Instagram-worthy Seoul: The Photo Tour
Instagram-worthy Seoul: The Photo Tour
Berto Macario
I am absolutely thrilled by Seoul. This city has blend of modern and tradition that always leaves me surprised. The streets buzz with a friendly energy, and every corner seems to hold something new, whether it be a cool café, a busy market, or an inspiring piece of art. Each visit has deepened my appreciation for Seoul’s unique character and the genuine warmth of its people.
In this Tour you will discover the best photographic spots that Seoul has to offer in "Instagram-worthy Seoul: The Photo Tour". This guide brings together a curated list of locations that are sure to capture your attention and spark your creativity. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a traveller looking to create memorable images or social content, you'll be able to make the most of your visit to Seoul.
Within this WTF guide, you will find these beautiful locations and tips that will give inside knowledge to capture the perfect shot. The guide not only highlights popular sites but also reveals lesser-known corners of the city that provide unique settings for your pictures.
Get ready to embark on a memorable journey with WTF that will add a creative twist to your travel in this vibrant city and experiences that will make your memories last forever.
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Simple but not humble, beautiful but not extravagant
Seoul’s beauty lies in a paradox: simple but not humble. This isn’t minimalism for trend’s sake—it’s a philosophy rooted in Confucian balance and Joseon-era craftsmanship. Think clean-lined skyscrapers like the Lotte World Tower, where glass facades mirror the sky without ornate distractions, or the wooden hanok roofs of Bukchon Village, their curves precise but unpretentious. Even Zaha Hadid’s futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza feels innately Korean; its titanium waves echo the mountains encircling the city, proving Seoul’s modernity never strays far from nature. For photographers, this creates a visual rhythm: uncluttered frames where light, texture, and shadow become the protagonists.
But Seoul’s true magic is how it ties this aesthetic to deeper values. For photographers, this means every frame tells a story of intention. You’re not just capturing a city—you’re documenting a 600-year-old dialogue between respect for tradition and hunger for reinvention. Seoul doesn’t demand you shout its beauty. It asks you to notice the quiet confidence in a single line, a shadow, a space left empty.
Ready to Explore?
Carry this guide like a compass in your pocket—it’s designed to weave seamlessly into your Seoul journey. Start your day with your usual itinerary. As you move, keep the guide open on your phone. Its curated map of photo-worthy gems—will pinpoint opportunities nearby. Have fun!
Common Ground
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Korea's largest container mall with indie boutiques and food trucks. Instagrammers love the turquoise containers - arrive at 10AM before crowds hit for clean shots of the geometric exteriors.
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Leeum Museum of Art
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Contemporary art in black porcelain building. The rotating staircase and Mario Botta architecture draw design accounts. Check their IG for limited Kusama installations.
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Mullae-dong
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Capture Asian Wes-Anderson style scenes. Once an industrial area, Mullae-dong has transformed into an artistic hub. The neighbourhood features a mix of small-scale steel factories, graffiti, art galleries, and cozy cafes. This eclectic blend creates a unique urban aesthetic for street photography.
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Bukchon Hanok Village
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Traditional Korean house neighborhood between palaces. Capture "hanbok in hanok" shots before 9AM when residents enforce quiet hours. The alley near #31 Gahoe-dong makes perfect symmetrical backdrops.
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Art Monster
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A brewery and a bar with neon-lit photo opportunities. Chill and hangout with friends and take fun insta-shots.
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Ihwa-dong Mural Village
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Artsy hillside neighborhood with street art. Respect "No Photo" signs on private homes. The rainbow stairs and bird-wing murals near Naksan Park are public-friendly.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Main Joseon-era royal palace. Join the 10AM English tour. Or if visiting in the afternoon shoot "hanbok princess" reels by the Hyangwonjeong pavilion pond during golden hour.
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
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Zaha Hadid's neofuturistic cultural complex. Night visitors get dual content - the LED façade light show (7PM) and moonlit architecture shots. Use the curved walls for silhouette poses.
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N Seoul Tower
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City-view observatory with love locks. Buy a couple's lock at base shops (cheaper than tower), then film sunset-to-night transition timelapses from the digital observatory.
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Cafe Onion Anguk
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Hanok-style bakery cafe. The stone courtyard with peaked roofs trends on Korean food blogs - go at opening (8AM) to photograph walnut cakes before they sell out.
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Jogyesa Temple
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Seoul's main Buddhist temple. During May's Lotus Lantern Festival, capture the illuminated baeksong trees. For everyday shots, the golden Buddha triad at dawn is ethereal.
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Starfield Library
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13m-tall book towers in COEX Mall. Film "book spiral" videos from the 3rd floor escalator. Avoid weekends when 70% of visitors are influencers staging laptop shots.
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Arario Museum
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This hidden gem showcases contemporary art in a unique setting. The building's interesting architecture and art installations provide numerous photo opportunities.
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Rain Report
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A rain themed-cafe. Yes, where it constantly rains. In Seoul you can find many cafes from the same chain.
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Myeongdong Shopping Street
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Streets are full of life and bustling in Myeongdong, capture the atmosphere or explore back alleys and smaller streets for an K-urban photo op.
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Gangnam Style Sculpture
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PSY's "horse dance" bronze hands. Recreate the iconic pose with COEX Mall's media facade as your backdrop. Best lighting after 7PM when LEDs activate.
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LOTTE WORLD TOWER
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Cliche? Yes. But this is the best place to capture jaw-dropping views of Seoul and beyond.
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Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)
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14th-century fortress gate. Night photographers: the 9PM-12AM lighting casts dramatic shadows on the stone base. Use DDP's glow as a modern contrast.
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Seoul Botanic Park
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Climate-themed greenhouse complex. The Mediterranean Garden's domed ceiling creates perfect ring-light selfies. Visit weekdays to avoid kids field trips.
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Namsangol Hanok Village
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Traditional house cluster with mountain views. Time your visit with the 2PM tea ceremony demo for cultural content. The maple trees frame autumn reels best.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream
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Urban renewal waterway. Location of iconic scenes including the Netflix series Sens8. Lantern Festival nights (Nov-Dec) are magical, but for daily content, the "Turbulent Waves" light art near Gwangtonggyo bridges
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ARC·N·BOOK
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Arch-shaped bookstore near City Hall. The mirrored ceiling creates infinite tunnel shots - lie centered on the floor. Quiet hours before 11AM ensure no photobombers.
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Yongma Land
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Abandoned 1980s amusement park. Tip: ₩10,000 entry includes LED rentals for neon-lit retro photos. The carousel and bumper cars are top backdrops for Y2K fashion accounts.
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Seoullo 7017
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Repurposed highway skygarden. At night, the "Starlight Road" section with 240,000 LED flowers creates a Milky Way effect. Use a gimbal for smooth walking shots.
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Itaewon-dong
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Itaewon's hilly location provides excellent vantage points for capturing stunning cityscape shots. Many rooftop bars and restaurants offer panoramic views of Seoul's skyline, including iconic landmarks like Namsan Tower. We recommend "The Finest Lounge" for stunning views and great drinks.
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Oil Tank Culture Park
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Converted 1970s fuel storage site. The rusted Tank #5 with wildflower roof is industrial-chic heaven. Golden hour highlights the curved metal textures.
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Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
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Labyrinth of trendy shops in traditional houses. The round "Madang" courtyard with string lights is prime dinner content. Tag @sikmul_ikseon for reshare chances from the top local cafe.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream (Dongdaemun Area)
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Eastern section with art installations. The "Submerged Stone Garden" near Dongdaemun Market has stepping stones that create ripple patterns.
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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
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Avant-garde exhibitions. Check their IG stories for pop-up "Night Museum" events (8PM-10PM) with projection mapping on the brutalist facade.
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Like this Free Guide? Here is how you can say Thank You:
Please record a story and tag me @bertomacario and mention how this guide has helped you. This is going to support my growth so I can help even more people. I hope you've had a great time in Seoul!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Berto Macario
I’m a Creative Director and photographer constantly on the move and with a great eye for what's unique. I’ve always travelled with one purpose: to find inspiration in the art and stories that cities quietly hold. From street art and murals to hidden gems, these discoveries fuel my creativity—and now, I’m sharing them with you through my travel guides.
Born in Brazil, now based in Australia, and an investor in Bali, I create guides that help you see the world differently—through a creative lens, uncovering untold stories, one wall, one street, and one moment at a time.
What you’ll find in my guides: Meticulously selected itineraries, creative spots, refined recommendations, local & hand-picked places, and stunning, Instagram-worthy locations.
What you won’t find: Tourist traps.
Ready to explore with me? Let’s uncover the world’s most inspiring corners together.
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