12 most incredible places to see in Seoul
NAVIGATION
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most famous tourist attractions for good reason. The palace, situated in the center of town, features several gardens, rooms, and buildings, each with its own distinct architectural style and historical background. The grounds of the palace are open to the public so that visitors may stroll about and take in the breathtaking architecture and landscape design. The Geunjeongjeon Hall is the primary royal hall of the palace. There is also the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which is surrounded by a peaceful pond and has a gorgeous gazebo in the centre. The grounds of the palace are also home to the National Palace Museum of Korea, which features a collection of royal antiques and treasures, and the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides a look into the everyday life of the Korean people.
Make sure to rent a traditional Hanbok for a day when going inside the palace, then you don’t pay entrance fee. There are a plenty of rental stores around the palace and the fees are really acceptable. If you are wondering if you will be the only one wearing a Hanbok be assured that actually a lot of people use this opportunity to dress up.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
Several historic hanok homes have been maintained in Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional area in the middle of the city. With its twisting alleyways and quaint, old-world feel, the town is a fantastic location for exploration and photography. Traditional Korean architectural characteristics such as sloping roofs, decorative doorways, and painted screens are all present in the homes in this area, which are constructed from wood and stone. Beautiful gardens, full of plants and flowers, surround the residences, creating a serene and relaxing environment. When visiting be mindful of the people living there.
Want to know more about the best photography sports around Bukchon Hanok Village? Find out more here.
Starfield Library
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The Starfield Library, found in Seoul’s COEX Mall, is an architectural marvel and photographer’s paradise. There are countless photo opportunities in the library’s soaring glass-enclosed atrium, which is home to a plethora of books, plants, and natural light. There are bookshelves all around the atrium, and they are organized in a spiral arrangement to give the area a feeling of motion. The atrium is an excellent place to take pictures or impromptu shots because of the natural light that floods the space. The Starfield Library has a variety of smaller rooms and facilities in addition to the main library. These include study nooks, conference spaces, and a café. These spots provide you the ability to take photographs in a more personal and secluded location, perfect for capturing the laid-back vibe of the event.
The Star field Library is a truly unique and stunning location for photographers, if you want to find out more visit the Photography Guide.
N Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
When in Seoul, you should definitely visit the city’s most famous landmark, Namsan Tower. The tower on Namsan Mountain offers stunning city views. The tower’s restaurants and attractions make it a great afternoon location as you can have dinner after you enjoyed the sunset from the top. You’ll get stunning city views from the tower’s peak. The observation deck offers unmatched views of the city and surrounding surroundings. You don’t necessarily need to go to the tower’s observation deck, the view from the mountain top is equally stunning. On a clear day, see and hear the city from above. Couples can connect their names to the Namsan Seoul Skyscraper Love Locks to display their love for the tower.
Myeong-dong district
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
Myeong-dong, in the center of Seoul, is a thriving shopping district that no tourist to the city should miss. The neighborhood has seemingly infinite rows of stores, eateries, and food stands, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy there. It is at night, when the area comes alive with lights and people. You will quickly see that Myeong-dong is bustling with activity as you make your way through the neighborhood’s streets. People of all ages are strolling the streets, enjoying the city’s shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Everything from clothes and accessories to meals and drinks can be found at the area’s eateries and stores. The street food stands draw a lot of people because they sell a variety of tasty and cheap foods, such as kimchi, fried chicken, and more.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (also known as the DDP) is a well-known tourist destination that can be found in the heart of Seoul. Due to the fact that it houses a number of different exhibitions, galleries, and activities, the plaza is a wonderful place to spend the day. Explore the DDP and soak in the wonderfully contemporary architecture. The front of the plaza is covered with undulating panels with organic shapes, which provide the sense of movement and fluidity. The interior of the plaza is almost as impressive, with a variety of open galleries and installations that are effectively lighted.
Get more details in the DDP Photography Guide!
Lotte World Tower
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The Lotte World Tower is a top tourist spot for visitors to the city and is a 123-story skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea, and the country’s and the world’s fifth tallest building. It contains a luxury hotel, shopping mall, restaurants, cafes, an ice rink, movie theater, and music theater on the 117th and 123rd floors. Visit the observation deck for a stunning top view of Seoul. There is also a café located in the oberservation deck, so you can enjoy a drink while taking in the view. In addition, Lotte World Tower also has something to offer for adrenaline junkies: cross the Lotte Sky Bridge at a height of 541 meters.
Inwangsan Mountain Park
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
Inwangsan Mountain Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of the city, and is home to a number of trails, gardens, and cultural landmarks. The park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and offers stunning views of the skyline. Going up the mountain you will follow the Inwangsan Wall, which is part of the historic Seoul city wall that runs along the ridge of the mountain. It’s a truly beautiful and peaceful destination in Seoul, and is a must-see for anyone looking to escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the area. The top of the trail is also a popular spot for sunset with a breathtaking view, which you don’t want to miss!
63 Building
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The 63 Building, commonly known as the 63 City or 63 Squared, is a famous skyscraper on Seoul’s Yeouido Island. It is the seventh highest building in the country, standing at 264 meters. The 63 Sky Art Gallery, an observation deck on the 60th level with panoramic views of the city is the building’s major feature. In addition to the observation deck, the 63 Building houses a wax museum, a digital art museum, a shopping mall, a movie theater, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The 63 Building can be seen in all its glory from the Hangang Bridge. Especially during sunset the sun illuminates the exterior of the buidling in a golden colour.
Seosomun Gate Museum
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The Seosomun Gate Museum is a museum located in Seosomun Park in Seoul’s Jung District. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Seosomun Gate, one of the four principal gates of Seoul’s historic city walls. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits linked to the history of the Seosomun Gate and the city walls, as well as educational activities and events for visitors. The interior design is particularly noteworthy. Visitors are taken on a tour of the multi-level exhibition, which offers an interactive experience in which you become part of the exhibition.
Naksan Park
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
Due to its hilltop elevation, Naksan Park’s strolling routes and observation platforms, which provide stunning views of the city, are open for use 24 hours a day, every day of the year. A part of the Seoul City Wall, about 2.1 kilometers in length, runs through the park. The view of Seoul from the top of this city wall is breathtaking. You can see Dongdaemun and the DDP from Heunginjimun Park, where you can enjoy the sunset from a park bench.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Best travel & photo spots in Seoul
The gorgeous and historic Changgyeonggung Palace was initially built in the 15th century and served as one of the Joseon Dynasty’s key palaces. The lovely Hyangwonjeong Pond, which is surrounded by a wooden deck and contains a little island in the middle with a traditional pavilion, is one of the attractions of Changgyeonggung Palace. The pond is a favorite location for taking pictures and relaxing in the tranquil ambience of the palace grounds. The palace is also popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the springtime.