consequently, more people seek meaningful solo experiences. In particular, the MZ generation, which shows strong preferences and a desire for self-expression has actively embraced self-photo studio culture. This also leads to the sharing of personalized, emotionally expressive images on social media. The act of styling and documenting oneself has become a way to express identity, giving self-photos significance beyond mere photographs. Ultimately, self-photo studios have redefined the concept of “photography” as a form of content consumption, establishing a new, user-centered creative culture.
Various themed photo studio backgrounds you can choose on your own
One of the key reasons for the popularity of self-photo studios is their diverse and creative concept designs. In the early days, most self-photo studios had simple setups with white or black backgrounds where subjects faced the camera directly. More recently, themed self-photo studios have been emerging, turning the act of taking pictures into a concept experience. For example, some studios decorate their walls like an aquarium, creating the illusion of being underwater. In contrast, others offer spaces styled like a classic theater stage or a retro-style cafe. Such spaces go beyond being mere photo backgrounds. They become stages where users can take the lead, directing and immersing themselves in the scene. Some photo booths even include separate spaces for makeup, along with a variety of props like headbands and sunglasses. These studios operate without staff, allowing users to take photos on their own with just a camera and monitor, and they can choose their own frames and filters. This reflects the preferences of the MZ generation, who enjoy expressing their individuality and customizing experiences to their tastes. In this sense, self-photo studios function as both a form of play and a space for content creation for the MZ generation. Each of the booths allows users to download a video recording of their movements during the photo shoot. Although only four still images are printed, the video captures everything, allowing users to keep behind the scenes of the experience. There are even tips for taking great four-cut photos. Since people often do not know how to pose when standing in front of the camera, some online communities share pose ideas that feel natural and fun.
Affordable and accessible self-photo studios
Due to their affordable prices and high accessibility, self-photo studios and photo booths have rapidly been popularized. Most self-photo studios charge around 4,000 to 6,000 KRW per session, which is not a financial burden for most consumers. In contrast, other types of photo shoots, such as magazine photo shoots or body profiles, tend to be expensive due to the involvement of professional photographers and editing. Compared to those, four-cut photo booths offer great value for money as a leisure activity. While the photo quality may not be top-tier, that casualness makes it an easily consumable and trendy experience.
Self-photo studios and photo booths have become more than just places to take pictures. They have established themselves as a way for Korea’s younger generation to express and document themselves. For the MZ generation, who values individuality and emotional expression, this culture is a natural part of their lifestyle. Especially among university students, it is loved as a cultural space where they can create memories with friends and capture various versions of themselves at a relatively low cost. As this culture continues to evolve, it will likely provide fascinating answers to the question of how we choose to represent ourselves in the digital age.