15 Best Photo Spots in Seoul: Hidden Gems & Iconic Views

1. Namsan Baekbeom Square (Baekbeom Plaza)

If you’re looking for one of the best photo spots in Seoul, Namsan Baekbeom Square should be on your list. Sitting at the top of Namsan Mountain, it gives you incredible views of the city, especially around sunset when the skyline lights start to sparkle.

One of the coolest things here is the contrast between the old city wall and the modern skyscrapers. It makes for photos that really capture Seoul’s mix of history and contemporary life. And if you’re into landmarks, Seoul Tower is right there, perfect for day or night shots.

The square also honors General Kim Hong-jip, an important figure in Korea’s independence history. Even if you’re just here for the photos, knowing a bit of the story adds an extra layer to the visit.

Photography Tips:

• Lenses: A 35mm works great for cityscapes and portraits with the skyline behind you. A zoom lens helps if you want to capture details of the tower or distant city scenes.
• Timing: Sunset gives the best light, but early morning can be peaceful if you want fewer people in your shots.
• Crowds: Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset for the best spots without too many tourists.

Getting There: Take the short but steep climb from Namsan Park entrance, or follow the path from Hohyeondang for a scenic approach with some great views along the way.

2. Bukchon Village

Bukchon Village is a must-visit for anyone looking to snap some truly Instagram-worthy shots in Seoul. Nestled between Changgyeonggung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces, this charming district is a living snapshot of South Korea’s cultural heritage.

Take your time wandering the narrow alleys lined with well-preserved Hanoks, traditional Korean houses. The mix of old architecture against Seoul’s modern skyline creates unique photo opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.

The village is also dotted with small cafes, art galleries, and local boutiques. These spots are perfect for quick photo breaks, but keep in mind that many open later in the morning, so plan accordingly.

Photography Tips:

• Lenses: A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrow alleys and Hanok clusters, while a zoom lens helps isolate details or frame the houses with Seoul Tower in the background.
• Best time to shoot: Early morning is ideal, fewer tourists, soft light, and the alleys are peaceful. Sunrise visits are magical if you can manage it.
• Respect the neighborhood: Remember, this is a residential area. Keep noise to a minimum and be considerate of locals, especially in the morning.

📍 If you’re chasing that iconic Bukchon street you’ve seen in postcards, head to Jaundang Guesthouse. Google Maps can be confusing, so using this as your target will get you straight to the picturesque heart of the village.

My experience visiting Bukchon Village

We woke up early in the morning to visit Bukchon Village around 8 am. Booked the taxi and put Gain Hanok Guesthouse as our destination – this way you will arrive from the top of the village and you will skip the climb.

We were prepared to see the crowds considering the popularity of this place, but we were exhausted from the day before, and that was the best we could do.

And yet, it was basically empty! I have to mention that this was during cherry blossom season, so I didn’t have high hopes.

Later in the day, we decided to book a traditional Korean hanbok and dress up. At some point, we ended up at the Bukchon Village, and it was a completely different experience.

Yes, it was packed with people, but I loved the lively atmosphere in the area. Keep in mind that most of the people are wearing hanbok, so the scene around you is very cool. We also managed to see a lot of shops, which is a highlight of this area.

3. Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is one of Seoul’s most photogenic spots and a must-visit for travelers who love history and photography.

Built in 1483, it has served many roles over the centuries, from a queen’s residence to a venue for state affairs, and has survived periods of destruction and reconstruction. Today, it’s a stunning window into Korea’s royal past and architectural evolution.

One highlight not to miss is the Grand Greenhouse, Korea’s first Western-style greenhouse, built in 1909. The steel-and-wood structure, covered in glass, makes for unique photos that contrast beautifully with the palace’s traditional architecture.

Photography Tips:

• Lenses: The palace complex is large and varied, so bring a wide-angle for sweeping shots and a zoom lens for capturing architectural details.
• Timing: Early morning or late afternoon is best for soft light and fewer crowds.

Practical Info:

• Guided tours: Free English tours at 11 am and 4 pm
• Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm (last entry 1 hour before closing)
• Closed: Mondays
• Entrance fee: 1,000 KRW

4. Changdeokung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Seoul, is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, architecture, and photography.

Built in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a secondary palace where kings could escape the city and connect with nature. The complex includes grand halls, royal residences, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it one of Seoul’s most photogenic spots.

Be sure to explore Injeongjeon, the main hall, for unique architecture and a glimpse into Korea’s royal past. Another highlight is the Secret Garden, a peaceful area with ponds, pavilions, and lush greenery.

It’s particularly stunning during spring and fall when nature is at its peak. Access is limited to guided tours, with 100 visitors per session, 50 reserved online and 50 available on-site, first-come, first-served.

Photography Tips:

• Lenses: Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the palace grounds, while zoom lenses help highlight architectural details or distant garden views.
• Timing: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for soft lighting and fewer crowds.

Practical Info:

• Free guided tours in English: Palace at 10:15 am & 1:15 pm; Secret Garden at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm
• Opening hours:
  • June–August: 9 am – 6:30 pm
  • November–January: 9 am – 5:30 pm
  • Rest of the year: 9 am – 6 pm
• Closed: Mondays
• Entrance fee: 3,000 KRW for the palace, plus 5,000 KRW for the Secret Garden

5. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. Inside the grounds, the National Folk Museum of Korea showcases fascinating artifacts from Korea’s royal past, while the palace’s tower offers a classic Seoul photo opportunity.

One of the highlights is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun, held daily at 10 am and 2 pm (except Tuesdays). The vibrant costumes and precise movements make for unique photos and a real sense of stepping back in time.

Other spots not to miss include Heungnyemun Gate, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, and Geunjeongjeon Hall. Planning 2–3 hours lets you explore these areas at a comfortable pace. You can even watch the guard ceremony from outside the gate if you don’t want to enter.

Practical Info: The palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm in winter, 9 am to 6:30 pm in summer, and until 6 pm the rest of the year. Closed on Tuesdays, with an entrance fee of 3,000 KRW. Free English tours run at 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.

Extra tip! Want to save money during your Seoul trip?

 If you are planning to visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (including the garden), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine during your trip, consider opting for the combination ticket.

This ticket costs 10000 KRW and can be bought at any ticket booth. It remains valid for 3 months, so you can spread out these attractions during your time in Seoul.

If you’ve already purchased a separate admission ticket on the same day, presenting your combination ticket at the ticket booth allows you to receive a refund.

6. Starfield Library

Starfield Library, inside Starfield COEX Mall, is one of Seoul’s most Instagram-worthy spots. Since opening in 2017, it has become a favorite for photographers.

The towering bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling, creating a dramatic backdrop, while the open-air central square, framed by glass walls, makes every angle picture-perfect.

The iconic escalator shot is a must, but a little planning goes a long way. Find your angle and lens before hopping on, you’ll save time and avoid endless trips up and down.

Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the full scale, a 35mm works well for personal shots on the escalator, and a zoom lens helps you pick out unique details in the books or design.

Opening times and the entrance fee

While the name suggests that this is a library, this is just a book shop, which means that you don’t need a library card, and there is no entrance fee to see this beautiful place in Seoul.

While Google says that it is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm, this is not entirely true. We wanted to be there at the opening time and ended up at the library at 10.15 am. And guess what? It was already full of people comfortably working on their laptops, which makes me think it was open for a while.

I am not sure what time they open, but I would recommend coming around 10 am. 15 minutes after our arrival, the place was flooded with people, which made it almost impossible to take photos. Especially if you want to iconic photo on the escalator.

7. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple and one of the best top-rated sights in Seoul. And yet, it is often left behind by tourists, which makes it one of the secret photography spots in Seoul.

The temple, with its rich history dating back to the late 14th century, serves as a spiritual center for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Despite being in a busy part of the city, Jogyesa exudes a serene ambiance.

On the temple grounds, you will find a lot of brightly colored lanterns. These lanterns play a symbolic role in various Buddhist celebrations and add a unique touch to the temple complex. Especially when you see how well it blends with the earthy tones of the temple structures.

The main Daeungjeon Hall, the central worship hall of Jogyesa, is a place of quiet reverence. Inside, you’ll find a large Buddha statue surrounded by intricate wooden carvings and traditional Korean decorations. 

Recommended equipment

To take some extraordinary photos take a wide-angle lens to capture as many details as possible. The decorations all around the complex are colorful and give you the chance to snap some unique shots and give a boost to your Seoul photography trip.

8. Seoul Book Repository

Looking for hidden photo spots in Seoul? Seoul Book Repository should be on the top of your list. It is like a little cousin of Starfield Library – a smaller bookshop that offers a more laid-back experience and some great photo opportunities.

Seoul Book Repository founded in 2019 by the local government is the first second-hand book store in Seoul. This unique project received more than 10,000 book donations from all over the city, including rare publishers and some English books.

While the book collection is impressive, the design caught my eye. The repository is built inside an old warehouse and offers a spiral tunnel of books – making it one of the best photo spots in Seoul.

At the end of the stunning tunnel framed by bookshelf arches, you will find a massive mirror that creates an illusion and makes the bookshop look bigger than it is.

Seoul Book Repository gained more popularity after it was featured in the famous Korean drama Hotel del Luna, however, it remains a hidden gem of Seoul. Especially if you compare it to the Starfield Library.

Closest metro station? Jamsillaru Station metro station
Recommended equipment? Anything between 35 to 50 mm lenses.
Opening times? From 10 am to 8 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Best time to take photos? Anytime as it never gets too crowded.

9. Ikseon-dong

If you are looking for a location with several Insta-worthy places in Seoul, Ikseon-dong is the right place to be. The area is popular for being a Hanok Village filled with picturesque alleys and unique cafes. 

This charming district has become an attraction for those seeking a glimpse into Seoul’s historical roots. Walking through the alleyways feels like navigating a living museum, where each hanok tells a story of the past.

Among the hanoks, you’ll find an array of trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. These modern establishments coexist harmoniously with the traditional architecture.

Some of my favorite and most popular cafes in Seoul are Cheongsudang Café and Nakwon. They both are Insta-famous for their aesthetic design, delicious menus, and eye-pleasing servings.

While Cheongsudang Café has a more traditional and neat style, Nakwon shows a more hipster and quirky atmosphere, with even a railway in the yard. Cakes and drinks in both places are simply so beautiful that it’s almost a shame to eat.

A coffee break in both cafes will cost you around 20.000 KRW. Since these cafes are pretty famous, you might have to wait a little to get a table. However, these are some of the best Seoul Instagram spots.

If you don’t want to visit cafes, you still need to see Ikseon-dong and you will find a lot of picturesque corners all over the area.

10. Bongeunsa

Bongeunsa is probably one of the most underrated places in Seoul for photos. I found this spot almost randomly after I was visiting the Starfield Library and I immediately fell in love with this place.

Bongeunsa was made one of the Korean Empire’s 14 major temples in 1902. A fire in 1939 and the Korean War destroyed most of the buildings. Fortunately, the temple has had many repairs and renovations and is now once again a large complex.

At the heart of Bongeunsa stands a majestic 23-meter Maitreya Buddha statue which is also the main attraction of the temple. The traditional architecture of the temple, adorned with intricate details and vibrant colors, creates a perfect location to take some unique Seoul photos. 

Like for other holy places in the city, remember that this is not a playground so always be respectful of the location and the people around you.