Why Film in South Korea?
Korea offers an extraordinary variety of filming locations—from ancient palaces and Buddhist temples to ultramodern cityscapes, mountain ranges, islands, and dramatic coastlines. Iconic Seoul locations include Gyeongbokgung Palace and N Seoul Tower, among the most sought-after filming sites in Asia.
A rich mix of geography, culture, and infrastructure makes Korea one of the industry's most versatile destinations. Strong KOFIC incentives and advanced facilities support productions of every scale.
Historical Sites
UNESCO sites including Changdeokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Hwaseong Fortress suit prestige productions.
Island Paradise
East Sea coastlines, Jeju volcanic landscapes, and fishing villages provide waterfronts and dramatic seascapes for luxury shoots.
Modern Cities
Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu offer cutting-edge architecture and vibrant neon-lit street life.
Diverse Landscapes
Seoraksan mountains, DMZ border region, and traditional hanok villages deliver multiple looks within easy reach of world-class transport.
Incentives and Rebates for Filmmakers
Korea offers tiered cash rebates through the KOFIC Location Incentive Program, with regional incentives that can reach up to 50% in select cities. A combination of national and regional support makes Korea one of Asia's most competitive filming destinations.
Regional film commissions in Incheon, Cheongju, Gwangju, and other cities provide additional incentives that can be combined with the national program for maximum budget impact.
KOFIC Location Incentive
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) provides tiered cash rebates: 20% for shoots of 5+ days with ₩100M minimum spend (~$80K), rising to 25% for 10+ days with ₩800M spend (~$600K). Projects must have 80%+ foreign financing. Features, series, and documentaries qualify; commercials do not.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applications require a qualified Korean production company, detailed budgets, and shooting schedules. The per-project cap is ₩200M (~$150K) from KOFIC, but regional incentives can significantly increase total support.
Regional Incentives
Regional commissions offer substantial additional rebates: Incheon and Cheongju up to 50%, Gwangju up to 40%, Chungnam up to 30%. We strategically align locations with incentive programs for maximum budget impact.
Film Permits in Korea
Korea has a clear, well-established permit framework. We handle city, regional, and national permissions so your production stays on track, including approvals from site managers for parks, gardens, and museums.
Standard Permits (1-2 weeks)
Small crews with handheld gear in public spaces.
Location Permits (2-3 weeks)
Exclusive use, tracks, larger lighting setups, and equipment placement.
Complex Permits (3-4 weeks)
Road closures, traffic control, archaeological sites, and government coordination.
Key Permit Requirements
- Production liability insurance (minimum $1M coverage)
- Detailed shooting schedule and location list
- Equipment list and crew size details
- Municipal and heritage site approvals
- Property owner permissions for private locations
- Environmental impact assessment for sensitive areas
Best Time to Film in South Korea
Korea features a temperate climate with four distinct seasons that offer varied looks year-round. Understanding monsoon patterns and seasonal changes keeps schedules realistic.
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossom season
- Perfect temperatures (10-20°C)
- Fewer tourists than autumn
- Ideal for outdoor shoots
- Traditional festivals
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Long daylight hours
- Monsoon season (June-July)
- Beach and water filming
- K-pop festival season
- Hot and humid (25-35°C)
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Stunning fall foliage
- Golden light quality
- Harvest festivals
- Most popular filming season
- Perfect temperatures
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Cold temperatures (-5 to 5°C)
- Snow scenes in mountains
- Ski resort filming
- Budget-friendly
- Lunar New Year celebrations
Visa Requirements for Film Crews
Korea offers visa-free entry for many countries for tourism, but commercial film work requires the E-6 Entertainment Visa. We coordinate with Korean immigration and the Ministry of Culture to handle visa documentation efficiently.
K-ETA for Short Visits
Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) required for visa-exempt nationalities. Valid for 2 years with multiple 90-day stays. Apply online before travel.
E-6-1 Entertainment Visa
Required for paid film work including actors, crew, and production staff. Korean employer must obtain Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) from immigration. Requires employment recommendation from Ministry of Culture.
B-1 Business Visa
For pre-production meetings, location scouting, and contract negotiations. Does not permit paid work on productions.
We Handle Your Paperwork
- Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) processing
- Ministry of Culture employment recommendation coordination
- E-6 visa sponsorship through Korean production company
- Equipment customs clearance (ATA Carnet)
- Alien registration assistance after arrival
Equipment & Technical Support
Korea offers professional filming equipment and technical support matching international standards, with world-class studio facilities such as CJ ENM Studios and Busan Studio Complex.
Advanced technology covers high-quality footage and VFX, while ATA Carnet procedures simplify temporary import of professional gear. We guide equipment choices and customs to keep production smooth.
Camera Equipment
- ARRI and RED camera systems
- Complete lens packages
- Steadicam and gimbal systems
- Drone equipment with operators
- Underwater filming gear
Lighting & Grip
- HMI and LED lighting
- Generator trucks
- Grip trucks fully equipped
- Specialized rigging
- Cherry pickers and lifts
Post Production
- Edit suites with latest software
- Color grading facilities
- Sound mixing studios
- VFX and animation services
- DCP creation for cinema
Korea is an ATA Carnet country, allowing temporary import of professional equipment. We handle customs procedures for bringing your own gear.
Korea Filming Hub - Featured Locations
Explore Korea's most cinematic destinations with local expertise. Locations adapt to double for other countries or eras, supported by experienced Korean crews and film commissions.
Seoul Filming Services
Gyeongbokgung Palace courtyards, Han River skylines, and Gangnam districts alongside traditional Bukchon hanok villages for classic and contemporary looks.
- Iconic landmarks including Gyeongbokgung and N Seoul Tower
- Modern Gangnam and Hongdae districts
- K-drama filming locations and K-pop venues
- Fashion and luxury retail hotspots in Myeongdong
- World-class studios and vendors for turnkey productions
Busan Coastal Production
BIFF festival venues, Haeundae beach promenades, and coastal temples deliver stunning backdrops for commercials and travel content.
- Dramatic coastal light along Haeundae Beach
- Busan Film Festival venues and luxury hotels
- Traditional Gamcheon Culture Village
- Historic Haedong Yonggungsa coastal temple
- Experienced crews for year-round productions
Jeju Filming
Korea's volcanic island paradise offers unique landscapes from lava tubes to waterfalls, diverse communities, and cinematic coastal scenery.
- UNESCO World Heritage volcanic landscapes
- Dramatic Jusangjeolli cliff columns
- Manjanggul lava tube caves
- Hallasan mountain and crater lake
- Tax incentives for Jeju productions
Gyeongju
UNESCO-listed ancient capital, royal tombs, and Buddhist temples
Incheon & West Coast
International gateway, Chinatown, and island hopping for lifestyle stories
Gangwon Province
Snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and DMZ border region
Jeonju & Jeolla
Traditional hanok village, gastronomy capital, and cultural heritage
Planning a multi-location production across Korea?
Ready to Film in South Korea?
From Seoul's neon skyline to Jeju's volcanic landscapes, we make filming in South Korea simple, efficient, and unforgettable. Tell us about your project.