Filming in South Korea
Finding a fixer
in South Korea
Filming in South Korea can be challenging if you don’t understand the Korean language, local customs and the best way to negotiate bureaucracy. That’s why having a specialist fixer in South Korea is a huge benefit. They can guide you through any potential problems that could seriously delay shooting. You can count on South Korea Fixer to handle everything from scouting the best locations and organising your film equipment to arranging visas and film permits.
Cultural facts
When filming in the country, understanding local customs is crucial. Respect for hierarchy and formality is significant and South Koreans will expect you to address people by their titles and surnames. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon while it’s important to remove shoes before entering homes or traditional accommodations. The same goes for any religious or historic temples that you have film permits for in South Korea. But don’t fret! With us by your side, you’ll be able to navigate all these cultural nuances with ease.
Weather when filming in South Korea
When shooting in South Korea be aware that while summers are generally hot and humid, winters can be extremely cold, particularly in the northern regions. Spring and autumn offer the best mild and pleasant weather for outdoor shoots. Monsoon season is from June to September, and this brings heavy rains, which can disrupt filming schedules. So, whenever you’re filming, make sure well-prepared for weather-related challenges as this will help you optimize your production timeline effectively.
Tax rebate in South Korea
Whether filming a feature movie, corporate video or even a webtoon, all international filming in South Korea can access generous tax incentives. For instance, the cash rebate for three minimum shooting days and a minimum spend of 100 million won ($88,000) is 20%. This rises to 25% if shooting days are 10 or more and the spend is at least 2 billion won, or about $1.77 million. Work with an experienced fixer in South Korea to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and can effectively apply for the relevant rebates.
Filming in South Korea
Whether taking in the Seoul skyline at sunset or the grandeur of Hwaseong Fortress, shooting in South Korea is a wondrous experience. But there can be challenges along the way. Certainly, securing film permits for certain historically significant buildings can be complex and you’ll need a fixer in South Korea who knows their way around these possible problems. Similarly, organising a schedule that takes in possible weather patterns such as monsoons or sudden snowfall is recommended.
With a dedicated production support company in South Korea guiding you through these issues and more, you can be sure of a stress-free shooting schedule. Allowing you to put your focus where it’s better placed – that is, on the film set, making movie magic happen!
