10 things to check before you book a studio
Key points
- Billable time runs from arrival to departure, not just the shoot. Book setup and wrap time too.
- Minimum hours, base headcount and VAT can change the total even when the hourly rate is the same.
- Cancellation terms and payment methods vary widely. Read them first if your date isn't locked.
Two studios can both charge ₩50,000 an hour and still cost very different amounts, depending on what counts as time, how many people the base rate covers and whether VAT is added. The rules of the places listed on ROKE differ at the same few points. Check these ten before you ask for a quote and you'll save a round of emails.
What sets the price
- How time is counted — All three places on ROKE bill from arrival to departure, setup and wrap included, and charge the booked time even if you finish early. Two hours of setup, three of shooting and one of wrap means booking six hours.
- Minimum hours — The least you pay per booking: two hours at some places, four at others. A one-hour shoot still pays the minimum.
- Base headcount and extra-person fees — Many places raise the hourly rate as the crew grows, for example ‘up to 4 people, ₩5,000 per extra person per hour’. Ask whether talent, crew and clients all count.
- VAT — Check whether listed prices include Korea's 10% VAT. If not, add 10% to the total. See how to work out the fee.
Payment and confirmation
- Deposit and when the booking is confirmed — Some places take a deposit first (for example ₩100,000 within six hours of booking); others confirm only on full payment. Until you pay, another team can take the slot.
- Payment methods and receipts — Some places take cards, cash and transfers; some take bank transfers only; some accept overseas cards. If you need a Korean tax invoice or cash receipt, say so when you book.
On-site conditions
- Parking and vehicle access — Free parking for one or two cars is very different from room for cargo trucks and generator vans. Tell the host your vehicle sizes and numbers.
- Gear and props — Some places lend lights and stands free, but same-day requests may not be possible. List the gear you need when booking.
- Sound and power — Some places ask you to discuss shoots with sync sound in advance. If you use a lot of lighting, check the power supply and whether a generator van can get in.
House rules
- Cancellation terms and house rules — Check how many days before the shoot you get a full refund and what is withheld after that. Read the rules on indoor shoes, smoking, putting things back, damage and post-shoot cleaning time as well.
Questions to send the host
| Topic | Sample question |
|---|---|
| Time | Does setup and wrap count toward booked time? In what increments is overtime charged? |
| Crew | Does the base headcount include talent and crew? |
| VAT | Do the quoted prices include VAT? |
| Payment | How much is the deposit and when is the balance due? Can we pay with an overseas card? |
| Vehicles | Can cargo trucks or a generator van get in? How many cars can park? |
| Cancellation | Does changing the date count as a cancellation? When do fees start? |
On every ROKE location page, the ‘Shoot details’ table lists hours, parking, payment, billing, cancellation and house rules in the same order, so you can compare places line by line.
Basis and sources
Based on the house rules published by 91s STUDIO, STUDIO GAM DMC and AMETAGE STUDIO, all listed on ROKE (checked November 10, 2026). Hosts may change their rules, so confirm on the location page and in the host's quote before booking.
