// GUIDES

OOH guides

Planning, execution, and measurement — step by step

// Six essentials for beginners

OOH fundamentals

[01]

What is OOH?

Out-of-Home (OOH) reaches people on the move — in streets, stations, and daily life. Unlike TV or digital alone, it wins on repeated real-world presence.

  • Strong for awareness and trust
  • Geo and district targeting
  • Flexible when paired with DOOH

[ Digital vs OOH ]

FactorOOHDigital
ReachConcentrated in districts and daily routes with repetitionScalable nationwide with audience segments
TargetingGeo, district, and format-basedPrecise age, interest, and retargeting
CostFixed monthly rates; CPM often ₩2K–8KAuction-based daily budgets; volatile CPM
MeasurementEstimated impressions, proof photos, brand search liftReal-time clicks, conversions, ROAS

[ Campaigns where OOH shines ]

Product launchesBrand awarenessPop-up eventsSeasonal promotions

Gangnam Station area: 5M+ estimated monthly impressions

[02]

Media types overview

Formats differ by environment and reach. Match the placement to your goal — awareness vs action.

Billboards & landmark LEDs

  • Large roadside presence
  • Landmark association

Sizes: large (10m×4m+), small (3m×2m+)

Best for: awareness, auto, real estate, finance

Typical: ₩3M–30M/month (location-dependent)

Subway advertising

  • Commute repetition
  • Longer dwell time

Formats: platform doors, station wrap, interior panels

Best for: apps, entertainment, beauty

Typical: ₩1M–5M/month

Bus advertising

  • Mobile exposure
  • Broad local coverage

Formats: bus wrap, shelter ads

Best for: local services, retail

Typical: ₩0.8M–4M/month

DOOH (digital out-of-home)

  • Flexible creative swaps
  • Daypart scheduling

Formats: digital boards, indoor signage

Best for: launches, events, promotions

Typical: ₩2M–20M/month

[03]

How to calculate CPM

CPM is cost per thousand impressions. It helps compare how much reach you buy for the same budget.

  • CPM = spend ÷ (estimated impressions ÷ 1,000)

[ Worked example ]

Gangnam platform door: ₩2M/month

500K monthly impressions → CPM = ₩4,000

Formula: 2,000,000 ÷ (500,000 ÷ 1,000) = 4,000

[ Good vs weak CPM ]

  • Typical OOH CPM: ₩2K–8K range
  • OOH is often 40–60% cheaper than TV CPM
  • Strong CPM: under ~₩5K with good visibility
  • Weak CPM: high estimates but poor visibility/dwell

[ Beyond CPM ]

  • Why CPM alone isn't enough:
  • Visibility — does the placement actually catch eyes?
  • Dwell time — transit formats allow longer message absorption
  • District quality — does the trade area match your audience?
[04]

Creative specs

Each placement has its own resolution, ratio, and safe zones. Get the spec sheet before production to avoid costly rework.

FormatSizeFileLead time
Static billboardConfirm exact placement dimensionsPrint-ready 72dpi+1–2 weeks production
Subway platform door1,140×420pxJPG·PNG / under 5MBSubmit by D-7
DOOH video1920×1080MP4 H.264 / 15s·30s / 5–50MBSubmit by D-7
DOOH still1920×1080JPG·PNG / under 5MBSubmit by D-7

[ Important notes ]

  • Creative deadline: at least 7 days before launch
  • Keep copy under ~30% of the layout area
  • 3-second rule: core message must land within 3 seconds
[05]

Campaign process

Five stages from discovery to reporting. See the timeline below for durations and THINKAD responsibilities.

  • ① Discover & compare (1–3 days)
  • ② Quote & availability (1–2 days)
  • ③ Contract & creative (3–7 days)
  • ④ Launch & monitoring (flight period)
  • ⑤ Results report (3–5 days after wrap)
[06]

Budget planning

Monthly spend depends on industry, goals, and duration. First campaigns often work best with 1–2 focused placements.

Beauty & cosmetics

  • Test (first flight)·₩3M–5M/month1–2 DOOH in Seongsu or Hongdae
  • Growth·₩5M–15M/monthGangnam media pole + subway mix
  • Full campaign·₩15M+/monthGangnam + Hongdae + Seongsu multi-zone

IT & apps

  • Test·₩2M–5M/monthSubway platform doors
  • Growth·₩5M–20M/monthSubway + DOOH mix
  • Full campaign·₩20M+/monthGangnam, Pangyo, Seongsu multi-zone

F&B

  • Test·₩2M–4M/monthNearby bus shelters
  • Local focus·₩3M–8M/monthDistrict bus + subway mix
  • Scale·₩8M+/month2–3 core districts at once

[ First campaign tips ]

  • Focus on 1–2 placements — avoid spreading too thin
  • Run at least 2 weeks to 1 month (1 week is too short to measure)
  • Start with DOOH for flexible creative swaps
// From discovery to reporting

Step-by-step execution

  1. 1

    Discover & compare

    1–3 days

    Search by region, budget, and audience. Use compare lists or the AI planner for shortlists.

    THINKAD

    • Shortlist matching your criteria
    • Pre-check availability and monthly rates
  2. 2

    Quote & availability

    1–2 days

    Request quotes for your picks — we confirm availability, monthly rates, and minimum terms.

    THINKAD

    • Issue formal quote
    • Explain contract terms and minimum periods
  3. 3

    Contract & creative

    3–7 days

    After contract, deliver creatives per spec — including upload via our creative studio.

    THINKAD

    • Review and forward to media owners
    • Spec correction guidance if needed

    Advertiser

    • Sign contract
    • Deliver creative files (by D-7)
  4. 4

    Launch & monitoring

    During flight

    Once live, track schedules and placements from your dashboard.

    THINKAD

    • Proof-of-posting photos uploaded
    • Immediate response + Alimtalk alerts
  5. 5

    Results report

    3–5 days after wrap

    Receive a wrap report with reach estimates, summary, and proof assets for your next flight.

    THINKAD

    • Reach estimates + proof gallery
    • PDF wrap report delivery
// 10 items

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum booking period?

It varies — DOOH can start from 1 week; static formats typically need 2 weeks to 1 month. Landmark boards often require a month or more.

How is ad performance measured?

We combine foot-traffic-based impression estimates, proof photos, and brand search lift before/after the flight. QR, UTM, and store visit data add precision.

Can you help if I don't have creatives?

THINKAD can connect you with production partners. Production is separate, typically ₩0.5M–2M. Spec guidance and review are included.

Can I cancel or change after signing?

Changes to media or dates are possible until 14 days before launch. Penalties may apply per media owner policy. DOOH creative swaps are more flexible.

Can I run nationwide at once?

Yes — simultaneous flights in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and more. Check our major-city launch packages or use the planner for multi-region mixes.

Can startups and small businesses use THINKAD?

Yes — entry flights from around ₩2M/month. We recommend budget-fit inventory; many startups begin with a 2-week DOOH test.

Do you accept card payments?

Bank transfer after tax invoice is standard; card payment is available for smaller DOOH bookings. We confirm payment options at quote stage.

How do I know my ad is live correctly?

Our team captures proof photos and uploads them to your dashboard. Kakao Alimtalk alerts you on launch and any issues.

Are quotes free?

Yes — media quotes and consultation are free until you sign. We typically respond within 24 hours.

DOOH vs traditional billboard?

DOOH offers digital rotation and dayparting; classic boards excel at fixed, high-impact presence. Many brands test with DOOH first, then scale to static formats.

[ GET STARTED ]

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  • 24h

    Average response within 24 hours

  • 660+

    Verified media inventory

  • ₩5B+

    Cumulative campaign spend