What Is a Selca? Why K-pop Idols Use the Term & How to Take One

Plus, quizzes to scratch the K-pop itch!

Co-authored by Viankha Jesslyn and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: January 17, 2026 Fact Checked

• Selca Meaning
|
• Why are K-pop idol selfies called selcas?
|
• Taking a Selca
|
• K-Pop Quizzes

|Show more |Show less

"Selca" is a Korean term that has been gaining traction on the internet lately. A selca is the Korean version of a selfie, and the term is especially popular in K-pop communities. In this article, we explain the meaning of the word in more depth, why the term is used to describe K-pop idols’ selfies, and walk you through how to take a selca! Read on to learn everything you need to know about selcas!

What does "selca" mean?

"Selca" is a Korean term that means "selfie." The term "selca" is a portmanteau, taking the words “self” and “camera” and combining them to form “selca.” Selca is commonly used by K-pop idols since it’s more popular than “selfie” in Korea (and was coined before the term.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

What is a selca?

1. 
   "Selca" is a Korean term for "selfie." The word selca is a portmanteau of two English words: "self" and "camera." Like a selfie, a selca is a picture you’ve taken of yourself. The term originates from South Korea and has been used to refer to photos you take of yourself since the 2000s.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 4:

Why are K-pop idol selfies called selcas?

1. 
   K-pop star selfies are called "selcas" because it's a more common term in Korea. Since "selca" was coined and established in Korea before the term "selfie," it’s used over "selfie" in Korea. That’s why many of your favorite K-pop idols, like Sunoo from ENHYPEN and Kim Chae-won from LE SSERAFIM, call them "selcas."

Section 3 of 4:

How to Take a Selca

1. 
   1
   Open your camera and pose to show off your facial features. Once you’ve opened the camera app, hold the phone in front of your face and get your pose down. Whether that means tilting your head, putting your hand on your cheek, smiling, or flexing your jaw, it doesn’t matter! Set that pose up and start feeling yourself.
2. 
   2
   Position the camera to flatter your face. After you’ve got the pose down, position your phone so it shows off your best angles. For example, if you like how you look from above and want to show off your angles, keep the camera in front of you and position it below your face.

   • If you like how you look when your head is tilted to the side, position your phone in front of your face and tilt your head before taking the pic.
3. 
   3
   Take the photo and review to see how you look. Once you’ve got the pose and angles down, look at the camera and snap a photo. Then, look at the picture to see if you’re satisfied with how it came out. If you don’t like it, repeat these steps until you get a selca you do like.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 4:

K-Pop Quizzes

1. Take wikiHow’s K-pop quizzes if you’re a fan of the genre. Here at wikiHow, we’ve got plenty of quizzes for K-pop stans. Whether you want to find out how big a fan you are or guess the K-pop song, we’ve got options for you. Check out some of our K-pop quizzes below:

   • Kpop Demon Hunters: Finish the Lyrics
   • Which Member of KATSEYE Am I?
   • Which Stray Kids Member Am I?
   • Which Kpop Demon Hunters Song Am I?
   • Who Is Your TWICE Bias?
   • Guess the K-Pop Song
   • ENHYPEN Trivia
   • Which ENHYPEN Member Is My Soulmate?
   • Who Is My BTS Soulmate?
   • Am I More Huntr/x or Saja Boy?

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!