Get snap happy, Korean style, at a 'four-cut' photo booth

New arrivals in Korea might initially be surprised by the plethora of photo booths and self-portrait-studios on the streets.

A Life4Cut studio on Apgujeong Rodeo street [LEE DA-EUN]

New arrivals in Korea might initially be surprised by the plethora of photo booths and self-portrait-studios on the streets. Make a few friends in their teens or 20s, however, and prepare to be inundated with a never-ending stream of printed photo strips as you skim through their Instagram stories. So what exactly are these photo booths and why are they so popular in Korea?

One of the popular photo booths — similar to a passport photo booth but much more fun — known as Life4Cut was launched in Korea in 2017. This booth allowed people to take their own photos and print two copies of four small frames on a long vertical strip, similar to a bookmark, for only 4,000 won ($2.80). This analog manner of taking photos grew immensely popular with young Koreans, and numerous studios such as Photogray, Photoism, Harufilm, Selfix and more hopped on the photo strip trend, known in Korea as four-cut photos.

Although there are distinct features for each type of photo booth, there are some common characteristics. All of these booths offer natural photoshop features, special seasonal photo frames, unique photo props to enhance the experience and QR codes that provide a digital copy of the photos taken.

A four-cut photo made at Insaeng-nae-cut [LEE DA-EUN]

Now, what are the specific reasons Koreans are so obsessed with taking these photos? One of the major reasons is that these photo booths provide a relatively cheap way to capture lasting memories with friends and loved ones.

Jeong Min-kyung, a student at Seoul National University, says that she enjoys taking four-cut photos because she “finds the professional camera equipment and printing service a very cost-effective way of permanently capturing youthful memories with friends.”

“I take four-cut photos because it’s cheap and it prints your picture for you,” said Kim Ha-min, an Instagram influencer studying at Korea University.

Another reason for the popularity of instant photo booths is that they are a unique way to capture and express one’s individuality, especially on social media.

"Photo booths are the optimal self-promotion tool for young people these days, who are constantly aware of how others view them and try to create their best image on social media,” said Jeong.

In fact, taking four-cut photos is an easy way to hop on social media trends as there are numerous special poses and frames that come and go.

Kim Eun-seo, a senior at Korea University who finds herself taking at least one four-cut photo a week, comments that she participated in several social media trends regarding four-cut photos such as using the QR codes to upload digital versions and short video clips of photo sessions.

The photo booths also reflect Generation Z’s pursuit of a more “analog atmosphere” in contrast to their very digital lives. Gen Z, or people born between the mid-to-late 1990s to the early 2010s, are most likely immersed in digital culture and less familiar with analog photography. In Korea, however, the younger generation is increasingly interested in a more analog culture and atmosphere, as they pursue film photography and instant self-photo booths.

According to Kim Eun-seo, her interest in these photo booths is partly due to this rising analog culture among young Koreans.

“Capturing moments through printed photos creates a more special and memorable experience than simply taking photos on my phone,” said Kim. “I like to feel as if I’m part of the analog generation.”

Kim takes these printed photos to decorate her wall and also stores some of them in an album made for four-cut photos.

“Looking back at these captured moments on my wall and in my album makes me feel content and also a bit nostalgic,” she remarks.

Despite being part of the digital generation, Kim Ha-min is also optimistic about the advantages of instant printed photos. He says they are “more convenient and more practical” in the sense of immediately allowing access to hard copies, and “more memorable” as they provide a more physical, tangible experience.

Hair styling tools and mirrors at photo booths [LEE DA-EUN]

Lee Hoik, the CEO of LK Ventures who launched and trademarked the Life4Cut business, says there are more reasons for the popularity of photo booths.

"A key phrase that represents Life4Cut is ‘together with many,’" said Lee. "The opportunity to get ‘together with many’ friends, capture the memories of that day with witty poses and props in a special place, and record the precious moment in printed photos to stimulate a more analog sense is why Koreans are so attracted to photo booths."

Life4Cut was not the very first photo booth to become popular in Korea. The start of these instant photo booths can be traced back to Japanese sticker photo booths that became popular in Korea in the late 90s. The younger generation was enthralled by these instant photo booths, as this was before the wide use of digital devices that could take photos.

They used sticker photos to capture lasting moments with their loved ones and decorate their diaries. The sticker photo trend started to die out in the early 2000s with the rise of smartphones and other digital devices that took their place.

Lee comments on how photo booths are like a modern extension of this sticker photo culture.

“We can compare photo booths to the sticker photo booths of the past," said Lee. "Gen Z has not experienced the analog sticker photo culture and is living in a world that is 100 percent digital."

"Life4Cut is necessary because it allows them to experience and fulfill their nostalgic longing for this analog atmosphere.”

In response to what exactly sets analog photos apart from digital, Lee adds, “Anyone can take digital photos on their phone, but making memories in a more analog atmosphere can be a new experience for Generation Z, which in this sense, photo booths can be viewed as more suitable to the needs of the current era.”

Although the photo booth craze might seem like a solely Korean culture, foreigners have also hopped on the trend. One studio that is particularly popular among foreigners living in Korea is Photo Drink, another photo booth launched by Lee’s company last year.

Photo Drink has a flashy interior with neon lighting and mirror balls hanging from the ceiling and several trendy photo zones that people can enjoy. It also provides a variety of customizable photo booths with four main themes — bust shot, full shot, dynamic and metal — each allowing customers to take and print photos in a unique and entertaining atmosphere.

The Photo Drink sign and interior [LEE DA-EUN]

Lee is optimistic that the photo booth culture can continue to grow among non-Koreans.

“Foreigners really like Photo Drink," said Lee. "Photo Drink’s charm is that it provides a wide selection from which you can customize your photos."

"There are different kinds of missions — you can dance, take trendy photos under diverse lighting and find a way to express your individuality — which is why I think it is popular with foreigners.”

Now that you are more familiar with the photo booth culture in Korea, the last question you might ask is — how can I truly make the most of this vibrant photo culture?

First, enjoy your day and hang out with your friends at a popular restaurant and cafe. As you make your way toward your next destination, stop by a photo booth on the street. Try out the various photo props to create a theme for your photo. For example, you could choose similar animal headbands, trendy sunglasses or seasonal props such as pumpkin hair pieces or Santa’s hats.

Fix your hair and makeup with the tools provided such as a hair iron, brush and large mirror. Look at the numerous printed photos stuck on the walls and decide which size and cut you would prefer for this photo.

Various props at photo booths [LEE DA-EUN]

Check out each stall and choose the one with the background color that best fits your theme. Before taking the photos, try to decide the poses in advance with your friends, as there is usually a ten second time limit for each photo. Of course, if you want a more candid photo shoot, you can choose to go with your instincts on the spot. Select your decided number, size, cut and frame and make sure to choose the QR code option before paying.

When taking the photos, try to go close to the camera to allow for better lighting. After the short photo session, choose the filter or color that fits best and print away! Slip your photo strips into the plastic sleeve provided to protect the photos, and use the QR code to view the digital version of your photo shoot. Post a picture of your photo strips or the digital version on social media and enjoy!

BY STUDENT REPORTER LEE DA-EUN [kdj.kcampus@gmail.com]