Introduction: Why Seoul is a Photographer’s Dream
Seoul is a city where past and future live side by side. On one street you can photograph a royal palace from the 14th century, while just a few subway stops away you can capture futuristic architecture glowing in LED lights. This balance between tradition and modernity is what makes Seoul one of the most photogenic capitals in the world.
For travelers and photographers, Seoul offers far more than the typical postcard shots. The city is full of hidden alleys, seasonal festivals, rooftop views, and street corners that tell unique stories. Whether you are a professional with a DSLR or a traveler with just a smartphone, Seoul has countless opportunities for unforgettable photography.
In this complete guide, we will explore the best photo spots in Seoul, divided into categories—traditional, modern, riverside, seasonal, trendy, and hidden gems—with practical photography tips for each. By the end, you’ll have a full list of must-visit places for capturing the true soul of the city.
1. Traditional Seoul: Palaces and Hanok Villages
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
- History & Atmosphere: Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Photographers love it because you can frame palace rooftops against Bugaksan Mountain, creating harmony between architecture and nature.
- Photography Tips:
- Morning: Best light and fewer tourists.
- Afternoon: Capture reflections in ponds like Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.
- Night: On special occasions, the palace opens at night—one of the most magical photography experiences in Seoul.
- Insider Tip: Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) nearby. Wearing hanbok grants free entry and adds cultural richness to your photos.
Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden (창덕궁 후원)
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, loved for its natural integration. The Secret Garden (Huwon) is a dream location with lotus ponds, stone bridges, and pavilions.
- In autumn, maple leaves create warm tones that make this one of Seoul’s most painterly spots.
Deoksugung Palace & Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)
- Known for its European-style buildings mixed with Korean palaces.
- Best shot: Couples walking along the romantic stone wall road in autumn or winter snow.
Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌 한옥마을)
- A cluster of traditional hanok houses located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
- The famous uphill alley provides a perfect composition of tiled roofs leading up to Namsan Tower.
- Visit early in the morning for peaceful shots before tourist crowds arrive.
Ikseon-dong Hanok Street (익선동)
- Unlike Bukchon, Ikseon-dong is filled with trendy cafés, restaurants, and boutiques inside hanok houses.
- Best for lifestyle photography—coffee, dessert, and vintage street portraits.
2. Modern Seoul: Towers, Skyscrapers, and Urban Architecture
Namsan Seoul Tower (N Seoul Tower, 남산타워)
- Located on Namsan Mountain in the city center.
- From here, you get panoramic views of Seoul’s endless skyline.
- Best Shots:
- Sunset: Capture golden-hour light with silhouettes of mountains.
- Night: The city sparkles like a sea of stars. Long exposure recommended.
Lotte World Tower (롯데월드타워)
- The tallest building in Korea at 555 meters.
- Photography Angles:
- From Seokchon Lake in spring, when cherry blossoms frame the skyscraper.
- At night, the tower glows like a beacon across the Han River.
- Sky Deck: On the 123rd floor, you can photograph the city from glass floors that create thrilling perspectives.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP, 동대문디자인플라자)
- Designed by Zaha Hadid, this futuristic landmark is a must for modern architecture lovers.
- Best Time: Evening, when LED lights illuminate the curved surfaces.
- Special Shot: The LED rose garden installation—thousands of glowing roses against the futuristic backdrop.
COEX & Starfield Library (코엑스 별마당도서관)
- The library inside Starfield COEX Mall is an Instagram sensation.
- Towering bookshelves and soft lighting make it perfect for interior shots.
3. Han River and Iconic Night Views
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)
- Recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest bridge fountain in the world.
- Photography Tips:
- Use a tripod for long exposure to capture rainbow arcs of water.
- Best combined with picnic lifestyle shots from Banpo Hangang Park.
Yeouido & 63 Building
- Yeouido is Seoul’s financial district, but in spring it transforms into a cherry blossom wonderland.
- Capture skyscrapers rising above pink blossoms.
- From the 63 Building observatory, you get views of Han River bridges stretching endlessly.
Eungbongsan Mountain (응봉산)
- A small hill with panoramic views of Han River, bridges, and Lotte Tower.
- Spring forsythia flowers add vibrant yellow frames to skyline shots.
Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬 한강공원)
- Loved for its night cityscape views and riverside leisure.
- Many couples set up tents and enjoy beers—great for candid lifestyle photography.
4. Seasonal Photography in Seoul
Spring: Blossoms Everywhere
- Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival: The most famous spot, though crowded.
- Seokchon Lake: Cherry blossoms reflecting in water with Lotte Tower in the background.
- Kyung Hee University: A hidden spot with gothic-style buildings framed by blossoms.
Summer: Green Vibes and Nightlife
- Han River parks are full of cyclists, picnics, and food delivery.
- Photograph neon-lit bridges while locals relax on mats with chicken and beer.
Autumn: Golden and Red Leaves
- Namsan Park: Iconic foliage views with N Seoul Tower.
- Seoul Forest & Olympic Park: Wide landscapes filled with maple and ginkgo trees.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Autumn leaves against hanok rooftops.
Winter: Snow and Lights
- Deoksugung Stone Wall Road: Romantic snow scenes.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: Decorated with holiday lights in December.
- Palaces: Snow covering palace rooftops creates timeless black-and-white contrasts.
5. Trendy & Instagrammable Hotspots
Hongdae (홍대)
- Street murals, busking musicians, and colorful fashion make Hongdae a street photography paradise.
Seongsu-dong (성수동)
- Known as “the Brooklyn of Seoul.”
- Abandoned warehouses converted into hip cafés and art galleries.
- Minimalist café interiors provide excellent photo backdrops.
Itaewon Rooftop Bars
- Rooftop terraces in Itaewon overlook Namsan Tower and downtown Seoul.
- Perfect for lifestyle shots with cocktails at sunset.
Common Ground (커먼그라운드)
- A shopping complex built from blue shipping containers.
- A favorite for Instagram users seeking bold, industrial backgrounds.
6. Hidden Gems for Photography
Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지)
- Once a fuel depot, now an eco-park with raw industrial textures.
Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원)
- Glass greenhouses with tropical plants. Excellent for macro and portrait photography.
Haneul Park (하늘공원)
- Famous for silver grass fields in autumn.
- Sunset shots here are some of the most shared on Instagram.
7. Practical Photography Tips
- Golden Hour & Blue Hour: Best times for Seoul cityscapes.
- Tripods: Essential for long exposure, especially for Banpo Bridge and night skyline shots.
- Lenses:
- Wide-angle for architecture and palaces.
- Telephoto for cityscape compression from mountain viewpoints.
- Seasonal Planning:
- Spring and autumn are ideal.
- Summer nights for neon and Han River.
- Winter for snow scenes.
- Hashtags: #SeoulPhotography #SeoulTravel #BestPhotoSpotsSeoul
Conclusion: Capturing the Soul of Seoul
Seoul is not just a city—it’s a canvas. From palaces echoing history to neon-lit bridges and trendy cafés, every corner tells a story. For travelers, photographing Seoul means more than collecting images—it means capturing the rhythm of a city that never stands still.
Whether you spend a morning in Bukchon, an afternoon by the Han River, or an evening at a rooftop bar, Seoul will give you pictures you’ll treasure forever. If there’s one city that truly balances tradition with trend, it is Seoul—and your camera will love it.
