Family Portrait Experience in Seoul by 9 Studio

A family portrait session is a fine way to bring home something more personal than another Seoul souvenir. At 9 Studio, you can gather up to 30 relatives or friends for a professionally guided shoot, with the option to dress in traditional Korean clothing.

I like two things in particular: the photographer helps you with poses and expressions, so you do not need to arrive knowing how to stand for a group portrait; and the studio can arrange Hanbok, formalwear, hair and makeup for an additional fee. You get one retouched digital image with the base package, and your photos are scheduled to reach your hotel within three days.

The main consideration is cost: the starting price does not cover styling, extra edited images, or additional people beyond the package allowance. You will also need to travel to the studio yourself and tell staff what you want, using basic English or the included Chinese interpretation service.

• Room for a large group: The studio can accommodate up to 30 people, with an added charge for each person beyond the package allowance.
• Posing help is part of the experience: The photographer guides your group through poses, posture, and expressions.
• Traditional clothing is optional: Hanbok, formalwear, wedding dresses, and tuxedos can be arranged for an extra fee.
• One retouched digital image is included: Additional edited photos cost KRW 33,000 each.
• Plan for a 1 to 1.5 hour session: The studio is near Apgujeong Station Exit 4, and you arrange your own transport.
• Photos are delivered to your hotel: The expected delivery time is within three days of the shoot.

A Seoul keepsake made with the whole family

1 / 6

2 / 6

3 / 6

4 / 6

5 / 6

6 / 6

1 / 6

A studio portrait gives your group a shared activity and a lasting record of the trip. It also works for relatives who may not want a long day of sightseeing. You arrive, get ready, and spend the session together rather than trying to coordinate everyone for a photograph in a crowded public place.

The studio’s traditional Korean shooting style gives the portrait a clear sense of place. You can choose to wear Hanbok, or keep to your own clothes and focus on a formal family picture. If you want a more dressed-up look, formalwear, wedding dresses, and tuxedos are available for a fee.

The experience is set up for groups, not only couples or small families. The studio can fit up to 30 people at one time, so it may suit a reunion, a family trip spanning generations, or a group of friends marking a special occasion. The photographer’s guidance is especially useful when you have children or people who feel awkward in front of a camera. The session is meant to be directed, not a test of everyone’s ability to invent a pose.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Seoul

Arriving near Apgujeong Station

The meeting point is Apgujeong Station Exit 4 on Line 3, in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The address provided is 27 Dosan-daero 27-gil, Gangnam-gu. You make your own way there, so allow time to find the studio and arrive ready for your chosen appointment.

You need to select a preferred meeting time when booking. The studio is listed as open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last admission at 5:30 p.m. Your voucher is valid only for the date and time you select, so check those details before setting off.

The studio team can speak basic English, and Chinese interpretation is included. That should help with the practical choices that shape the session, such as clothing, preferred poses, and the kind of group arrangement you want. It is still wise to think through your requests beforehand. If you have a specific idea, bring a clear description or reference image rather than relying on complex conversation.

Getting ready for the camera

The session lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. That is enough time for a guided studio shoot, but a large group may need extra coordination as people get into place. If you are bringing children or older relatives, keep the schedule simple and avoid booking the session at the end of an exhausting day.

Hair and makeup are not included in the package. They are available at an additional cost, as are clothing options such as Hanbok, formal wear, wedding dresses, and tuxedos. The information provided does not give their prices, so ask about those charges before deciding what to add.

This choice affects both budget and timing. If everyone wants to use styling or change into costumes, check how the studio handles that before your appointment. If you prefer a simpler session, arrive dressed in coordinated outfits and use the time for portraits. Either approach can work; the useful question is whether you want the dressing-up experience as part of the memory, or mainly want a polished group photo.

Families with children may appreciate the photographer’s hands-on direction. The session is not simply a matter of lining everyone up and pressing the shutter. The photographer helps with posture, poses, and smiles, and the team has been described as patient with children. That guidance can make the difference between a stiff lineup and a portrait where people look comfortable together.

The shoot: guided poses and different looks

Once your group is ready, the photographer leads the portrait session. You can communicate what you would like, and staff can help shape the photos around your ideas. The studio has varied set-ups, which may let you create more than one mood or composition during the shoot. The exact scenes and number of poses are not specified, so avoid assuming that a particular background or set is guaranteed.

A large group portrait needs a little cooperation from everyone. Expect the photographer to give directions and help organize the group, rather than leaving you to arrange relatives by height or guess where to look. This is useful if you have several generations in the frame, or if some people in your party are not used to being photographed.

The process also appears suited to smaller groupings within the larger party. You might ask for a whole-family portrait and a few smaller combinations, but confirm how many arrangements fit within your booked session. The package includes one retouched digital image, not an unlimited set of edited photographs. Being clear about your priorities helps you use the camera time well.

The shoot is indoors. Outdoor photography is not included, so this is not the right choice if you want portraits around Seoul’s streets or landmarks. Its appeal is the controlled studio setting, where the photographer can manage the lighting and guide everyone without weather or passing crowds getting in the way.

What you receive, and what costs extra

The package includes a 1 to 1.5 hour studio photoshoot, one photoshopped digital 11R photo, and Chinese interpretation. The supplied package information labels the image as 11R and gives the dimensions as 11×4. Since that measurement is unusual, confirm the final image format with the studio if size matters to you.

Additional edited photos cost KRW 33,000 each. Original photos are listed at KRW 165,000, while hair and makeup, outfits, and outdoor shooting are not included. These charges can add up if your group wants several retouched images or a full costume and styling experience. Set a budget before you arrive, and check which files or images are included before approving extras.

There is also an added charge of KRW 80,000 for each additional person, payable in cash on the day. The studio’s capacity of up to 30 does not mean every group member is included in the starting price. Confirm the number of people covered by your booking and bring the required cash if someone is added.

The photo delivery arrangement is a useful detail for visitors on a tight itinerary. The images are scheduled to be delivered to your hotel within three days of the session. That gives you a chance to keep sightseeing instead of returning to the studio, but allow enough time between the shoot and your departure. If you leave Seoul sooner, ask whether the delivery timing still works for you.

Is the starting price good value?

The listed package price starts at US$254.89, while the experience summary also gives a starting figure of $280.39. Those amounts do not match, so check the price shown for your date and group before booking. Treat either figure as a starting point, not a final total, if you plan to add styling, costumes, more people, or extra edited images.

For a group, the value comes from sharing a professional session and taking home a carefully made portrait. The photographer’s guidance, the studio setting, and the option to wear Korean clothing make this more than a quick self-timer photo. If the session produces a picture your family will display for years, the cost may feel worthwhile.

It is less compelling if you only want a few casual snapshots or do not care about a formal portrait. In that case, you may not need a full studio appointment, particularly if your group is small and styling is not part of the plan. The base package includes one retouched digital image, so calculate the cost of any extra photographs you expect to want.

Who will enjoy this session most

I would look at this experience for a family that wants a shared activity and a proper group portrait, especially if the party includes children or several generations. The photographer’s direction can take pressure off the person who usually ends up organizing everyone and taking the picture. It also suits friends who want a keepsake together, or a group that likes the idea of wearing Hanbok for a formal studio shoot.

It is a practical choice if your group is too large for an easy portrait in a public place. The stated capacity of up to 30 people is unusually generous, though extra-person fees still apply. For a small group, the experience may still make sense if the styling and formal portrait are central to your plans.

You should probably skip it if you want outdoor images, a quick low-cost photo, or a large collection of edited files included in the price. The extra charges are the key trade-off. Decide in advance whether one retouched image is enough, and ask about the cost of additional photos and styling before you commit.

Booking confirmation is expected within 24 hours. If no confirmation email arrives, contact customer support. The voucher is for the selected date and time, and cancellation at least 14 days before the activity date qualifies for a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the family portrait session last?

The studio photoshoot lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Apgujeong Station Exit 4 on Line 3. The studio address is 27 Dosan-daero 27-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

How many people can the studio accommodate?

The studio can accommodate up to 30 people at one time. Each additional person beyond the package allowance costs KRW 80,000, payable in cash on the day.

What is included in the package?

The package includes the studio photoshoot, one photoshopped digital 11R photo, and Chinese interpretation.

Are Hanbok, hair, and makeup included?

No. Hanbok and other clothing options, as well as hair and makeup, are available for an additional fee.

How much do additional photos cost?

Each additional edited photo costs KRW 33,000. Original photos are listed at KRW 165,000.

When will the photos arrive?

The photos are scheduled to be delivered to your hotel within three days of the photoshoot.

Should you book this portrait experience?

Book it if you want a guided, traditional-style family portrait and can make room in your budget for possible extras. It is especially appealing for a big family group, a reunion, or a party with children who benefit from patient direction. Before paying, confirm the current price, how many people your package covers, and the cost of any clothing, styling, or extra images you want.