Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome photographers of all experience levels. If this is your first time traveling with a camera there is no better way to start your practice of photography. If you're a seasoned shooter we'll make sure to take you to the best locations Seoul has to offer so you can let your skills shine.

If you are new to photography, we ask that you familiarize yourself with your camera and the process of transferring, editing and exporting photos. This knowledge is a crucial part of the practice and a foundation for us to build on.

We're fairly open-minded about equipment because we believe in helping you develop your voice in photography. That said we have a few basic requirements:

• A digital camera: DSLR or Mirrorless. We do not recommend a point and shoot as a primary camera. Film cameras are not permitted as a primary camera - nothing personal, there just isn't enough time to get the film processed for feedback sessions. Feel free to carry one in addition to a primary digital camera.
• Lenses: If you only want to carry one lens on the long days of walking, a 24mm-70mm will be your best choice. You're welcome to carry the lenses you prefer, but we recommend you have at least one wide option, and one telephoto.
• Memory Cards: We encourage all participants to shoot in RAW, which requires considerable storage capacity. We recommend carrying at least two memory cards of 64GB or higher each day, and backing up your images each night.
• Batteries: We recommend bringing at least 4-5 batteries. We will have very limited capacity to charge batteries during our walks, and it may occur that there is no opportunity at all. For that reason we ask that you carry multiple fully charged batteries, and that you recharge them every night. It is good practice to carry two chargers for this purpose.

Yes. While you do not need to carry a laptop or tablet during the photo walk portions of the workshops, you will need to edit a selection of your images prior to the Polite Company Press studio visits. For this reason it is best to have and be familiar with RAW image processing software such as Lightroom, Capture One or Adobe Camera RAW.

• A comfortable camera bag/backpack
• Weather proof clothing
• Walking shoes
• Retractable umbrella
• Water bottle

Participants will edit a limited selection of their images on their own time in preparation for the studio session(s). Within a month of the conclusion of the workshops, participants are encouraged to send through a limited selection of edited images for feedback and advice on how they can further develop their post-processing skills.

The difference with Seoul Photography Workshops is that Chris and Jitse provide a unique access point to an often confusing and overwhelming city, all the while providing expert photography instruction from a published editorial photographer and culturally illuminating guidance from a veteran walker of Seoul's winding streets. Our workshop is designed to not only teach photography and show the city, but to encourage in participants a deep and gratifying sense that they've fully experienced both the best and genuine versions of Seoul, leaving them with a greater sense of photographic voice and vision after an an unforgettable journey.

1. The group will meet for a coffee at a local cafe between 8-9 where we will discuss the day and the photography skills we'll focus on.
2. From there we'll move to the first location, moving through as a group but providing space for individual photography.
3. We'll travel to a second location either by foot, bus or subway. The second location will be a chance to either continue our photography and exploration of the city or to visit a cultural institution related to photography such as a gallery or museum.
4. After a break of an hour or so for lunch we will continue to a third location where we can explore and photograph the city.
5. We'll pause for refreshments before entering the final part of the day, exploring until dusk.
6. While on most days we'll part ways around 19:00, some days will end with a shared dinner, or even a night picnic at the Han River for any participants who wish to join.

20-30,000 steps give or take.

The majority of the time will be spent as a group, but there will be a number of opportunities for participants to spend time independently at the shooting locations. We know that traveling as a group can affect the photography process, and we'll absolutely encourage all participants to pursue individual shooting time. For anyone who prefers the group dynamic, you can always stick close to Chris and Jitse.

The workshops are limited to official participants only. Your companion is welcome to join if they go through the application process and participate as a novice photographer.

A visit to the PCP studio is an opportunity for us to look at the images we're producing, discuss them in an open, constructive and positive manner, and to develop a sense of what to focus on in our photography going ahead. We are passionate believers in the value of printing photographs, and our discussions will be centered around handling and sharing printed versions of our images. Ultimately the goal with the studio sessions is to use what we've already accomplished to further develop our photography skills and mindset.

The workshop will run in any weather we deem safe. Should the weather be inclement, we will do our best to adjust our course to undercover locations or locations better suited to the shooting conditions. On days of particularly difficult weather conditions we will consider alternative options of visiting photography-related cultural spaces such as museums and galleries. We do not offer refunds for workshops impacted by bad weather, but we're committed to not letting it stop us from pursuing a meaningful workshop experience.

• Morning Coffee
• Lunch
• Afternoon Refreshments
• Welcome Dinner
• Farewell Dinner

Our 3-Day and 5-Day workshops have a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8. Our custom private workshops are developed with 1-2 participants in mind, but we're happy to discuss alternatives if you are traveling with a group.

Yes, we are happy to customize a private workshop for you (and a partner). Please reach out to info@ (opens in new tab)seoulphotoworkshops (opens in new tab).com (opens in new tab) to start the conversation.

Send us an email at info@seoulphotoworkshops.com (opens in new tab), or hail Jitse when you see him head and shoulders above the crowd.

At the very least we would need 2 days to prepare, but the more advance notice we have, the better able we'll be to develop a workshop that suits your specific goals and situation.

You can see all our available dates for the 3-Day and 5-Day workshops here. Once you have selected your preferred option, you will be directed to fill out an application. Positions in the workshop are confirmed upon receipt of both the application and deposit.

Should you wish to book a private workshop, please reach out to us at info@ (opens in new tab)seoulphotoworkshops (opens in new tab).com (opens in new tab)

A deposit of 25% of the total workshop fee is due at the time of booking.

• We will send a confirmation of your position within the workshop within 5 days of receipt of deposit.
• Once receiving a sufficient number of participants, we will confirm the workshop will proceed no later than 90 days before the workshop is scheduled to begin.

• If you wish to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing at info@ (opens in new tab)seoulphotoworkshops (opens in new tab).com (opens in new tab).
• If you cancel more than 90 days before the start date of the workshop, your deposit will be refunded in full.
• If you cancel between 90 and 60 days before the start date, your deposit will be forfeited. Any balance already paid will be refunded.
• If you cancel less than 60 days before the start date, the full amount paid is non-refundable.
• For more information please see our Terms and Conditions (opens in new tab).

• You will receive a full refund if the workshop is cancelled due to insufficient sign-ups.
• Should any participants cancel their attendance within 90 days of a confirmed workshop start date, the workshop will proceed as usual.

Visa requirements vary between passport holders of different nationalities. Please consult official sources to determine the necessity for a visa. For an unofficial source you can consult a Passport Index (opens in new tab), but we accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

We strongly recommend that all participants hold valid travel insurance prior to joining a workshop. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and personal equipment. Seoul Photography Workshops cannot be held responsible for costs arising from circumstances outside our control — including illness, injury or flight disruption — that prevent you from attending. Travel insurance is your primary protection in such situations.

We do not advise on travel arrangements or accommodation in Seoul. Our sole recommendation is to book accommodation in central Seoul, north of the Han river, to make it easier to meet on time in the morning.

Seoul is an incredibly safe city to visit. It's part of the reason we love living here. Our only recommendation is not to click on the links sent to you by unknown phone numbers.