South Korea Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in South Korea? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.

Filming in South Korea

For an introduction to shooting in South Korea see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

South Korea Film Locations

South Korea is an East Asian nation located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is best known for its modern cities, unique buildings, palaces, city gates, museums, markets, churches, temples, traditional folk villages, stadiums, theme parks, ski resorts, national parks, mountains, bamboo forests, waterfalls, and beaches.

Agricultural film locations include farms that produce rice, cabbages, tangerines, potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelons, apples, persimmons, garlic, strawberries, pears, barley, wheat, and soybeans. Fishing trawlers are available for filming. High-tech factories produce electronics, automobiles, ships, steel, plastics, and chemicals. South Korea mines coal, iron ore, graphite, and tungsten. Energy locations include coal-fired and nuclear power plants, hydroelectric dams, tidal power plants, and wind farms.

South Korea has hosted productions such as Past Lives (2023), Squid Game (2021), Parasite (2019), Black Panther (2018), Okja (2017), Star Trek Beyond (2016), The Wailing (2016), Train to Busan (2016), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Sense8 (2015-2018), The Bourne Legacy (2012), The Host (2006), and Oldboy (2003).

Film locations can be divided into the following provincial-level divisions:

Seoul

Seoul Special City is located in the northwest of the country.

Seoul is a bustling megacity, and the capital of South Korea.

Neighborhoods of note include Myeongdong, Insadong, Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam.

Government buildings include Government Complex Seoul, National Assembly Building, and Seoul City Hall.

Unique modern buildings include Dongdaemun Design Plaza designed by Zaha Hadid, Amorepacific Headquarters designed by David Chipperfield, Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, 63 Building, MC Building, Kolon One & Only Tower, GT Tower East, Kyobo Tower, and World Trade Center Seoul. 

Palaces of note include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Gyeonghui Palace.

Namdaemun Gate is one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul.

Parks of note include Seoul Skygarden, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul Botanic Park, Han River Park, and Seoul Olympic Park.

Traditional Korean villages include Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsangol Hanok Village.

Entertainment venues include Seoul Olympic Stadium, Seoul Olympic Cyclodrome, Olympic Park Tennis Center, Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and Myeongdong Nanta Theatre.

Museums of note include Leeum Museum of Art, National Museum of Korea, War Memorial Of Korea, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, WAP Art Space, Seosomun Shrine History Museum, National Folk Museum of Korea, National Palace Museum of Korea, Ilmin Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of Art, National Hangeul Museum, and Trickeye Museum.

Universities of note include Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University.

Religious buildings include Saemoonan Church, Myeongdong Cathedral, Jogyesa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, and Jongmyo Shrine.

Markets of note include Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, and Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.

Seodaemun Prison is a Japanese colonial-era building.

Transport locations include Seoul subway stations, and Gimpo International Airport.

Incheon

Incheon metropolitan city is located in the northwest of the country.

Incheon is a city bordering Seoul. Film locations include Incheon Port, Incheon Bridge, Incheon Complex Fish Market, Chinatown, Songdo Central Park, Incheon Grand Park, Wolmi Theme Park, Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, and Incheon Football Stadium. Incheon International Airport is a massive, ultramodern structure featuring a casino, spa and golf course, and a railway connection to Seoul.

Gyeonggi

Gyeonggi Province is located in the northwest of the country.

Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi Province. Film locations include Hwaseong Fortress, Haenggung Palace, Hwahongmun Gate, Paldalmun Gate, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, Samsung Innovation Museum, Korean Folk Village, Toilet Museum, Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon Baseball Stadium, and Everland which is South Korea’s largest theme park.

Gwacheon, located just south of Seoul, is known for Seoul Grand Park, Gwacheon National Science Museum, Seoul Land amusement park, and Seoul Race Park.

Joint Security Area is the only portion of the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) where North and South Korean forces stand face-to-face. Dora Observatory offers scenic views across the Demilitarized Zone.

Bukhansan National Park is known for its forests, temples and granite peaks.

Petite France is a French-style theme park.

Camp Humphreys is a US military base located in Gyeonggi Province.

Gangwon

Gangwon Province is located in the northeast of the country.

Chuncheon is the capital of Gangwon Province. Nami Island is a river island located in Chuncheon.

Museum SAN, designed by Tadao Ando, is located in Oak Valley.

Woljeongsa Temple is located in Gangwon Province.

Seoraksan National Park, Odaesan National Park, and Chiaksan National Park are known for their mountain peaks, pine forests, and birdlife.

Ski resorts of note include Yongpyong Ski Resort, Alpensia Ski Resort, High1 Ski Resort, and Phoenix Park Resort.

Alpensia Sports Park is known for Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium, Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre, and Alpensia Sliding Centre.

Gangneung is known for Gangneung Hockey Centre, Gangneung Curling Centre, Gangneung Oval, and Gangneung Ice Arena.

Beaches of note include Jeongdongjin Beach, and Gyeongpo Beach.

South Chungcheong

South Chungcheong Province is located in the west of the country.

Film locations include Independence Hall of Korea, National Institute of Ecology, Magoksa Temple, Gakwonsa Temple, Jeongnimsaji Temple, Buyeo National Museum, Gongju National Museum, Baekje Cultural Land, Oeam Folk Village, and Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress.

Sejong

Sejong special self-governing city located in the centre of the country.

Sejong film locations include Government Complex Sejong, Sejong National Library, Milmaru Observatory, and Sejong Lake Park.

Daejeon

Daejeon metropolitan city is located in the centre of the country.

Daejeon film locations include Daejeon Hanbat Arboretum, National Science Museum, Daejeon Museum of Art, Currency Museum, Daejeon O-World, Daejeon National Cemetery, and Daejeon World Cup Stadium.

North Chungcheong

North Chungcheong Province is located in the centre of the country.

Cheongju is the capital and largest city of North Chungcheong Province.

Film locations include Cheongnamdae, Sangdang Sanseong Fortress, Cheongju National Museum, Beopjusa Temple, Guinsa Temple, Songnisan National Park, Sobaeksan National Park, and Danyanggang Jando Trail.

North Gyeongsang

North Gyeongsang is located in the east of the country.

Andong is the capital, and Pohang is the largest city.

Film locations include Bulguksa Temple, Hahoe Folk Village, Yangdong Folk Village, Juwangsan National Park, and Gyeongju National Park. Ulleung-do is an island 120 km (75 mi) east of the Korean Peninsula.

North Jeolla

North Jeolla Province is located in the southwest of the country.

Jeonju is the capital and largest city. Film locations include Jeondong Cathedral, Nambu Market, Pungnammun Gate, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeonju Hanok Village, and Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

Other film locations in North Jeolla Province include Seonunsa Temple, Gunsan Modern History Museum, Naejangsan National Park, and Juknokwon Bamboo Forest.

Gwangju

Gwangju metropolitan city is located in the southwest of the country.

Film locations include Gwangju National Museum, Gwangju World Cup Stadium, and Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.

South Jeolla

South Jeolla Province is located in the southwest of the country.

Suncheon is the largest city in South Jeolla Province.

Film locations include Nagan Eupseong Folk Village, Jeungdo Salt Farm, Damyang Bamboo Forest, Boseong Tea Fields, and Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve. Naro Space Center is a spaceport located on Outer Naro Island.

South Gyeongsang

South Gyeongsang is located in the southeast of the country.

Changwon is the capital of South Gyeongsang.

Film locations include Haeinsa Temple which is home to Tripiṭaka Koreana, Tongdosa Temple, Boriam Temple, Ssanggyesa Temple, Jinjuseong Fortress, Jinju National Museum, and Hamyang Rice Fields.

Daegu

Daegu metropolitan city is located in the southeast of the country.

Film locations include ARC Cultural Center, Daegu Art Museum, Daegu National Museum, Seomun Market, Daegu 83 Tower, Daegu Metro, Daegu International Airport, Daegu Samsung Lions Park, DGB Daegu Bank Park, and Daegu Stadium which hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2011 World Athletics Championships.

Ulsan

Ulsan metropolitan city is located in the southeast of the country.

Film locations include Daewangam Park, Taehwagang National Garden, Jangsaengpo Whale Museum, Seongnamsa Temple, Jangansa Temple, Taehwagang Bamboo Forest, and Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

Busan

Busan metropolitan city is located in the southeast of the country.

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city. The port of Busan is the country’s largest port. Film locations of note include Haeundae Beach, National Maritime Museum, Busan Museum, Busan Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Beomeosa Temple, Nampodong Market, Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, Diamond Tower, Yongdusan Park, Daejeo Ecological Park, Gwangan Bridge, Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium, Busan Metro, and Gimhae International Airport. Black Panther (2018), and Oldboy (2003) filmed in Busan.

Jeju

Jeju is a self governing island province located in the south of the country.

Jeju City is the capital of Jeju Province.

Film locations include Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave, Hyeopjae Beach, Hamdeok Beach, Gwangchigi Beach, Jeongbang Waterfalls, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, Jeju Stone Park, Jeju Folk Village, Jeju Haenyeo Museum, Alive Museum, Dongmun Traditional Market, Jeju World Cup Stadium, Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port, Port of Jeju, and Jeju International Airport. Mt Hallasan is South Korea’s highest peak.

South Korea Film Location Permits

Generally speaking filming b-roll in Seoul does not require permits. It’s not really possible to completely control city traffic so the best approach is to film on less busy side streets during the weekend. Skygarden and Cheonggyecheon design creek are best filmed on week days as tourists crowds gather for weekends. Same goes for Namdaemun Gate. Filming in the subway is possible but takes about 2 weeks to permit. Drone filming in Seoul is also possible and takes about 3 weeks to permit. Please contact us for more location specific information.

When To Shoot?

South Korea has a moderate four-season climate. The hottest part of the year is during the rainy season between July and August, and the coldest is December to February with snowfall common. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry and are generally considered the best times to shoot for weather. Spring sees cherry blossoms and autumn has colourful leaves. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

South Korean festivals and events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:

• Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival in January.
• Seollal Korean Lunar New Year takes place in January.
• Inje Ice Fishing Festival in January / February.
• Sancheoneo Ice Festival in January / February.
• Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival in March.
• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival in March / April.
• Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival in April on Modo Island.
• Gwangalli Eobang Festival in April.
• Jeonju International Film Festival in April / May.
• Boseong Green Tea Festival in May.
• Lotus Lantern Festival in May.
• Gangneung Danoje Festival in May.
• Haeundae Sand Festival in Busan in June.
• Muju Firefly Festival in June.
• Taebaek Sunflower Festival in Guwau in July / August.
• Boryeong Mud Festival on Daecheon Beach in in July / August.
• Busan International Film Festival in October.
• Busan International Rock Festival in October.
• Busan Jagalchi Festival in October.
• Gwangju Kimchi Festival in November.

Most Koreans are non-religious. Christianity and Buddhism are the main religions.

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in South Korea.

Unique Local Stories

Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.

If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.

If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.

Costs & Tax Incentives

Costs. South Korea is a relatively expensive place to shoot, certainly compared to the rest of Asia. South Korea has a similar price point to Japan, USA and Western Europe. To avoid overages, it’s wise to cap and lock in the budget before shooting starts. Our Seoul based fixer / service producer will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. South Korea offers a cash rebate of up to 25%. To be eligible for the full support, productions need to spend at least USD 2 million and shoot in the city for ten days. The lower end of the scale is a 20% rebate in exchange for production spending of at least USD 500,000 over three days. This can be combined with other cash incentives and in-kind support from regional film commissions.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. South Korea has a good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. South Korean crews are non-union and have a reputation for being very hard working. Although there is a good depth of professional, experienced crews, unfortunately most do not speak fluent English, so additional translators may be required.

Contact us if you are looking for a Seoul based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in South Korea.

Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable.

Korean is the official language.

Most citizens are ethnically Korean. The country also has a small pool of international models who live and work in South Korea for extended periods of time during the peak summer season. Non-Korean models tend to be on the expensive side. There is also a large number of westerners teaching English in South Korea available for non-featured work.

Korea Film Equipment

Equipment. South Korea has a range of standard and specialized camera, grip and lighting equipment available locally including tracking vehicles, Jimmy Jibs, Technocrane and some heli-mounts. Russian arm needs to be brought in from abroad. For productions looking to bring in film equipment South Korea is an ATA carnet country.

Communication. South Korea has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world.

Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.

Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.

For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.

Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production

Art department is of the highest standard. South Korean set construction crews work quickly and to a high standard.

Studios. South Korea has purpose built sound studios and a range of smaller studio facilities.

Post Production. South Korea has some of the most impressive sound, editing and VFX facilities in the world.

Visas & Work Permits

Visiting crews are generally not required to have work permits. Western passport holders can enter and film in South Korea visa-free for a period of up to 90 days.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Main roads are up to international standards. South Korea is very well serviced by domestic flights and high-speed trains. Several international airlines service flights to South Korea.

Accommodation. Spring is the busy season for hotels in South Korea. Contact us for recommended film friendly hotels in Seoul and other parts of South Korea. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments. Hotels of note include the Westin Chosun Seoul.

Final Notes

Safety. South Korea is a very safe and reliable a filming centre. See here for up to date travel advice.

Down Time. Local cuisine of note includes bulgogi, kimchi, bibimbap, jajangmyeon, samgyeopsal, japchae, ddukbokki, sundubu-jjigae, haemul pajeon, and soju. South Korea is the birthplace of taekwondo and hapkido.

Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in South Korea, please see below:

Hire South Korea Production Support & Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in South Korea, please contact us.

If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in South Korea, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.

We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.