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7 Most Instagrammable Spots in Seoul
From hanbok photos at Gyeongbokgung Palace to the neon-lit Han River and Zaha Hadid's Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul moves between centuries within a single afternoon.
Sep 24, 2026 · BigTravel.in
Seoul moves fast between eras, a 14th-century royal palace sits a short walk from a titanium-clad design museum, and a Han River sunset is never more than a subway ride away. Between its palaces, hanok villages and a skyline built for night photography, it is one of Asia's most consistently photogenic capitals. Here are seven of its most Instagrammable spots.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok
Seoul's largest royal palace, first built in 1395, is at its best for photos when paired with a rented hanbok, the flowing traditional Korean dress; wearing one also gets you free palace entry. The changing-of-the-guard ceremony in the main courtyard is a reliable set piece.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighbourhood of centuries-old hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, its narrow, sloped lanes are the closest thing central Seoul has to a living historical streetscape. Note that some residential sections restrict visitor access after 5pm out of respect for residents.
3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Zaha Hadid's curving, futuristic exhibition hall is one of the city's most striking pieces of contemporary architecture, its silver, seamless form standing in deliberate contrast to the traditional hanok villages elsewhere in the city.
4. N Seoul Tower and Namsan
Perched atop Namsan mountain, N Seoul Tower gives panoramic views over the entire city and is especially popular after dark, when Seoul's skyline lights up below.
5. Ikseon-dong's hanok cafe alleys
A pocket of restored hanok buildings turned into cafes and boutiques near Jongno, Ikseon-dong pairs traditional architecture with a livelier, design-led atmosphere than the more residential hanok villages.
6. Banpo Bridge and the Han River
The Banpo Bridge's Rainbow Fountain, one of the world's longest bridge fountains, runs coloured light-and-water shows over the Han River on selected evenings, best viewed from the riverside parks on either bank.
7. Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake
At over 500 metres, Lotte World Tower is one of the world's tallest buildings, with an observation deck offering sweeping views; the adjacent Seokchon Lake, ringed with cherry trees, is a popular spot each spring.
Traveller tips
- Hanbok rental shops cluster around Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon; renting one also gives free entry to several of the city's palaces.
- Seoul's subway is extensive and easy to use for reaching all of these spots without needing taxis.
- Spring cherry blossoms and fine, clear autumn days are generally considered the two best photography seasons.
- Some hanok village lanes are residential; keep noise down and respect posted visiting-hour restrictions.
Where this is
Seoul, South Korea