Ultimate Seoul Photo Guide: Epic Tips for Travelers
My son and I landed in Seoul in the late afternoon looking like extras from a zombie movie. Jet lagged, slightly feral, but determined not to nap, we dropped our bags in Myeong-dong and headed straight back out with one goal:
Stay awake until sunset… and find something pretty to point a camera at.
We wandered past Cheonggyecheon Stream, grabbed our first matcha drink (instantly addicted), and ended our first evening watching the light fade around Gwanghwamun Gate, the grand entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Non-stop flights from ATL to Seoul are no joke. But the photos? Worth every cramped inch of legroom.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Beautiful, Crowded, and… Technically Closed
Next up: Bukchon Hanok Village, also known as “So many people, so little sidewalk.”
Bukchon is a historic neighborhood of traditional hanok houses wedged between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. It’s gorgeous—and extremely popular. So popular, in fact, that you’re not allowed to visit in the early morning to give residents some peace.
Naturally, we arrived early.
Naturally, I didn’t see the enormous signs explaining that.
By the time I noticed, I already had a memory card full of “forbidden” photos. Oops.
We came back later in the day when it was legal but much busier. Even with the crowds, it’s a fun place to wander, especially if you like narrow alleys, tiled roofs, and pretending you live in a K-drama.
Photo tips for Bukchon Hanok Village
Be respectful—this is a real neighborhood, not a movie set.
Go later in the morning or toward late afternoon when it’s open and the light gets softer.
Bring a longer lens (70–200mm range) to compress all those rooftops and avoid including 400 other tourists in every frame.
Bukchon is a pretty area to wander in. We returned later that day for a few photographs, but the amount of tourists can be off-putting. Bukchon Hanok Village is featured in the K-pop animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters as a picturesque backdrop for scenic and emotional moments, such as a rooftop scene where characters sing together. Fans can visit the real-life location at 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to walk through alleys lined with traditional hanok houses, just like in the series
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Architecture Heaven, Tricky Light
Our first big “wow” moment in Seoul was Gyeongbokgung Palace. The architecture is stunning, the grounds are huge, and the history is… intense. Much of the original complex was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, and only a portion has been rebuilt. Even so, it’s an incredible place to explore and photograph.
My one big complaint as a photographer?
Opening time: 9:00 a.m.
In August, golden hour starts around 5 a.m., when sane people are asleep and photographers are chasing light. Unfortunately, the palace is wrapped in high walls, so you can’t really photograph much from the outside. By the time the gates open, the sun is high and harsh.
So yes, I’m already plotting a winter trip to catch these palaces in soft, low light.
We spent hours wandering through the courtyards and halls, stumbling onto a photographer doing a full hanbok fashion shoot. I may or may not have borrowed his models with my telephoto lens. (Free models are the best models.)
Photo tips for Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bring water. And then bring more water. August in Seoul is no joke.
Arrive before opening so you’re near the front of the line at 9:00 a.m.
Look for doorways and gates to frame the main halls—instant depth and context.
If you see people wearing hanbok, use them to give scale and a sense of place.
Soul Korea Gyeongbokgung Palace watercolor landscape fine art painting Asian architecture handmade item travel essentials Korean (original)
Original and fine art prints available HERE
Original and fine art prints available HERE
Gangnam & Starfield Library: Doing It “Gangnam Style” (Indoors, With A/C)
When the August heat started to melt our brains, we did the sensible thing and went indoors—straight to the Starfield Library in COEX Mall.
Imagine a library designed by someone who really, really wanted you to post it on Instagram:
towering bookshelves, escalators weaving through the space, and people everywhere pointing phones at everything. It’s air-conditioned, photogenic, and a perfect break from the heat.
This was also where our chopstick skills were publicly judged. Multiple people laughed (kindly) at how we were holding them. Within 24 hours I had become very aware of proper chopstick posture. By day three, I was almost passable. Almost.
Photo tips for Starfield Library
Try a slow shutter speed and let the people blur a little—instant motion and energy.
Go a bit earlier in the day to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Shoot wide to capture the full height of the shelves.
N Seoul Tower: Skyline Views (Don’t Rush the Climb)
On our third night, we headed up to N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower or YTN Seoul Tower) for the classic Seoul skyline view at sunset.
Spoiler: everyone else had the same idea.
It gets crowded, and you’ll need to politely elbow your way to a good spot at the railing. If a table opens up near a viewpoint, claim it like your life depends on it. There’s a bar nearby, so you can fortify yourself with a drink while you defend your territory.
We hiked up via the Namsan Dulle-gil Trail, which is shorter but still makes you earn that skyline.
The surprise? Some of the best views weren’t from the top of the tower at all, but from lower down the hill, where the skyscrapers rise above the tree-covered ridges. From way up high everything flattens out; from mid-slope you really see the city climbing over the landscape.
Photo tips for N Seoul Tower
Bring a small tripod or a camera with good stabilization if you want blue-hour shots.
Plan to arrive well before sunset to grab a spot.
Don’t rush straight to the top—stop at lookouts along the trail on the way up or down.
Korean Baseball at Jamsil: High Energy, High Volume
Bucket-list item: see a Korean baseball game.
As a baseball fan (especially minor league ball), I knew the KBO was a big deal, but I wasn’t ready for how over-the-top fun it would be.
We scored outfield seats at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on a hot, sticky evening, and the place was packed. Every player had their own song or chant, there were cheerleaders, live music, and the crowd stayed loud and enthusiastic the entire game. It felt like playoff energy from first pitch to last out.
A few differences from American stadium life:
- You can bring food into the stadium, and there are tons of vendors outside.
- If you buy outfield seats, you stay in the outfield. There are gates keeping you from wandering into the “fancier” parts of the stadium. Apparently, mingling between sections is discouraged for us common folk.
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s worth going for the energy and photos alone.
Photo tips for Jamsil Stadium
Capture small details—food, signs, and the constant motion in the stands.
A fast lens (f/2.8 or so) will help in the evening light.
Aim for crowd shots, cheer squads, and wide stadium views, not just the players.
Culture Station Seoul: Trainspotting With a View
If you’re taking trains within Korea, you’ll probably end up at Seoul Station near the Culture Station Seoul 284 building. It’s a huge, busy knot of tunnels, escalators, and mild confusion.
I spent longer than I care to admit trying to find a good elevated vantage point for a photo of the station area.
Here’s the shortcut so you don’t have to:
Head to the Yonsei Severance Building and look for the above-ground walkways. From there you get a terrific view of the Cultural Station and surrounding tracks.
You’re welcome.
From Photo to Painting: Gyeongbokgung in Monochrome
All those palace photos eventually turned into a painting.
I created a monochrome watercolor of Gyeongbokgung Palace using Daniel Smith’s Lunar Black—a super-granulating pigment that looks a little dull in the palette but comes alive with plenty of water and patience.
My goal was to capture that feeling of melting in the August heat while standing in the vast courtyard looking back at the palace. Lunar Black did the heavy lifting; gravity and drying time did the rest.
The original and fine art prints are available HERE (shameless plug and proud of it).
FAQs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is Seoul worth visiting?
Absolutely! Seoul offers an incredible mix of ancient history and modern innovation. You’ll find beautiful palaces, vibrant neighborhoods, outstanding public transportation, fascinating architecture, and some of the best food I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. It’s one of my favorite cities in Asia.
How many days do you need in Seoul?
I recommend spending at least three full days in Seoul, although four or five days would be even better. My son and I stayed for several days and still didn’t have time to visit museums or explore Changdeokgung Palace, the Secret Garden (Huwon), Changgyeonggung Palace, and Unhyeonggung Palace. There is far more to see than most first-time visitors expect.
What’s the best time to visit Seoul?
I wouldn’t recommend visiting in August unless you don’t mind intense heat and humidity. I think spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Is Seoul expensive?
Compared to many major cities around the world, I found Seoul to be surprisingly affordable. Comfortable three-star hotels can often be found for under $100 per night, public transportation is inexpensive, and there are countless excellent restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal without spending a fortune.
Can you visit Seoul without speaking Korean?
Yes. I don’t speak Korean, and I had no difficulty getting around. Most subway stations, tourist attractions, and major streets include English signage, and many restaurants offer English menus or picture menus. Translation apps also make communication easy when needed.
Is Seoul safe for tourists?
Yes. Seoul is one of the safest large cities I’ve visited. My son and I felt comfortable walking throughout the city during both the day and evening, and the clean streets, efficient transportation, and friendly locals made it an enjoyable place to explore.
South Korea Travel Guide: Photography, Itineraries & Watercolor Inspiration
- Seoul
- Gyeongju
- Gamcheon
- Haedong Yonggungsa
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- N Seoul Tower
- Korean Food
- Korea Watercolor Paintings
- Korea Print Collection
- Korea YouTube Videos
References:
Transportation: Get a T-Card (Seriously, Just Do It)
If you’re using public transit, a T-Card is essential.
- Pick one up at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, GS25, or at subway kiosks.
- Tap when you enter and when you exit buses and subways. Forgetting to tap out can confuse the system (ask me how I know).
- The best part? You can use the same card all over South Korea, including cities like Busan. No need for a new pass in every city.
If only the rest of the world worked this smoothly. I found online information about T-Cards HERE
Hotel
Located in the heart of the Myeongdong shopping area- minutes away from Seoul Tower and metro stations
Other Hotels:
A nice choice too:
Coffee
Unfortunately, most bakeries and coffee shops in Seoul don’t open until 7:30/8 a.m. For photographers chasing summer sunrises, that means being up hours before your first shot of caffeine—an impossible situation. I was convinced I’d die of coffee deprivation before then. My advice: stock up the day before on supermarket iced coffees and drink just enough to survive until the cafés open (a strategy I tested and can confirm works).
My son and I arrived in mid-morning so we did not have to deal with this problem.
Tours
Find things to do in – day trips (museums and public transport), and more:
https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.h5p5bhV
Travel Guides
Here is the recently published Lonely Planet Guide. This is what I used to plan the trip (in conjunction with the all-beloved internet):
Another travel guide available for :
Flights:
My son and I arrived at Incheon International Airport. There are plenty of express trains that bring you into the city.
Trains:
KTX Trains- high speed trains that run from major destinations all over country. Fast and efficient.
https://www.koreantrain.com/train-seoul-busan
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Ryan Fox AWS, NWS, TWSA
Ryan Fox Painting
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