Photographing Seoul
Seoul, the capital, is a vast metropolis of more than nine million people set along the Han River and ringed by mountains. It juxtaposes grand Joseon-dynasty palaces and traditional hanok quarters with neon-lit shopping districts and futuristic architecture.
Where to shoot
- Gyeongbokgung — the largest Joseon palace, its throne hall set against Bugaksan, with daily guard-changing ceremonies
- Bukchon Hanok Village — sloping lanes of traditional tiled houses between the palaces, calmest at dawn
- N Seoul Tower — the Namsan summit tower offering panoramic skyline views by day and night
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza — Zaha Hadid's flowing silver-clad landmark, lit up after dark
- Gyeongbokgung's throne hall with Bukhansan behind
- Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (guided entry only)
- The changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun
- Hanbok colour against grey palace stone
- The stepped alley view over hanok roofs
- Samcheong-dong's café-lined lanes
- Ivy and tile detail on the old walls
- Skyline contrast — tile roofs against towers
- The full city grid lighting up at blue hour
- Layered apartment towers through a telephoto
- The love-lock fences framing the skyline
- Namsan's wooded trails in autumn colour
- Hongdae's buskers and murals after dark
- Neon and signage reflected in wet streets
- Han River bridges lit at night
- Banpo Bridge's fountain (summer evenings)
When to go
Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for crisp weather and foliage are ideal; avoid the humid summer monsoon and bitterly cold winter.
What to eat
Korean barbecue grilled at the table, bibimbap, kimchi in countless forms, and street snacks such as tteokbokki and hotteok in the night markets.
Where to stay
Staying near Gyeongbokgung and Insadong places the palaces, hanok villages and downtown all on foot, while Myeongdong suits shoppers.
The hanok lanes of Bukchon are residential and quietest at dawn, when you can walk the sloping streets and tiled rooftops before the crowds and rented hanbok arrive.
Read more in South Korea: Seoul, Busan & the Provinces and 3 Days in Seoul: A Photographer's Itinerary.
