Seoul blends ancient palaces with futuristic landscapes, creating endless photo opportunities. Here are the 10 most photogenic spots every visitor should capture:
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (Central Seoul)
Why shoot here? Seoul’s grandest Joseon-era palace offers majestic gates, ornate pavilions, and mountain backdrops. Wear hanbok (traditional clothing) for free entry and ethereal shots.
Pro tip: Arrive at 10 AM for the guard-changing ceremony. The reflection shots in Gyeonghoeru Pavilion’s pond are magical.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village (Between Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung)
Why shoot here? A maze of 600+ traditional Korean houses (hanok) with tiled roofs against modern cityscapes. Narrow alleys create timeless vignettes.
Pro tip: Shoot early (7-9 AM) to avoid crowds. Respect residents—keep voices low.
3. N Seoul Tower (Namsan Mountain)
Why shoot here? Panoramic 360° city views from 480m high. The iconic “Locks of Love” fence adds color, while sunset transforms the skyline to gold.
Pro tip: Ride the cable car for aerial shots. Night photography shines with city lights.
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (Dongdaemun)
Why shoot here? Zaha Hadid’s neofuturistic architecture—curved metallic walls, LED rose gardens, and futuristic tunnels. Looks straight out of sci-fi.
Pro tip: Visit at dusk when LED lights illuminate. Use wide-angle for sweeping curves.
5. Ihwa Mural Village (Ihwa-dong)
Why shoot here? Hillside alleys exploded with vibrant murals, mosaic stairs, and quirky art installations. Bursting with bohemian charm.
Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—steep stairs! Interactive art (like angel wings) invites playful poses.
6. Banpo Hangang Park (Near Banpo Bridge)
Why shoot here? The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (world’s longest bridge fountain) erupts in colorful water dances nightly. Picnic by the Han River for relaxed vibes.
Pro tip: Evening shoots (8-9 PM) combine fountain lights with city reflections.
7. Starfield Library (COEX Mall, Gangnam)
Why shoot here? A jaw-dropping 2-story “library” with 50,000 books and towering shelves. Minimalist architecture contrasts with warm wood tones.
Pro tip: Shoot from the escalator for dramatic depth. Weekday mornings avoid shoppers.
8. Hongdae Free Market (Hongik University Area)
Why shoot here? Street art galore! Graffiti-covered walls, indie buskers, and trendy cafés ooze youthful energy. The “I SEOUL U” sign is a classic backdrop.
Pro tip: Saturdays (1-6 PM) feature live art battles. Try tilt-shift for bustling crowd shots.
9. Seoullo 7017 (Seoul Station)
Why shoot here? A former highway turned sky garden with 17,000 plants. Elevated walkways frame unique perspectives of trains, traffic, and city layers.
Pro tip: Golden hour casts long shadows through steel structures. Use leading lines for dynamic compositions.
10. Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky (Songpa-gu)
Why shoot here? Korea’s tallest building (555m). The observation deck’s glass floor and sky-high views induce vertigo—and epic skyline shots.
Pro tip: Book sunset slots online. For exterior shots, capture reflections at Seokchon Lake nearby.
📸 Final Photo Hacks
- Weather Wisdom: Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) add magic. Winter snow blankets palaces.
- Transport: Use Naver Maps for locations. Most spots are subway-accessible.
- Etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals. Drones require permits.
Seoul’s visual poetry awaits your lens—tag #SeoulPhotoDiary to share your journey! 🏯🌆✨