With new photo studios popping up every other month, it’s pretty clear that the photobooth trend is here to stay. After all, if a couple of bucks can get us well-taken pics for the memz plus instant happiness, there’s really nothing not to like about it.
But with so many studios to choose from these days, it’s almost impossible to decide which one to visit. Well, if you’re a fan of all things coquette-core, we’ve found just the right spot for your next photo-taking sesh. Check out Haengbok Studio at Haji Lane, an ultra cutesy photo studio with 7 themed booths, including a retro neoprint one that’s got a bunch of y2k filters to choose from.
Image credit: @haengbokstudio via Instagram
Entering Haengbok Studio is like being transported to a pink paradise. The walls are lined with free-to-use props, which include everything from funky furry hats and sunglasses, to cute headbands and tiaras. FYI “haengbok” means “happiness” in Korean, and we were most definitely happy with the selection of props on our previous visit here.
Once you’ve dolled yourself up, there are 7 themed rooms to snap pics at. Rooms 1 to 6 have different backdrops, so you can decide if you want to pose against solid-coloured walls, or with more elaborate garden or pastel ribbon-themed backgrounds.
These rooms also have an assortment of film types, the coolest being translucent photo strips, which you can even opt to print out in sticker form. A single session starts at $10 for 2 strips or 1 large sheet.
Image credit: Gwyn Lim
The 7th room, however, is definitely what most folks line up for. It’s got a neoprint booth that works exactly like how old-school purikura machines do. For instance, you’ll have to manually key in the codes of the photo frames you want, which you have to pick from multiple catalogues placed outside the room.
Image adapted from: Gwyn Lim
BTW, there are thousands of frames to choose from here – you’ll find anything from cool cybercore filters, to cartoon character-themed frames, to hilariously “tacky” designs. There’s even a whole section of faux magazine cover filters, so you’ll be able to tell everyone you’ve been on the cover of Vogue.
Peep us on the cover of “Elle”!
Image credit: Gwyn Lim
Each print costs $5 per piece, and fits a maximum of 9 photos per sheet. There’s a 180-second timer for photo-taking, so be sure to prep your best poses beforehand. Once time’s up, you can decorate your pics with adorable stickers and doodles for some extra pizzazz.
In classic purikura style, the photos are then printed on a sticker sheet, which you’ll be able to cut up with a paper cutter provided at the decor station outside.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out Haengbok Studio’s sister shop, Haengbok Supplies, located on Level 1 of the same shophouse.
Image adapted from: @haengbokstudio via Instagram
The equally kawaii store is loaded with the quirkiest knick-knacks, from adorable stationery to collectible figurines and household items.
If you miss the OG neoprint experience, Haengbok Studio will definitely give you major early 2000s nostalgia. We recommend dropping by on weekdays though, as queues for the neoprint booth can extend up to an hour during peak periods on weekends.
More on photobooths:
Cover image adapted from: Gwyn Lim, @haengbokstudio via Instagram
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