Picture-Perfect Seoul: 6 Must-Visit Spots for the Best Travel Photos (2025 Edition)
Want your trip to Seoul to live forever on Instagram? These iconic and hidden locations offer the perfect mix of culture, architecture, and lighting for unforgettable travel shots.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
No photo diary of Seoul is complete without this palace. Rent a hanbok and enjoy free entry, then pose in front of the majestic gates, lotus ponds, and golden rooflines. Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
Just a short walk from the palace, this village of traditional Korean homes offers dramatic sloped rooftops, narrow lanes, and old-meets-new vibes. Avoid peak hours for cleaner backdrops and bring a neutral-toned outfit to complement the wood tones.
3. Eungbongsan & Seoul Forest (응봉산 + 서울숲)
For cherry blossoms in spring and golden reeds in autumn, head to Eungbongsan — a local favorite for scenic photos. Combine your trip with a walk through Seoul Forest, where you can capture shots of deer, mirror ponds, and modern glass bridges.
4. Seoullo 7017 & Sunset Spots
This elevated walkway near Seoul Station turns ordinary cityscapes into cinematic backdrops. Visit at dusk to catch the city lighting up below your feet. Bonus: the nearby old Seoul Station building makes a great retro-style shoot location.
5. Ikseon-dong Alley (익선동 골목)
A maze of hanok houses converted into trendy cafes, vintage shops, and cocktail bars. Every corner offers a new composition. Capture yourself sipping a drink under fairy lights or framed by pastel doors and floral signage.
6. Nodeul Island (노들섬)
A small island on the Han River with wide bridges, modern architecture, and music stages. It’s perfect for dynamic, editorial-style photos with Seoul Tower in the distance. Go at twilight for city lights and river reflections.
Dr. Beau's Note
Travel is about memories — and photos make them tangible. Seoul isn’t just photogenic; it tells a story through every alley, sunset, and hanok shadow. So whether you’re holding a selfie stick or a mirrorless camera, follow the light and let the city frame you.