One does not simply go to Seoul without updating their Instagram feed. A fascinating blend of traditional cultures and K-pop beats that has taken over the world, there won’t be a dull moment in Seoul. Fashion, music, food, entertainment and more, the capital city of South Korea has become a popular tourist destination. Visit major palaces such as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung, and see how life was like in Seoul before the city turned into a metropolis. Put on those boots and embark on a mountain hike to Mount Bukhan or Mount Gwanak. Learn about Korea’s history in the museums, have fun at Lotte World amusement park or try your luck at horse racing at the Seoul Racetrack. With so many attractions to visit, which are the ones that will offer the best photo opportunity? Fret not, the list below will help you narrow down your choices. From traditional ‘hanok’ houses to Seoul’s skyline, we’ve put together photogenic spots you need to visit to capture that award-winning Instagram photo. Find out more below.
Shoot My Travel
Looking for a unique experience? Shoot My Travel is a service where a photographer takes you around the city’s top spots while taking candid photos of you. It’s easy: simply select your destination, choose a photographer, and pick a package. You’ll receive the photos 24-48 hours after the shoot!
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (from USD 85.0)
For all the K-pop fans out there, don’t just picture yourself in a Hanbok, dress up in one and have your photo taken in the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace! Meet your friendly photographer at the Hanboknam store where you will get fitted into a traditional Hanbok. For ladies, you will also receive a fitting hairstyle to match your look. Your photographer will then bring you to scenic spots in the palace to take awesome pictures. This package offers 50-100 photos which you can easily download from Google Drive. Your tour to Seoul isn’t complete until you’ve captured some wonderful moments of yourself in a traditional Hanbok.
Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Photo Shoot
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgun Palace (from USD 230.0)
Learn about Korea’s history as you travel to iconic destinations to take lovely photos. Choose to visit one of these places - Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace or a place of your choice. After choosing your Hanbok from a rental store, your photographer will bring you to the destination you’ve chosen. Forget about your selfie stick, let the professional photographer capture your precious moments. All you need to do is pose and smile. Besides posing with the fantastic scenery, you’ll also get to learn about Korea’s history and the story behind its architecture. This is an ideal package for couples or friends who want to capture precious memories and have something to look back on at the end of the trip.
Tip from tour guide
"Bukchon"- Back in the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon, which means "north town," was where all the important people lived - government officials, the royal family, that kind of crowd. Down south in Namchon, which means "south town," that's where the regular folks lived. The Japanese settled in Namchon first and figured they'd just keep expanding to the north after bringing in more of their own people from Japan. But, a Korean property development company threw a wrench in their plans. They bought up the land, divided it into smaller lots and built a whole bunch of Korean traditional houses at affordable prices for Koreans. That's what really saved this area and made it what it is today - a popular tourist spot. In the end, the CEO of the company was imprisoned because of his involvement in the Korean independence movement.
Hanbok Photoshoot in Seoul
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
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3. Namsan Seoul Tower Observatory (from USD 10.0)
Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Seoul cityscape at one of the tallest towers in East Asia! It’s one of the best places to observe the city from a unique perspective. Besides the mesmerizing views, you can also visit other attractions in the tower such as the Hello Kitty Island which features a themed cafe, bedroom, and party space. Definitely a great location to pose with the world famous cat. There’s also Ssentoy Museum which houses all kinds of figurines from films and animations. Darth Vader, the Terminator, and characters of Monsters, Inc. are just some of your photo taking buddies. Make sure your camera is fully charged!
Seoul: N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket
Seoul Tour Guide
연경바람
Discover a vibrant mix of past, present, and future of Korea on a journey you'll never forget. Our tours unlock the secrets of Korean history and culture, offering a profound understanding of the people who make this nation unique. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, each whispering stories of Korea's fascinating past. Immerse yourself in traditional practices, s... Read more
Tours by 연경바람
4. Bukchon Hanok Village (from USD 90.0)
While Seoul may be decorated by skyscrapers and neon lights, you can still explore what life was like for the people before the country became a metropolis. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village and venture back in time to the 14th-century Joseon rule. See traditional houses known as ‘hanok’ and landmarks such as Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Drop by Buckchon Cultural Center which has over 600 years of history and houses a hanok-style restaurant. This unique trip offers a chance to experience Korean culture and history, it’s something not to be missed if you want to see another side of the country.
Small-Group Tour of Bukchon Hanok Village
Duration: 4 hours
5. Myeongdong district (from USD 92.0)
Myeongdong, the commercial and cultural hub of the city, is a bustling district not to be missed. This five-hour shopping tour will bring you to architectural sites and popular shopping streets. Highlights include the 19th-century Myeongdong Cathedral and Seoul Global Cultural Center where you can find great angles to shoot that Insta-worthy photo. After a lunch break, spend the rest of the day visiting designer boutiques like Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, and Myeongdong Migliore. Don’t forget to pose for some photos at these popular stores!
Myeongdong Tour and K-POP Shopping with Traditional Lunch
Duration: 4 hours
6. Mount Bukhan (from USD 150.0)
A fantastic view awaits you on Seoul’s highest mountain - Mount Bukhan. This hiking trip provides many photo taking opportunities as well as lessons about the temples you’ll see along the trail. Capture wonderful moments of the scenic surroundings and share them with your friends on social media. You’ll break for lunch after completing the trail, it’s time to let those sore muscles have some rest. Next, get ready to pamper yourself in a Korean-style spa! There’s nothing better than getting into a sauna after a tiring hike. You’ll feel like a brand-new person at the end of your session.
Mt. Bukhan Hike with Traditional Korea Spa Experience in Seoul
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
7. Noryangjin fish market (from USD 83.0)
You’ve tasted plenty of Korean cuisines. Now, have you wondered where the chefs get their ingredients to prepare these delectable dishes? Noryangjin fish market is one of these places to experience the local food culture! One of the largest seafood markets in Korea, it has been operating at the same spot since 1927. See the daily seafood auction in action - it’s an interesting sight as fishmongers fight to get the best prices. Walk around to see over 800 kinds of seafood and buy some fresh ingredients for yourself. Bring them to the restaurant stall in the market and let the cook prepare a feast for you.
Noryangjin Fish Market Walking Tour with Small Group
Duration: 2 hours
8. Lotte World Tower (from USD 49.0)
Feel like a giant overlooking Seoul when you board one of the fastest elevators to reach the top of Lotte World Tour. Step into Seoul Sky Deck, also known as the world’s highest glass-floored observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Capture the city lights at night or watch the beautiful sunset at a height of 555 meters (1821 feet) above the ground. You’ll remember this moment when you are at the top of the world.
Skip-the-line Ticket for Lotte World Tower in Seoul
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
9. Seoul museums (from USD 107.0)
Cover all three famous museums in one day! You will first visit the National Museum of Korea where you can learn about the country’s history and art. Next on the list is the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. These three buildings are constructed by well-known architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Remment Koolhaas. The museum keeps up with current themes and often holds exhibitions of major artists. The last museum would be the Seoul Museum of History. Learn about the traditional culture of Seoul from the prehistoric era and check out relics from the Joseon Dynasty. You will look at Seoul in a different way after visiting these three impressive museums.
Seoul Museum Tour; Leeum Samsung Museum&National Museum
Duration: 4 hours
10. 63 Sky Art Observatory and Aqua Planet (from USD 28.35)
Standing at 264 meters (866 feet) above sea level, enjoy beautiful sceneries of the Hangang River from the large windows. Besides the amazing view, the sky deck also houses an art museum featuring art exhibitions, magic shows, and cultural experiences. After that, make a visit to Aqua Planet, an aquarium featuring a garden of Amazonian plants and a variety of sea creatures and flora. Explore the different zones - Penguin Planet, Otter Planet, Coral Planet and more. Don’t miss out on the mermaid show performed by real-life swimmers in the main tank! It’s like a fairy tale come true.
2-in-1 Ticket: 63 SKY ART Observatory & Aqua Planet 63
The following content is contributed by Anne Sewell, Trip101 Writer
11. Maebong Mountain
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Maebong Mountain (or Maebongsan Mountain) stretches across Jung-gu, Yongsan-gu and Seongdong-gu in Seoul, South Korea. The mountain is among the top 10 locations to take images of night views of the city and is also popular for sightseeing and walking. Take some of the best Instagram images from the Palgakjeong Pavilion on the peak of the mountain.
Maebong Mountain
Address: Seoul, South Korea
Website: Maebong Mountain
Opening hours: 24 hours
Price: Free
12. Jogyesa Temple (from USD 40.0)
Jogyesa Temple is the main temple and district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul. The temple is considered to be the center of Buddhism in Korea. Jogyesa Temple was constructed in the late 14th century but was burned to the ground and rebuilt as the Gackhwangsa Temple in 1910. In 1936, the temple received the role as the head temple of Buddhism in the country and was renamed, Tegosa Temple. The present-day temple is the result of a purification drive in 1954 to remove Japanese influence and revive traditional Korean Buddhism. The attractive building is perfect for traditional Korean images to share with your friends.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple and Folk Museum Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
13. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (from USD 229.0)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was selected by the New York Times as one of the “Top 52 places to visit in 2015. The location was the most tagged on Instagram in Korea that year. The plaza is the most iconic landmark in Seoul and it hosts design-related conferences, exhibitions, and shows. There is a design museum to visit, an art hall and a history and culture park onsite. The architecture’s curving lines make wonderful images to share with friends and followers.
Private Tour: Seoul Secret Tour
Duration: 7 hours
14. Style Nanda Pink Pool Café – Pink Hotel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Style Nanda Pink Pool Café features an indoor pool and coffee bar, all in delicate shades of pink. Enjoy an iced latte, take the best pink selfies for Instagram and generally have fun here. Besides enjoying coffee and some sweet treats, the cafe also serves an extensive menu to choose from, including tea, shakes and diet drinks. In the cooler months, enjoy hot chocolate and green tea lattes. The café also includes a fashion and makeup store.
Style Nanda Pink Pool Café
Address: Myeongdong Style Nanda Pink Hotel, Seoul, Korea
Website: Style Nanda Pink Pool Café
Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: 0.25 USD
15. Heunginjimun Gate
Heunginjimun Gate was built as protection for Hanseongbu, historical government facilities. The gate is located on the east side of Seoul Fortress’ outer wall and it is one of eight gates. Sometimes referred to as Dongdaemun Gate, it was built in 1396 and remodeled in 1453. In 1869 the gate was completely rebuilt. The gate is unique among Seoul’s eight gates, as it also has a half-circle-shaped Ongseong, or small wall, which protects the gate. Its historical construction is ideal for sharing on Instagram.
Heunginjimun Gate
Address: 288, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Heunginjimun Gate
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
16. Ihwa Mural Village (from USD 89.0)
Ihwa Mural Village is located in Ihwa-dong, close to Naksan Park. The village was revitalized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism into a public art display in 2006. There are installation art and paintings throughout the village, created by around 70 artists. This is a colorful place indeed to share with your friends and followers in social media.
1-Day Photography Walking Tour in Seoul
17. Bongeunsa Temple (from USD 98.0)
Open all year round, the Bongeunsa Temple is an attractive historic building constructed in 794. It was originally known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, but the name was changed by Queen Jeonghyeon in 1498. There are 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types to be seen in the temple. On the ninth day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar, monks can be seen carrying the scriptures on their heads while they recite Buddhist rites.
Gangnam Tour in Seoul: COEX Aquarium, Han Cruise, Bongeunsa
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
18. Changdeokgung Palace (from USD 44.0)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1405 and was the principal palace for several kings during the Joseon Dynasty. Changdeokgung Palace is the best-preserved of the five royal Joseon palaces. On the grounds, there is a public palace area, the residence of the royal family and a rear garden. The garden was a place of rest for the royals and it features a tree that is more than 300 years old, as well as a pavilion and small pond.
Seoul UNESCO Heritage Palace, Shrine, and More Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Have fun exploring Seoul, South Korea
Enjoy the high-tech modern side of the city, as well as the historic sites, while visiting some of the best Instagrammable places in Seoul, South Korea. Explore the spots on our list above and gear up for an unforgettable experience. While you’re here, be sure to check out some cute animal cafes in Seoul!
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