Korean-inspired Photo Booth Concept Comes South
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Larry Kwon has brought Korea to Invercargill with his elevator-themed photo booths in Invercargill Central.
The idea began rather serendipitously as one of his wife’s closest friends visited them with her husband after a family trip around New Zealand.
It turned out he was the founder of BYTP - a major photo booth company in Korea that operates 40 locations across Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Mongolia and Taiwan.
He and Larry got talking and connected over the concept.
“After almost 10 months of planning, countless hurdles, and plenty of late nights, BYTP_NZ finally opened on November 1st inside Invercargill Central with full approval from the mall.”
It’s the first of its kind in the South Island and features four different themes - basic, modern elevator, vintage elevator and an aqua high-angle, inspired by a swimming pool aesthetic.
“As someone passionate about bringing new things to Invercargill, I’ve always wanted to introduce something fun and exciting for the younger generation. Entertainment options are limited here, and that’s something I’ve been hoping to change.”
So far the vintage elevator theme has been the most popular, “people love to have their photo taken in an elevator,” he said.
Photo booths and elevators are still both quite a novelty in Southern New Zealand - where Larry grew up he would use a lift every day. Another popular theme the company uses overseas is the New York subway.
The photo booth culture in Korea has been strong for 10 years now, whilst In New Zealand you’ll only find them in Auckland and Christchurch.
“Photo booths have already become hugely popular in other countries and are starting to catch on in New Zealand too,” he said.
“But I wanted to bring that experience all the way down south to Invercargill, so people here could enjoy it without having to travel.”'
Larry moved to Invercargill 11 years ago but has 20 years experience as a culinary chef, including working for the military in Korea as well as travelling to Australia, the US and Dubai before arriving in the south in 2014.
Studying at SIT, he worked part-time at the Kelvin Hotel, where he was later offered a full-time role and a work visa.
After three years he became head chef at Koji Japanese restaurant when it first opened and in 2022 took over the ownership of the business.
BYTP_NZ is located between Banh Mi and the PlaySpace in the mall, and each booth is fitted with a professional Canon DSLR camera. Customers can choose their photo size on a kiosk, pay via payWave, and take their photos in total privacy.
The prices are $15 or $20 depending on the print size and that includes two printed photos, digital download of the photo, and even a short video.
“No more squeezing into elevators or rushing poses. Our booths are your own private space take your time, have fun, and make memories with friends, family, or someone special.
“We’ve had an incredible response so far especially from teens, uni students, and young couples.
“The Vintage Elevator and Aqua High-Angle booths are currently the most popular!”
For more information go to the BYTP_NZ Facebook page.