12 Satisfying Photo Spots In Seoul

Seoul is one of the trendiest cities I have ever been to in East Asia. It really caters to the current social media and Instagram generation that loves to travel. Many of the following activities are not just a feast for the eyes and gram, but also just a feast. Many Seoul attractions have a tendency to not just offer photo opportunities but also a great variety of food and shopping for visitors. Check out the following list of things to do and attractions to visit which range from being historical to modern, and always Instagrammable.

1. Myeongdong

Myeongdong is probably the most popular district in Seoul. This street market is amongst my favorites in Asia because it’s easily accessible by transit and has many hotel options nearby. It’s a unique area in which designer brands and bootleg street goods come together. Along with a variety of shopping choices, there’s also an endless supply of street food. My favorite kimchi pancake, spicy tteokbokki, and bubble tea were all found here.

A few of the many many street foods available at Myeongdong.

2. Jogyesa Temple

The temples in Korea follow the same logic as most of the temples in an East Asian country. Once you have seen a few, you’ve seen them all. Jogyesa Temple was an exception though because of its size and architecture. Outside of special events, this temple is still worth visiting since it’s the main Buddhist temple of Korea.

Luckily, I visited during the city’s Lotus Lantern Festival and got to enjoy Jogyesa at its best.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Though I appreciate the unique architecture that every country has to offer, similar to temples, once you’ve seen one palace, you’ve seen them all. Instead of going around and visiting the many palaces and gates of Seoul, I chose Gyeongbokgung solely because of its popularity. It is one of those places though that can be dropped from an itinerary if you’re tight on time because there’s very little to do here either than enjoy the view.

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

IMO Busan’s Gamcheon Cultural Village is the best village in Korea. That said, Bukchon can hold its own. Though smaller and more traditional, Bukchon is no less popular due to offering some pretty good food, shopping, and traditional architecture for visitors. The prime reason for coming to this village for most visitors though is to rent a hanbok from nearby stores and walk around the village. While I wasn’t keen on getting dressed up because of all the photography gear I carry, I was envious of all the visitors who were able to do so.

5. Common Ground

Korea has so many shopping areas and options that it was hard to decide where to go when I was first planning my trip. Amongst these options, Common Ground stood out as a novelty shopping experience. This is because the shopping area consists of 200 shipping containers. Along with brand names, the grounds also house some mid-sized boutiques and novelty stores. Most store items were overpriced to suit the novel and trendy atmosphere but this was okay since people don’t come here to actually shop. Instead, Common Ground is an Instagram spot with many people coming to take pictures with the shipping containers as a backdrop. If none of that appeals to you, the grounds also have some pretty trendy restaurants and food trucks.

6. Bonguensa Temple

Due to its size and because it was another temple, I wouldn’t have gone to Bonguensa if it hadn’t been near Starfield Library. Since it was on the way though, I dropped by the temple to check out the large Buddha sculpture that is central to the temple.

7. Starfield Library

Located in the center of COEX Mall, and therefore strangely difficult to find, Starfield Library is a beautiful open space. The library offers a wide selection of books and magazines for readers but that’s not why I came here. Instead, I came to check out the the wall of books beside the escalator which has become Instafamous for providing an amazing background for pictures.

Luckily, as long as you are quiet and respectful, nobody minds when you pull out a giant camera and proceed with your photoshoot.

8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Need I mention that the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is also Instafamous? What can I say, Seoul really caters to the current generation. Sometimes it’s intentional but the DDP’s insta vibe really suits the overall purpose of the building. The main goal of DDP is to provide creatives with a place to display their works. Since it’s still unfinished, the plaza’s current exhibitions are free to the public. They were pretty interesting to check out but the true piece of art is the building itself. So many beautiful lines and curves. It was hard to stop taking pictures, as you can tell by my boyfriend’s demeanour below after the 100th time that I told him to “go stand over there and look candid”.

The two main draws of the building are the LED rose garden outside the building and the winding wooden steps pictured below. My photographer’s heart loved this place.

9. Street Festivals

While planning your trip to Korea, be sure to do some research about special festivals or cultural events that may be taking place during your trip. When travelling East Asian countries, it’s almost guaranteed that something is happening. During my trip I was lucky enough to catch the Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival. During the event, teams from all over the world come to perform for the crowds and display their lantern creations during the street parade.

The name “lantern festival” is a bit misleading since some teams had entire glowing floats. No complaints though, they were dazzling.

10. Bukhansan National Park

I was interested in this national park because of the fortress you can see during the hike. The hike up isn’t difficult but it was long. Thankfully you can easily find your way by following other hikers. Also, once you reach the fortress walls, you can just follow them all the way to the multiple exist from the park. At the bottom of the mountain from where you catch the buses back to Seoul, there are some cute cafes and restaurants to save your life after the three hour hike.

Over the sides of the wall you can catch a beautiful, albeit smoggy, view of Seoul city.

11. Baegundae Peak

The Baegundae Peak trail is one of the most beautiful trails I have ever hiked. I couldn’t believe that there was this much nature just a little bit outside Seoul city and so easily accessible by public transit. The hike up to the peak was hard but really satisfying. With Baegundae though, there is no end to the views. It’s beautiful through and through. The hike is moderate to difficult depending on which path you take to the peak. If you hike the whole way up, it takes about 3 hours. The hike back down takes about half of that depending on your pace. Make sure to take water and food because vending machines are only available at a few of the rest stops at the beginning of the hike. Also, be warned that the last few meters of the hike will require you to literally pull yourself up to the peak using chains. It’s a good idea to have proper climbing shoes and maybe even climbing gloves.

I’m used to hiking mountains where you don’t get to the views until you reach the peak so Baegundae blew me away.

12. Nami Island

Visiting Nami Island was a spontaneous decision during one of my last days in Seoul. It’s a good change of pace if you realize that you have too many days allotted to visiting temples, as I did. The island makes a great half-day trip out of Seoul. Nami Island is actually recognized as a republic that is independent of the Republic of Korea. It has its own diplomatic and cultural policies, and to get onto the island by ferry, you have to purchase a “visa” in the form of a ticket. I wish I had known about this beforehand, but you can also bring your passport and receive a Nami Island stamp to commemorate your trip to the island. There are so many foods, attractions, and activities on the island that you’ll have no problem with filling up half a day or even a full day.

On the island, you can rent bikes, walk through the famous redwoods, enjoy art exhibits, and even visit their residential ostriches.

When I was in high school, I was told that my generation would be the generation that pursues multiple career paths and does at least three different jobs throughout their lifetime. I’d initially laughed at that thought but ten years later, here I am as a full time teacher, part time traveller, and constant animal rescuer. Also, they failed to tell me that two out of the three jobs wouldn’t even pay me.

12 Satisfying Photo Spots in Seoul

1. Myeongdong

2. Jogyesa Temple

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

5. Common Ground

6. Bonguensa Temple

7. Starfield Library

8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

9. Street Festivals

10. Bukhansan National Park

11. Baegundae Peak

12. Nami Island

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1. Myeongdong

2. Jogyesa Temple

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

5. Common Ground

6. Bonguensa Temple

7. Starfield Library

8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

9. Street Festivals

10. Bukhansan National Park

11. Baegundae Peak

12. Nami Island

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