'Click Click' 100,000 Won, 1 Million Won Spent... For Job ID Photos and Wedding Photos, "I'll Just Do It Myself" [Jumeoni Talk]

Photography Service Prices Up 21% in Five Years
ID Photo Fees Reach 100,000 Won at Top Studios
High-Cost Job and Wedding Photo Packages Add to Burden
Rising Demand for Self-Shooting Spurs Instant Photo Booth Boom

Editor's NoteWe are living in a time when a single serving of pork belly costs 20,000 won and a bowl of Jajangmyeon is 7,500 won. The 2024 Consumer Price Index stands at 114.18 (2020=100), and in 2025, consumers continue to feel the burden of high prices. Through the "Jumeoni Talk" (Week+Money+Talk) series, we aim to share stories about consumption closely tied to our wallets, as prices change rapidly.

With the cost of studio photography, such as ID photos and job application photos, rising every year, the price index for photography services has increased by more than 20% over the past five years. As a result, more consumers are opting for "self-shooting," which is less expensive, fueling the growth of the instant photo booth market.

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Photography Costs Rise Every Year ... Consumer Burden Increases

According to the "Consumer Price Trends for November 2025" released on December 6 by the National Data Office (formerly Statistics Korea), last month’s consumer price index for photography services was 121.14 (2020=100). This represents a 2.2% increase compared to the same month last year, and a 21.14% rise compared to 2020. The photography service price index has steadily increased each year: ▲100 in 2020 ▲102.27 in 2021 ▲107.02 in 2022 ▲115.18 in 2023 ▲117.70 in 2024.

Photography fees can vary greatly depending on the studio, but the typical cost for ID photos is in the 20,000 to 30,000 won range. However, some well-known studios charge different rates based on the photographer’s experience, with prices starting from the mid-50,000 won range and going up to as much as 160,000 won.

In addition, high-priced photography services such as job application packages or wedding packages are also increasing the financial burden on consumers. A job application photo package, which usually includes hair styling, basic makeup, and suit rental for the shoot, typically costs around 100,000 won. Studios recommend appropriate facial expressions and background colors to match the industry, and also provide retouching services. For example, those preparing for jobs in the banking sector are often advised to use a bright, trustworthy blue-toned background. As youth unemployment persists, demand for job application photo packages remains steady.

Moon, a 23-year-old job seeker who recently spent 90,000 won on a job application photo package, said, "Since the photo goes on my resume, I couldn't just take it anywhere. The cost was a burden, but with the job market being so tough, I wanted to use the best photo possible." Moon added, "I don't usually wear makeup, so I wasn't confident preparing by myself, but the studio handled both hair and makeup. Although the cost was high, I was satisfied with the results."

Wedding photography costs are also considerable. According to a survey by the Korea Consumer Agency of 500 wedding service providers in 14 regions nationwide, the average total wedding service cost as of October this year was 20.86 million won. Of this, the average studio photography fee was 1.39 million won, a 5.3% increase compared to the August survey.

Natural Atmosphere a Key Advantage ... 'Self-Shooting' on the Rise

As photography costs continue to rise, more people are turning to "self-shooting" to handle their own photo needs. A common method is to take photos with a smartphone and order prints from online printing sites to use as ID photos. On platforms like Naver Smart Store, there are over 7,500 cumulative reviews for ID photo printing services, indicating significant demand for self-printing.

"Self-studios" are also gaining popularity among engaged couples. In this format, users-not photographers-take their own photos using a remote control, making it easier to capture more natural expressions and atmospheres. Prices vary depending on the number of people, but self-studios are generally less expensive than traditional studios, making them a popular choice for those seeking a casual photo session.

This trend toward self-shooting is also driving growth in the instant photo booth market. According to the Fair Trade Commission’s Franchise Business Information Disclosure System, the number of Photo Gray instant photo booth locations nationwide has steadily increased: ▲111 in 2022 ▲130 in 2023 ▲154 in 2024 ▲231 as of the end of November 2025. As of last year, the number of franchise stores surpassed 100 for the first time at 107, while there were 47 directly operated locations.