Modeling in Korea as a local or foreigner can lead to tons of unique opportunities. You get to try on stylish clothes for a living and meet all sorts of interesting people from around the world. Best of all, modeling agencies are always looking for new talent in Korea.
But with opportunity comes risk. We’ll cover how to avoid pitfalls and:
- a brief history of the best Korean modeling agencies
- Korean model agencies for foreigners
Let’s get started!
19 Stylish Korean Outfits You Can Buy Right Now
How to Become a Model in Korea
There’s a lot of demand for non-Korean models of all ages and looks for commercials (CF), print and even home shopping. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1.
Get a portfolio from a freelance photographer (bonus points if you get your hair done). You can check social media platforms for ones looking for models to shoot as well!
Step 2.
Find a modeling agency in Korea that specializes in foreign models (not all will sponsor your visa, you’ll have to ask!). The major ones are listed below.
Step 3.
Check their reputation online by joining Facebook groups and asking people with experience (you may be able to check the agencies’ website and contact their models independently on Instagram).
Quality of modeling agencies tends to change since there’s a lot of turnover, so a good one can become shady overnight and vice versa.
Step 4.
Contact the agency, send headshots and other info they request.
Step 5.
Read the contract carefully. It should be in both Korean and English. Make sure there aren’t any penalty clauses, and the term is only for a year or two. If you don’t understand something, ask someone you trust for an explanation.
Step 6.
Get an E-6 Visa sponsored by the agency, or an F Visa that will allow you to work anywhere and stay in the country long-term.
More about Jobs for Foreigners in Korea
Agencies in Korea for foreigners who want to act
For those interested in acting in Korea as a foreigner, you’re in luck. Most casting of foreigners is based on looks, so there are opportunities to find work in TV dramas, movies and CFs (commercials).
Some modeling agencies will also provide chances to audition for roles.
The “docu-drama” Surprise also regularly casts foreigners of all nationalities. The flipside is it can pigeonhole you into that type of work forever, since Koreans will recognize you from those roles.
It’s also hard to be taken seriously because the production quality is generally low.
The Best Korean Modeling Agencies
“Model Line” agency led the modeling industry in South Korea from the late 80s to the early 90s with notable figures like Cha Seung-won and Jin Hee-kyung.
DCM took over as Model Line went out of business because of financial problems.
DCM didn’t last long, and was divided into a few companies.
One of them was ESteem.
1. ESteem
ESteem started with a small number of hot female models in the Korean fashion industry: Jang Yoon-ju, Han Hye-jin and Song Kyung-a. They wielded tremendous influence and quickly became the top model agency.
ESteem then recruited Kim Won-kyung and Lee Hyun-yi, and reached the level of monopolizing pictorials of all high fashion magazines, such as VOGUE.
The agency quickly helped Korean models work overseas, starting with Han Hye-jin and Song Kyung-a. Then, it recruited Park Ji-hye, Soojoo, Kim Sung-hee, Kwak Ji-young and Yoo Ji-ann to expand even further.
Since its establishment in 2003, ESteem has had the most influence in the modeling industry.
But, its position swayed little by little as KPLUS began to grow.
ESteem established a strategic partnership with SM in 2015.
(Lee Hyori signed an exclusive contract with ESteem in 2020 due to her connection with the CEO, Kim So-yeon.)
2. KPLUS
KPLUS was also born from the demise of DCM. Despite having a large roster of models, the agency wasn’t popular at first. Its strength was mostly male models.
While ESteem had a crazy lineup of female models, but not many male models, KPLUS had hot male models who were crushing Seoul Fashion Week.
KPLUS stepped up to its current position as a top 2 agency thanks to a merger with YG in 2014. Now with the name YG KPLUS, it’s signed contracts with many female models as well.
Among their talent, Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk became very popular as models who became actors. (They used to date, but broke up.)
The agency also made waves overseas, starting with Choi So-ra, who won Korea’s Next Top Model Season 3.
Now, both agencies are working hard to break into broadcasting/media, beyond runway and editorial.
Korean Model Agencies for Foreigners
Here are some of the more well-known agencies for foreigners in South Korea. Always do your research before signing with one.
1. Base Models
- Mail: basemodels@naver.com
- Phone: +82-2-545-0509
- KakaoTalk ID: basemodels
Base Models brings talented foreign models from all over the world to Seoul / South Korea.
The company was created by former models and designers to deliver great results for both the talent and clients!
2. MDI Model Management
- Email: mdimodel@mdient.com
- Phone: +82-2068-4431
- KakaoTalk: pf.kakao.com/_aVNnd
MDI recruits foreign models (male, female and kids) for both print and film (commercials, editorials, etc.).
3. Banilla Models
- Email: banillamodels1@gmail.com
- Phone: +82-2-518-0042
- KakaoTalk: banillamodels
Banilla Models was established in 2008 and is specialized in being a foreigner model agency.
The agency mainly works with brands in fashion, beauty and lifestyle (sports, wedding, etc.).
4. Ever Models
- Email: stephen@evermodel.com (Chief Casting Manager)
- Phone: +82-2-3443-7011
Ever Models is a talent and model agency for foreigners (men and women).
The agency focuses on commercials and magazine editorials.
5. Jennifer Model
- Email: bae@jennifer-models.com
- Phone: +82-2-545-3022
- Instagram: @jennifermodel
Jennifer Model provides professional management to both Korean and international models, specializing in fashion editorials.
6. Dobe Management
- Email: mydobe@gmail.com
- Phone: +82-2-798-7200
Dobe Management specializes in the fashion industry, working with models of any nationality, gender, body type, and age.
The agency works in a variety of fields, including movies, music videos, TV programs, TV commercials, runway, magazines, print and catalog features.
7. About International Model Management
Email: booking.aboutmodel@gmail.com
Phone: +82-2-797-0678
Facebook: @AboutInternationalModelManagement
About International Model Management is an international modeling agency for professionals, lifestyle models, and children.
The agency has an extensive range of clients.
8. J Model Management
- Email: audition.jmodelseoul@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jmodel_management
J Model Management is an agency for international male and female models in the fashion industry.
9. Hanmaroo Management
- Email: casting@hanmaroomodels.com
- Instagram: @hanmaroomanagement
Hanmaroo Management is a model agency for men and women of all ages, including children.
The agency works in both print and video.
- You shouldn’t have to pay for anything to work other than perhaps head shots.
- There’s no guarantee that you’ll get work. Any agency that promises that is being dishonest.
- Making a lot of money is very hard in modeling. Any agency that says otherwise is being dishonest.
- Research the modeling agency’s reputation yourself with Facebook groups or by asking around.
- Don’t sign a contract until you understand it and agree to the terms. Contracts longer than a few years are predatory.
- Don’t do something that makes you uncomfortable, especially if you feel pressured.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if you need help or your passport is taken.
Find out more about ways to protect yourself here.
Learning Korean
Guided conversation is the fastest way to get fluent in Korean. Pimsleur takes you from 0 to conversational in three months. You can try Pimsleur here for free!
Did we miss anything?
Korean modeling industry is progressing rapidly with some turmoil.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
У каждого человека есть цель, к которой он стремится. Кто-то мечтает выйти замуж за своего биаса (было бы славно), кто-то копит на машину, некоторые же грезят работать в модельной индустрии и, желательно, в Южной Корее. Если в вашем окружении есть люди, которые смеются и называют ваши мечты «детскими фантазиями», то не стоит тратить на них свое время. Помните, что у вас все обязательно получится! А что именно необходимо предпринять для реализации мечты, мы вам сейчас расскажем.
Язык
Важно понимать, что иностранцу, который не владеет хотя бы минимальным уровнем знания языка, найти работу в сфере модельного бизнеса трудно. Сперва надо подтянуть свои знания (про английский язык тоже не стоит забывать).
Портфолио
Для выхода на мировой уровень, нужен опыт и тяжелый труд, чтобы модельное агентство в Южной Кореи заметило именно Вас. Не пропускайте кастинги. Ходите везде, куда бы вас не позвали и собирайте портфолио. А сейчас, в эпоху интернета и современных технологий, оно может «завируситься» так, что его будет сложно не заметить.
Внешность
Если вы девушка с ростом не ниже 170 см, то можете смело ставить себе плюсик. Модельные агентства в Корее любят русый цвет волос (это можно выделить как дополнительный пункт), однако берут на работу как темноволосых, так и светловолосых девушек.
Моделью может стать каждый. Необходимо только работать над собой, вкладывать все силы в проекты. Помните, что модель – это не только человек с красивым лицом, который позирует перед камерой. Это образ, которому многие стараются подражать.
Корею называют идеальной страной для «толчка» в этом бизнесе. Больших денег тут не заработать. Однако тот бесценный опыт, который вы здесь получите, точно приведет вас к успеху!
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Cjes Model Edition
강남구 논현동 241-3 SK허브빌딩 2층, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Искусство и развлечения -
About International Model Management
22-9 Yongsan-Dong 2ga, Yongsan-Gu,, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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EVER International Model Management
Yongdeok Bldg. 3F 707 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06046, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Рекламное агентство -
10TAN 태닝 텐탠 컴퍼니
강남구 역삼동 720-18, Seoul, 06221, South Korea
Солярий,
Модельное агентство,
Услуги ухода за кожей -
동국대학교 모델과정
중구 필동로 1길 30 동국대학교 학술관 1층 평생교육원, Seoul, 100-715, South Korea
Школа,
Модельное агентство -
Soncompany
삼성2동 119-17 301, Seoul, 135-509, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Бизнес-услуги -
Platinum Management
논현동 73-33, Seoul, 06049, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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W agency Inc.
서울시 강남구 논현동 7-5 효진빌딩 7층, Seoul, 135-010, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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마이퍼스트레이디 마퍼레
강남구 압구정로60길 26, Seoul, 135-954, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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KeyEast entertainmet
Seoul, 82, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Студия музыкального производства -
DCM model academy
강남구 청담동 85-4번지 디자이너클럽 6층, Seoul, 135-954, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Образовательная организациия -
Souline model agency
Seoul, 123, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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Maggie & John
4F, 37 Sinbanpo-ro 43gil, seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Бизнес-услуги -
VIEW Management
302, 543-11,Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Услуги букинга -
키즈플래닛 캐스팅팀
서초구 효령로 304 국제전자센터 10층, Seoul, 06720, South Korea
Искусство и развлечения,
Модельное агентство -
It’s Models International Management
강남구 도산대로 51길 14, Seoul, 06019, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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Aile Model Company
서울시 강남구 신사동 656-4 우진빌딩 2층, Seoul, 06019, South Korea
Компания по производству и трансляции медиаматериалов,
Модельное агентство -
엔터테인먼트 해외진출 PAEG
강남구 선릉로 704, Seoul, 135-010, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Искусство и развлечения -
Model Directors Management
Floor 4. 181-1 Jayang-dong, GwangJin-Gu, Seoul, South-Korea, Seoul, South Korea
Искусство и развлечения,
Модельное агентство -
슈퍼유니버스 플레이스
Seoul, South Korea
Услуги букинга,
Модельное агентство -
Onestep Model Management
27 Gangnam-daero 132-gil,Gangnam-gu,Seoul Republic of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
Искусство и развлечения,
Модельное агентство,
Фотомодель -
문모델에이전시
Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Рекламное агентство,
Фотомодель -
DK
강남구 역삼동 671-10 펠릭스빌딩 B1 DK, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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「ᴍᴇssᴀɢᴇ 1004」ʀᴘɢ
114 Seolleung-ro 190-gil,Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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2AO Cosplay 코스프레
Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Бизнес-услуги,
Школа исполнительского искусства -
Modelia
789-6 Hannam Dong, Youngsan Gu,Seoul, Seoul, 140-894, South Korea
Модельное агентство
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Base Model Management
Rn. 508, Gangnam-gu, Gangnam-daero 146 gil 7, 06038 Seoul, South Korea, ( 강남구 강남대로 146길 7번길, (우) 06038, 508호 )
Модельное агентство
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MDI Model Management
Seoul, South Korea
Модельное агентство,
Искусство и развлечения -
싸이더스HQ
강남구 선릉로 sidusHQ타워 A동 1층, Seoul, South Korea
Искусство и развлечения,
Модельное агентство,
СМИ/новостная компания -
starcareer korea model agency
4F, 13, 50-gil dosandaero, gangnam-gu, seoul, KOREA
Модельное агентство
As a resident or foreigner, modeling in Korea can open up a tonne of exciting options. You get to interact with a variety of interesting people from all over the world while trying on fashionable clothing for a living.
The best part is that modeling agencies in Korea are constantly on the lookout for fresh faces.
International attention has been drawn to the South Korean cinema, drama, music, and fashion industries. Nike, Timex, Samsung, Hyundai, Coca-Cola, and other recent examples of globally renowned companies that have worked with Korean celebrities and models.
Even while there are advantages and disadvantages to modeling in Korea, no one can contest the fact that the country’s industry is poised to take over the global fashion scene.
We List the Best Modeling Agencies in South Korea Right Now
Want to become a Korean Fashion Model? Well, you can get inspired by these Korean models we’ve listed to make notes while we list the best Modeling Agencies in South Korea right now.
1. ESteem
As a result of the addition of Kim Won-kyung and Lee Hyun-yi, ESteem eventually gained control of all high-end fashion magazines, including VOGUE, and began to dominate their pictorial content. Starting with Han Hye-jin and Song Kyung-a, the agency swiftly assisted Korean models in finding work abroad. To grow even further, it later hired Yoo Ji-ann, Kwak Ji-young, Kim Sung-hee, Park Ji-hye, and Soojoo.
2. Base Models
Internationally talented foreign models are brought to Seoul, South Korea, by Base Models. To provide outstanding results for the talent and clients, the business was founded by former models and designers.
3. MDI Model Management
For both print and film, MDI seeks out foreign models (adults, adolescents, and children) (commercials, editorials, etc.).
4. Dobe Management
Working with models of any race, gender, body type, and age, Dobe Management is an expert in the fashion industry. The agency works in several industries, including print and catalog features, runway, music videos, TV shows, and TV commercials.
5. Ever Models
Ever Models is a modeling and entertainment agency for foreign nationals (men and women). The agency specializes in editorials for magazines and advertising.
6. KPLUS
The death of DCM also gave rise to KPLUS. The agency wasn’t well known initially, despite having a vast roster of models. Male models were primarily its strong point. KPLUS featured beautiful male models who were killing Seoul Fashion Week whereas ESteem had an insane lineup of female models but few male models.
7. Banilla Models
Banilla Models was founded in 2008 and focuses on being a modeling agency for international models. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands are the agency’s primary clients (sports, weddings, etc.).
8. Jennifer Model
Models from all around the world and in Korea can benefit from Jennifer Model’s expert management services.
9. About International Model Management
A modeling agency for professionals, lifestyle models, and young people, International Model Management is an abroad-based agency that hires international models. A wide variety of clients use the agency.
What are the things to remember while contacting a modeling agency in South Korea?
- Except perhaps for headshots, nothing should be paid for to work.
- Your employment is not guaranteed. Any company that makes that guarantee is dishonest.
- In modeling, it’s quite difficult to get wealthy. Any organization that asserts the opposite is lying.
- By asking around or using Facebook groups, you can investigate the reputation of the modeling agency.
- Never sign a contract unless you are certain of its contents and agree to them. Contracts that last for a longer period are predatory.
- Especially if you feel forced, avoid doing anything that makes you uncomfortable.
If you require assistance or believe that your passport has been stolen, get in touch with your local embassy or consulate.
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스타커리어
95-16 Nonhyeon-dong, 135-010 Gangnam-gu, Южная Корея모델 에이전시 전문회사
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몰프 매니지먼트(Morph MGMT)
Dongbinggo-dong, 140-230 Yongsan-gu, Южная КореяMorph Management, Model, Photographer, Artist management agency, Make up, Hair, Stylist Reps. in Seoul, Korea.
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(주)몰프
309-3 Dongbinggo-dong, 140-230 Yongsan-gu, Южная КореяMorph Management, Model, Photographer, Artist management agency, Make up, Hair, Stylist Reps. in Seoul, Korea.
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아이모델 에이전시
양평2동, 07208 Yeongdeungpo-gu, Южная Корея내 아이에게 기회를 잡아주는 사람들.
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MDI Model Management
Yangpyeong 1(il)-dong, 07271 Yeongdeungpo-gu, Южная КореяMDI MODEL MANAGEMENT seoul korea model agecncy 패션,광고,사진촬영을 진행하는 회사 입니다. 외국인모델|모델|촬영|스튜디오|광고|영상
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YG K Plus
332 Dosan-daero, Nonhyeon-dong, 135-010 Gangnam-gu, Южная КореяJust another WordPress site
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Cheongpadong 3(sam)-ga, 140-133 Yongsan-gu, Южная КореяSelect
JS AGENCY.KR
Sinsa-dong, 신사동, 06033 GangNam-gu, Южная КореяJS agency.KR – All about style! Welcome to JS agency.KR / we represent high fashion models all over the world! / celebrate everyday!
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Nonhyeon 1(il)-dong, 37-19, 135-010 Gangnam-gu, Южная Корея모델스닷컴TOP,MODEL,외국인모델에이전시,외국모델,패션모델,디자이너,쇼핑몰
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