Top 6 Most Photogenic Places in Seoul, South Korea

This Asian metropolis contains many beautiful sights that are worth sharing. So here’s our list of 6 most photogenic places in Seoul [South Korea].

South Korea’s capital city has exploded into the modern age, with a population that’s nearing 10 million and a firm grasp on technological innovation. With its eccentric mix of ultra-modern and traditional cultures, it should be no surprise that Seoul is becoming a huge travel destination. Though this city is chock-full of interesting sights, it’s also vast and overwhelming. It’s difficult to know where to look first, especially with the limited time frame that vacations or business trips entail. That’s why we’re here to tell you the best areas to snap the perfect memory of your time in this fascinating city, and how to share these lovely photographs with your friends and family.

Best Sights in Seoul

This giant metropolis has so much to offer, from historic temples to pristine parks to fluorescent night markets. Let’s start exploring!

Namsan Tower (남산서울타워)

Perched atop a forested hill, Namsan Tower is famous for its view. Image courtesy of Trazy.com. 

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가)

Mon-Fri: 10am-11pm

Sat: 10am-12pm

Sun: 10am-12pm

Namsan Tower has been featured in many Korean dramas, as well as a music video or two, because of its glorious view of the city. It’s an astonishing 480 meters (1575 feet) above sea level, giving visitors a bird’s eye view of glittering Seoul. Visiting during the evening is highly recommended, and should yield some brilliant shots. You may also be able to get some photos of the fence which visiting couples have covered in locks, meant to signify the strength of their commitment to each other. Be warned — Namsan Tower is on top of a massive hill, so it might be quite a hike (though there’s an escalator that can take you part of the way up). Plus, this is a popular destination, so eat before you go, as there may be a line.

Gyeongbok Palace (경복궁)

The interior of the palace is just as picturesque as its famous entrance.

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Jan-Feb: 9am-5pm

Mar-May: 9am-6pm

Jun-Aug: 9am-6:30pm

Sep-Oct: 9am-6pm

Nov-Dec: 9am-5pm

Always closed on Tuesdays

Built in 1395, Gyeongbok Palace was the seat of power for Joseon Dynasty, and although most of the palace was destroyed during the Imjin War (then rebuilt during the reign of King Gojong), the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the Hyangwonjeong Pond are still the original Joseon construction. The Palace now functions as a museum and a tourist attraction, drawing in visitors with its gorgeous feats of construction and significance in Korean history. Tours are available in English, Japanese, and Chinese. 

Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)

These markets crammed with vendors and aesthetically pleasing 한글 are a photographer’s dream.

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 증구 남대문시장4길 21 (남창등)

Quick, think of a product — I can tell you right now that Namdaemun Market has it. This massive convergence of vendors is the largest traditional market in Korea, featuring approximately 17,000 goods. As good as this place is for shopping, it’s even better for photography, with narrow streets crammed with colorful signs. You can visit during the day, but the visuals are even better at night, with glowing neon signs and radiant storefronts vying for the camera’s attention. 

Trick Eye Museum (트식아이미술관)

Amaze your friends with the slick exhibits in this quirky art gallery. Image courtesy of Traveling Mitch.

20, Hongrik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 마포구 홍익로3길 20 (서교동)

Mon-Sun: 9am-9pm

Located in the artsy neighborhood of Hongdae, the Trick Eye Museum allows you to take many silly photos using their interactive, illusive exhibits. The museum is best when experienced with friends or family so you can laugh at each other — and have someone to take the photos, of course. It’s a great activity for a rainy day, or just whenever you want a bit of a fun break.

Bukchon Hanok Village (복초한옥마을)

When the sun hits it just right, this village glows. Image courtesy of TravelTriangle.

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동)

Closed Sundays

Another taste of Korea’s storied history, the Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-preserved depiction of Korean urban life 600 years ago — well before the United States was even a twinkling in George Washington’s eye. This neighborhood is surrounded by the Big Three of Joseon Korea: Changdeok Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and, of course, Gyeongbok Palace, each of which really warrant their own full day. As for the Hanok Village, there’s plenty to do, and plenty of photos to be had. The most obvious is a walking tour through the narrow, picturesque alleyways, but the village also contains a Traditional Culture Center, the Gahoe Museum, the Bukchon Asian Art Museum, the Donglim Knot Museum, and more. As you’re exploring, please be aware that many of these beautiful buildings actually serve as homes and show the proper respect to their residents.

Bongeunsa Temple (봉근사)

Located in busy Gangnam, this Buddhist temple radiates calm amongst the chaos. Image courtesy of Chopsticks and Carryons.

531, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 531 (삼성동)

Can you believe that this pristine temple was constructed in 794? It was refurbished and renamed in 1498, and meticulously maintained since then, but the fact remains that this beautiful temple has been around — and in use by local Buddhists — for over a millennium. While the 23-meter (74-foot) Buddha is the most striking part of the Bongeunsa Temple (alleged to be the tallest Buddha statue in all of Korea), the vivid colors and ornate paintings that coat the temple buildings are also a gold mine for photographers.

How to Share Your Travel Pictures

So now you have all these amazing images of your journey through Seoul, but what good are they if you can’t share them? It can be difficult to share high-quality photos because often the files end up being too big to send through email, and it’s always a pain to have to go through and select every photo that you want to share. The solution is to use a cloud storage system, like Dropbox. They can store your photos safely in the cloud so that they don’t take up too much space on your computer, and sending large files is totally hassle-free. All you have to do is send your recipient a link or a shared folder, or you could even share directly from Dropbox. Now everyone who wants to get in the adventure can easily view your files, no matter what device they’re on. 

Seoul is a beautiful, massive city, and there’s so much to explore. Don’t feel like you have to stick to this list, especially if you want to fit in some of the fantastic culinary and tech experiences that the city has to offer. If you plan your trip carefully and tailor it to your interests, there’s no way you won’t have a blast.

This is a sponsored post for Dropbox. All opinions are my own. Dropbox is not affiliated with nor endorses any other products or services mentioned.

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