Types of K-Pop Photocards Explained

What Are the Different Types of K-Pop Photocards?

You will hear a lot of collectors say "it depends on the type." They are right. Two cards can look similar, but one is a $5 album pull and the other is a $50 event card.

This guide explains the main photocard types you will actually run into, why they matter, and what that usually means for availability and price.

If you want the full collecting overview, start here: K-pop photocards: the ultimate guide

Collecting tip: If you want to keep track of types (album vs POB vs fansign), KollectPop makes organizing way easier. Browse what collectors list by type: Marketplace

Album photocards

Album PCs are the most common. You pull them randomly when you buy an album.

What to know:
- Different album versions usually have different sets.
- Pulls are random, which is why trading is so active.
- They are generally the cheapest to buy as singles later.

Typical value: $2 to $15 (higher for top groups and high-demand members)

Pre-order benefits (POBs)

POBs are retailer bonuses you only get during a pre-order window. They are store exclusive, so the same album might have different POBs depending on where you buy.

Popular POB retailers

Retailer	Region	Why collectors care
Weverse Shop	Official	Often high demand
Ktown4u	Korea	Wide selection
Yes24	Korea	Unique concepts
Makestar	Korea	Special benefits
Apple Music Korea	Korea	Store-exclusive designs
Target/Walmart	USA	Region exclusives

Typical value: $10 to $40+ (depends on store and member demand)

Lucky draw photocards

Lucky draws are lottery-style. You buy albums for entries, and the reward is an exclusive card (sometimes with special finishes or unique concepts).

Typical value: $20 to $150+ (some sets get very pricey)

Fansign and video call photocards

These are often the "big ticket" cards. Fans typically enter by buying a lot of albums, which is why supply is limited and prices rise.

Why collectors chase them:
- limited distribution
- unique styling or poses
- sometimes includes handwritten elements

Typical value: $50 to $500+ (highly variable)

Broadcast and music show cards

Usually tied to attendance or broadcast-related promotions. Availability is limited, and pricing varies a lot by group and member.

Season's greetings and merchandise cards

These are official cards included with:
- season's greetings packages
- concerts and tours
- fan meetings and pop-ups
- collaborations and branded merch

Collectors love them because they often have concepts you will not see anywhere else.

Special finish cards

Some releases include "rare" variants:
- holographic
- glitter or sparkle
- foil or metallic
- lenticular

These can be harder to pull and can trade above standard album cards.

So what should you collect?

A simple starting plan:
1. Start with album cards for your bias or your favorite era.
2. Add one or two POB sets you genuinely love.
3. Only chase lucky draws or fansigns if it fits your budget.

Want to see what is available right now? Browse the marketplace

Related: Beginner's guide | Photocard price guide