In Korea, baby photos are not just photos.
They are part of a culture.
When I had my first child,
I didn’t expect to spend so much money on photoshoots.
But before I knew it,
we were doing maternity photos, newborn shoots,
100-day photos, and even first birthday sessions.
So today, I want to share
what “growth album culture” really looks like in Korea.
What is a Growth Album in Korea?
In Korea, many parents document their baby’s growth
through professional studio photoshoots.
These usually include:
- Maternity photos (before birth)
- Newborn photos
- 50 days / 100 days / 200 days
- First birthday (Doljanchi) photos
All of these are often bundled into one package
and turned into a printed album.
It’s not just taking pictures.
It’s more like a long-term project.
Why Do Korean Parents Do This?
There are a few reasons why this is so common.
First, parents want to keep memories of their baby’s growth.
Second, almost everyone around them does it.
So it naturally becomes something you don’t want to skip.
And third, photos are often used
for family events like first birthday parties.
These days, there is also a strong mindset:
👉 “Photos are what remain.”
Even when people travel,
they take hundreds of pictures.
Some families even record
- childbirth moments
- baby milestones and performances
Everything is documented.
But personally, I also felt a downside.
👉 Sometimes you experience the moment through a camera.
Instead of fully feeling it,
you are busy capturing the “perfect angle.”
Speaking of unique Korean parenting trends, it’s not just about the photos. The way we carry our babies—using the traditional Podaegi (Mei Tai)—is also a huge part of our “attachment parenting” culture. If you’re curious about how I combined traditional Korean style with modern comfort, check out my honest review of Mei Tai carriers here!
A Mom & Health Professional’s Thought
As a dental hygienist, I spend my days focusing on small details and precision. Naturally, I wanted my baby’s photos to be “perfect” too. But I realized that forcing a “perfect smile” for a professional camera can sometimes be stressful for both the baby’s posture and their emotional state. I’ve learned that the best photos come when the baby is physically comfortable and naturally engaged.
The Reality (Honest Mom Experience)
Now let’s talk about the real part.
👉 It’s expensive.
In Korea, pregnant women receive something called
a “pregnancy voucher”, which helps cover medical expenses.
During hospital visits,
various companies (insurance, baby services, etc.)
often get connected to your information.
And that’s when studio marketing begins.
How It Starts: “Free” Maternity Photos
Most studios offer something like this:
👉 Free maternity photoshoot
👉 Free hair & makeup (weekday only)
For first-time moms,
this is very hard to say no to.
(I couldn’t either 😅)
But here’s the catch.
👉 The shoot may be free
👉 But getting the photos is not
From that point on,
everything becomes an additional cost.
The Package System
Studios usually recommend a full package:
- Newborn photos
- 50 / 100 / 200 days
- First birthday photos
All combined into one “growth album”
You can also add family photos.
For my first child,
I paid over $1,000 USD just for the album.
Scheduling: Convenient but Challenging
One thing I liked was that
the studio contacts you when it’s time for each shoot.
So you don’t have to remember the schedule.
But there is one big variable:
👉 Your baby’s condition.
If your baby is:
- tired
- crying
- going through stranger anxiety
Then the shoot may not go well.
And sometimes,
you need to reschedule.
Honestly, it’s more exhausting than expected.
So… Is It Worth It?
After all that time, money, and effort…
I would say:
👉 Yes, but also no.
It’s expensive.
It’s tiring.
And it takes a lot of effort.
But when you see the final photos…
👉 They are beautiful.
Professional lighting, styling, and concepts
make a big difference.
At the end of the day,
you’re capturing a very short moment
of your baby’s life.
And that moment never comes back.
How Is This Different from Other Countries?
This is where Korean culture feels quite unique.
In many countries:
- parents take casual photos at home
- maybe a family photo once a year
That’s it.
But in Korea:
- photoshoots are planned
- concepts are designed
- milestones are recorded professionally
👉 In Korea, baby photoshoots are almost expected.
👉 In other countries, they are optional.
💡 Small Tip for DIY Moms:
If you feel that professional studio packages in Korea are too expensive or exhausting, don’t worry! You can still achieve that clean, professional “K-style” look at home. By using a few simple props like a Milestone Blanket or Minimalist Milestone Signs, you can capture beautiful memories without the $1,000 price tag.
I’ve curated a few of my favorite home-shoot essentials that helped me save money while keeping the quality high. You can check them out here if you’re planning a self-shoot!
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Final Thoughts
At first, I thought,
“Do we really need to do all of this?”
But now, when I look back at the album,
I understand why people do it.
Because in the end,
👉 memories fade, but photos remain.
