By Honorary Reporter Hanum Nur Aprilia from Indonesia
Photos = Hanum Nur Aprilia

While walking around popular neighborhoods in Seoul like Hongdae and Sinchon, I find it interesting to see self-portrait photo booths in every nook and cranny. People come and go into the booths like a daily routine.

The "four-cut photo" is four photos divided by small frames printed on a long vertical strip. Taking such a photo with friends or alone is a popular trend among Korean youth and an affordable option to capture a lasting memory for just KRW 5,000-6,000 for two printed copies.

A number of brands are battling on the competitive Korean market of self-photo booths.

Each brand has its own positioning with the same basic features such as generous photo props, proper lighting, Instagram-worthy decorations and vanity mirrors with hairstyling tools usable for free. Certain printed photos include a QR code with a downloadable digital version and short clips of photo sessions. 

As a foreign national, I had no problem figuring out how to use the booth my first time. Also accepting foreign cards, most self-service booths are open 24 hours and unmanned, making them more convenient to use. When I want to mark something or feel good about my outfit that day, I just enter the nearest booth and take a photo.

The four-cut photo offers an experience beyond picture taking in a cubicle.

Brands on this trendy market often collaborate with artists and characters to create frames to compete on the growing market for self-photo booths. I first encountered these booths in July 2022, at a self-photo studio called Life4Cut near Ewha Womans University. I was participating in an event where I could have my favorite artist on the frame. After that I visited more booths in areas such as Hongdae, Sinchon, Hapjeong, and Apgujeong. It was just for the event at first, but now I go take pictures whenever I feel good about my outfit or if I want to make memories on a special day. Seasonal frames are also available for a one-of-a-kind experience, which is something that Generation Z often pursue.

The four-cut photo craze has gone beyond cubicles to emerge as a subculture. Stationary companies have entered the trend by releasing photo albums specifically for storing such photos. Sketch artists now offer a four-cut cartoon option for five-minute caricatures. The analog experience has also translated into an online presence with over a million pictures posted under the hashtag "#life_four_cut" on Instagram.

These photo albums and keychains are made especially for four-cut photos.

The trend of four-cut photos is starting to reach a wider audience. Famous Korean brands like Life4Cut and Photomatic have opened branches abroad from Singapore to London. In Indonesia, locals have also jumped in and created their own brands such as Photograms and Palette ID.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things.