For foreign travelers preparing for a trip to Seoul, deciding where to take photos is a crucial part of planning. Wearing traditional hanbok while walking through palaces and capturing images against neon signs in old alleys has become a popular trend. Some even hire professional photographers to ensure they leave with memorable pictures.
Equally important as where to take photos is when to take them. The scenery of Seoul changes dramatically from morning to noon, sunset, and night. In the morning, soft sunlight bathes the tiles of Gyeongbokgung, while in the afternoon, the waters of Cheonggyecheon shimmer. As the sun sets, the Naksan Fortress glows red, and the alleys of Euljiro come alive with neon lights.
As September brings cooler breezes, the Seoul Tourism Foundation recommends Gyeongbokgung, Mullae-dong Creative Village, Cheonggyecheon, Naksan Park, and Euljiro as prime photo spots throughout the day. Here’s a guide to capturing the essence of Seoul from morning to night.
Morning Sunshine at Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung is ideal in the morning. Arriving right after it opens allows visitors to enjoy the relatively quiet palace before the crowds arrive. The morning light enhances the colors of the eaves and traditional paintings, harmonizing beautifully with the hanbok.
From Geunjeongjeon, one can capture both Bukaksan and Inwangsan mountains in a single frame. The corridors surrounding Geunjeongjeon also provide excellent photo opportunities. Positioning a subject between the red pillars creates a natural depth in the image.
At Gyeonghoeru, consider capturing reflections of the pavilion in the pond. Lowering your angle from the southwest corner of the pond allows for a stunning shot that includes the sky, pavilion, and water reflections. Inside the palace, Hyangwonjeong offers a charming bridge and natural surroundings as a backdrop.
The stone walls and layered tiled roofs around Gyotaejeon and Jagyeongjeon are visually striking, allowing for a different aesthetic compared to the ornate structures. After exploring Gyeongbokgung, visitors can stroll through the nearby neighborhoods of Seochon or Samcheong-dong, where traditional houses and cafes intermingle, or experience the 'yeopjeon dosirak' by purchasing food at Tongin Market.
Midday in Mullae-dong
As the sun rises higher, head to Mullae-dong Creative Village. This area is a blend of old ironworks, workshops, cafes, and restaurants.
Mullae-dong has transformed from a steel alley established in the 1960s into a hub for artists since the 2000s. At lunchtime, the strong sunlight casts sharp contrasts between the iron structures and the narrow alleyways.
Murals adorn the shutters of old ironworks, and over 50 murals and sculptures made from scrap metal can be found throughout the area. The unique combination of active metalworking shops and artistic displays creates a scene that is exclusive to Mullae-dong. When taking photos, be mindful not to disturb the workers or residents.
Many cafes and workshops have preserved the skeletal structures of old ironworks, showcasing a blend of aged bricks and rusted doors with newly designed interiors. Visitors can also drop by artists' studios to participate in one-day classes in metal or pottery crafts, creating their own travel souvenirs.
Afternoon at Cheonggyecheon
In the afternoon, make your way to Cheonggyecheon. As the sun begins to set, the light filtering between the buildings sparkles on the water's surface. This waterway offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
As the sunlight angles down, it creates shimmering reflections on the water, complemented by the willows and grass along the banks. Capture photos on the stepping stones with the water and sunlight as your backdrop, or take a break on the riverside promenade. Recently, more foreign travelers have been seen dipping their feet in the water.
Cheonggyecheon features alternating shaded and sunlit areas beneath the bridges. Utilizing these contrasting light conditions can yield diverse atmospheres in your photos. Near Gwangtonggyo, glimpses of old Seoul can be seen, with remnants of the ancient path leading to the royal palace blending with modern urban scenery.
Moving along Cheonggyecheon to the Seun Sangga pedestrian walkway, visitors can explore cafes, independent bookstores, and vintage LP shops nestled among the old electronics market. As the sun sets, the 'Cheonggye Soul Ocean' can be experienced under Gwanggyo, where the 'Mermaids Swim at Night' event allows visitors to float their hand-painted mermaids on the water until the end of the year.
Sunset at Naksan Park
As the sun sets, it’s time to head to Naksan Park. This location offers a panoramic view of the Hanyangdoseong fortress and the skyline of downtown Seoul.
From Naksan Park, visitors can overlook Namsan Seoul Tower and the Dongdaemun area. As the sun lowers, the stone surfaces of the fortress absorb a warm glow. The fortress trail from Dongdaemun to Hyehwa Gate creates varying shadows depending on the direction of light.
The Naksan fortress trail has gained popularity among international fans after being featured in the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' series, leading many to visit and capture photos along this historic path.
There’s no need to rush down after sunset. The 'blue hour' follows shortly after sunset, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes, during which the sky transforms into a deep blue. Lights begin to illuminate the fortress and gradually light up the city beyond.
The golden hour occurs just before sunset, while the blue hour follows as the sky retains its blue hue after the sun has set. Given the brief duration of these moments, it’s advisable to arrive early to scout out ideal photo spots.
After walking the fortress trail, visitors can head to Daehangno to catch a play or musical, or visit cafes like Hakrim Coffee and Hanyakbang, which retain the ambiance of the 1970s and 1980s.
Night in Euljiro
As darkness falls, the final destination is Euljiro. The alleys that once housed printing shops and hardware stores come alive with lights. Neon signs in vibrant colors transform the streets into a different scene than during the day.
The Nogari Alley near Euljiro 3-ga station becomes bustling at night. The narrow alley is lined with shop lights and neon signs, revealing faded buildings and signs from the past.
As you venture deeper into the alleys, the walls and old signs show the passage of time, blending with the neon lights of newly opened establishments. This mix of different eras is why Euljiro is often referred to as 'Hipjiro.'
At night, neon signs can serve as the main light source for photos. Positioning lights behind your subject allows for a striking contrast between the dark alley and the vibrant neon.
After taking photos, consider visiting one of Euljiro's long-standing eateries or stopping by a nearby LP bar or wine bar. Heading toward Dongdaemun, you can also encounter the DDP. The contrast between the remnants of the old industrial alleys in Euljiro and the modern architecture of the DDP showcases two different sides of Seoul at night.
From the morning at Gyeongbokgung to the night in Euljiro, carrying a camera allows you to experience the many faces of Seoul in just one day.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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