50 Most Instagram Worthy Places in Seoul

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? This guide is going to give you the best Instagram worthy places in Seoul.

My guides are designed to give you the most enviable places for your trip. I know how to traverse around Seoul the way Seoulites do. 

I lived in Korea for almost six years, speak the language, and know my way around like a local. In addition, I know places other novice bloggers (or those visiting Korea for the first time) aren’t aware of.

This guide will contain the best restaurants, cafes, and places to take photos in Seoul. Bookmark this post because I constantly update the most Instagrammable places in Seoul.

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Map of The Most Instagrammable Places in Seoul

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The Most Instagrammable Spots in Seoul

I know Seoul like the back of my hand, all the best things to do, and the best spots to take photos. This list of places will first show the most popular spots and then taper off into places locals know. 

1. Starfield Library at CoEx Mall

If you post any photo taken at the Starfield Library at the Coex Mall, you will be an Instagram sensation. Instagram’s algorithm finds this to be the perfect place.

This mall gets super crowded so be sure to go early since reading books at this library is free. Starfield Library has titles in English, Korean, French, and Spanish.

Photo Tip: Since this is the most photographed library in Asia, if you want good photos, go during the week right when the mall opens. Or go super late at night.

2. Gangnam Style Hands

Just a short walk outside the mall you can find the Gangnam Style Statue.

Were you really in Korea unless you took a photo of the Gangnam Style Hands? This is a tribute to Psy who made his K-pop song go viral. 

Photo Tip: This location isn’t really time dependent. You can go at any time of the day. Stop outside here after taking photos at the Starfield Library.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung is the poster child for Korean culture during the Joseon Dynasty. When you look up Gyeongbokgung on Instagram, you’ll see thousands of images taken here.

This is the holy grail of Seoul Instagram photos and there are lots of places to get awesome content on the vast palace grounds. You’ll also see many tourists renting traditional hanboks.

If you rent Hanbok and wear it, you’ll get free entry into the palaces.

Photo Tip: Gyeongbokgung is always busy! Go during the week right when it opens for the best chance of getting awesome Seoul photos for your Instagram.

4. Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the five grand palaces of Seoul. Do you want to miss out on such a radiant piece of traditional architecture? I sure don’t.

Here’s a pro tip for you! If you get the Discover Seoul Pass, you get a free hanbok rental at Hanoknam plus free entry into the palace! 

Photo Tip: Go during sunset and play with angles because Changdeokgung does get busy.

5. Changdeokgung Secret Garden

Fun Fact. Changdeokgung is the largest of the royal palaces because of the Secret Garden. It was built as a getaway for the king and the most privileged.

The king and his escorts would play drinking games to amuse themselves in the beautiful gardens. The only way to get into the garden is to book a guided tour.

The two most popular seasons to visit the palace are spring with the gorgeous cherry blossom blooms and autumn for the fall foliage. If you’re planning a trip to Korea during these seasons, check out My Ultimate Guide To Spring in South Korea as well as my Comprehensive Guide To Autumn in Korea.

Photo Tip: Since you’re on a tour, you must take photos quickly. While on this tour, a friend of mine and I got left behind by our guide. This allowed us to take as many photos as we wanted. My advice? Conveniently get left behind.

6. Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple is a Buddhist Temple in the heart of Seoul. They have beautiful floral displays throughout the year. 

My favorite was the floral dinosaurs in the Fall of 2020. It is a beautiful and well-maintained temple. 

Photo Tip: Play with your angles here. If you try to take a photo under the tree where you can see the temple, there will be many people in your shot. If you want to avoid that, go during the week.

7. Bukcheon Hanok Village

Recent complaints from residents have now led to tourist restrictions. After 5pm no tourists are allowed at Bukcheon Hanok Village. You can still visit this residential area, so mind your manners and be quiet.

Some of my best Seoul pictures have been taken at Bukchon Hanok Village. This village on the mountain is famous for the traditional Korean houses overlooking the city metropolis.

Photo Tip: Bukcheon Hanok Village has become way too overcrowded with tourists. If you want a beautiful photo, I recommend you get up before the butt crack of dawn to get one. 

8. Ihwa Mural Village

Located near Naksan Park, this plot on the side of the mountain was intended to be a fun village with a lot of street art. Over 70 artists contributed to the “Ihwa-dong Naksan Project” in 2006.

The angel wing mural is a social media favorite. Many popular Seoul Instagram photos are taken here.

Photo Tip: The village isn’t crowded so you can go whenever you’d like to take pictures.

9. StyleNanda Pink Hotel Myeongdong

Pro tip for Korean makeup… Style Nanda 3CE lipsticks are elite. Once you apply the lipstick, that shizz LITERALLY does not budge.

The best place to take photos at this flagship store is the cafe and the lounge area on the rooftop. If you’re curious about my outfit, I have a complete guide on What To Wear During Summer in Korea. 

Photo Tip: The SyleNanda in Myeongdong is great for summer-inspired photos. Go in the morning because the cafe does get busy in the afternoon.

10. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The Dongdaemun Designs Plaza aka the DDP is one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul. It is also one of the most recognizable because of how unique the architecture is. Here you’ll find Seoul Fashion Week being hosted. They also have seasonal exhibits. 

Photo Tip: This place gets busy, but if you take a photo at sunset as the building starts to light up, it looks really cool!

11. Seoul Sky

Inside Seoul Sky, you’ll find five floors for the observation deck. You have to book a ticket to get into Seoul Sky and the best time to visit is late afternoon.

Photo Tip: To get this photo, I went during the week and at sunset. You’re not allowed your tripod, so I asked a really nice man to help me take this one.

12. N Seoul Tower

Namsan Tower is a popular destination in Seoul. Of course, this being the creme de la creme, you can’t miss out on Seoul’s most iconic landmark. There are many Instagram photo zones located around the tower.

Legend has it if you put a lock of love there, you will be with your love forever. Hate to be the troll here, but spoiler alert. Relationships don’t seem to last, but my friendships did.

In any case, it’s also worth it to take the cable car up the mountain and go up to the observation deck, so take photos there too… or forever suffer from FOMO!

Photo Tip: I recommend going at sunset and even booking yourself a fancy dinner in the Namsan Tower HanCook Restaurant. This tower has been featured in countless Korean dramas. One of the best places to capture the tower without hoards of tourists is Urban Cliff Cafe. 

13. Common Ground

These shipping containers were repurposed and painted blue. This is a unique experience for shoppers and tourists alike.

It’s a popular spot to take photos, eat, shop, and play. It’s one of the best Seoul photography spots because it is so unique. 

Photo Tip: Come here early in the day. I found taking photos before 11am is perfect. Most of the restaurants and cafes open around that time.

The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul 

South Korea has a huge cafe culture and with over 100k coffee shops in the country, I promise you’re going to find a unique one. I also have a comprehensive guide on the Best Instagrammable Cafes in Seoul. 

14. Appi Forest Cafe in Ikseondong

This jungle-themed cafe is in my favorite Seoul neighborhood and is an Instagram dream. This village is entirely made up of traditional houses. I have a Complete Guide To Ikseondong Hanok Village. 

They serve creamy gelato perfect for a hot day. I love the round glass window when you walk into the cafe.

Photo Tip: Go in the afternoon during the week or in the morning to get an awesome photo like mine.

15. Greenmile Cafe Bukchon Hanok Village

If you want to get photos of a traditional Korean village, I recommend going to Greenmile. Hands down Greenmile Cafe has some of the best matcha coffee I’ve ever tasted in my life.

I don’t like my matcha sweet and this place delivered. It was so unique and the aesthetic of the rooftop is 10/10. 

Photo Tip: You can go at any time of the day because it’s not super busy. I recommend going in the afternoon on a weekday for an awesome photo.

16. Seoulism Cafe

This is the most Instagram-worthy cafe in Seoul, hands down. Drinks range from 8,500 won – 12,000 won. To enter the cafe, you must purchase a beverage.

Here, you’ll get the best view of the Lotte World Tower.

Photo Tip: This cafe is popular every day of the week, but not as busy as on the weekends. For a great sunset picture, go during the week.

17. Greem Cafe

When photographing Seoul, you have to capture this awesome 2D cafe! This cafe inspired so many other amazing ones around the world. 

Photo Tip: This cafe saw a lot of popularity thanks to the movie, To All The Boys: Always and Forever. You can get awesome photos here at any time of the day because it is pretty big.

18. 943 King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe Seoul

Harry Potter fans will consider the 943 King’s Cross Cafe the best place to take pictures in Seoul! There are six floors inspired by the Harry Potter franchise. It’s a great way to escape the summer heat during the Rainy Season in Korea. 

Photo Tip: You can go at any time of the day. Most people come to take photos for Halloween and Christmas. While the trolley has been gone a long time, there is now a giant witch broom.

19. StyleNanda Pink Pool Cafe Hongdae

StyleNanda is one of the best photography spots in Seoul for something pink to put in your feed. In case you’re wondering, yes there is a “pool” there. No, you may not go swimming in it. It is merely for decorative purposes. 

Photo Tip: Go in the morning when the cafe opens. There’s not a lot of people there and you can take as many photos as you like.

20. Cheongsudang Cafe

This cafe is a famous place located in Ikseondong. It is one of the most popular choices for photos.

The stepping stones and style of the garden make me feel like I am visiting Japan. You have to try their Japanese-inspired desserts! 

Photo Tip: This place is popular so go in the morning before it opens.

21. Sikmulgwan PH Botanical Garden

This is another stunning garden to grab your fresh air fix in Seoul. It’s a cafe so you can grab food and drinks, take tons of cute photos, and enjoy an afternoon here. 

Photo Tip: Go during the week because this botanical garden is very popular, especially on Instagram.

The Most Instagrammable Parks in Seoul

22. Banpo Floating Islands (세빛둥둥섬)

The Banpo Floating Islands are in a public park by the Han River. This is the perfect place for a nighttime photo shoot when the buildings light up.

P.S. You can also see the Rainbow Light show at the Banpo Bridge. 

Photo Tip: I recommend coming at sunset like I did to get this photo. Inside there is also a restaurant and cafe. 

23. Lotte World

Lotte World is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. It’s family-friendly and you can spend the entire day there.

You’ll also see a lot of people cosplaying as high school students. You can rent a uniform to wear at Lotte World too! 

Photo Tip: Lotte World is ALWAYS busy. I have never seen it not crowded with people. If you want the same photo I got, the best way is to stand on the outdoor track so you can get the castle in the background.

24. Olympic Park

Olympic Park is great in all seasons, and yes, this includes winter. The 1988 Olympics put South Korea on the world map for the first time. It’s a great place for a fall picnic. 

Photo Tip: This area isn’t time-dependent. Since the park is huge and most activities are inside, you can get an awesome photo like this. Sunset is great for photos as it illuminates the arches.

25. Olympic Park Cosmos Garden

The Olympic Park Cosmos Garden is the perfect spot to take pictures in Seoul during spring and autumn. The blossoms are pink and purple in spring.

Photo Tip: This garden is super popular. I recommend going during the week and early in the morning. Unfortunately, you’re going to run into ajhumma doing their morning exercises

26. Olympic Park Rose Plaza

Olympic Park Rose Garden is considered one of the most pretty places in South Korea. When the roses come into full bloom in late spring the garden smells like a dream made in heaven. 

Photo Tip: The rose garden does get super busy especially where the statue with the Korean flag is in the middle. If you want good photos, go early in the day. If you want the same photo as me, I actually was playing with angles and sitting in the grass.

27. Seokchon Lake

This manmade lake surrounding the outdoor portion of Lotte World is legit perfect in spring, summer, and fall. With spring, you’ll get loads of fluffy, pink cherry blossoms; in summer, you’ll be privy to fun floats placed on the lake; and in fall, you’ll get to see the zombies running around Lotte World and the trees changing to so many gorgeous colors of red, yellow, and orange.

Photo Tip: If you walk on the path above the track around Seokchon Lake, you can frame your photo with Lotte Tower in the back. To get the best photos, go during the week.

28. Seoul Forest 

The best time to visit Seoul Forest is during Autumn in South Korea. The bridge pictured in this photo shows the gorgeous foliage along with the modern skyscrapers in the background.

It’s also home to many dog-friendly cafes in Seoul. There are many tea houses, walking trails, and bicycle paths. It’s perfect for spending a nice day outdoors!

29. Haneul Park

This is one of the best places to come for silver grass in the fall. Koreans appreciate the changing of the seasons and taking photos here is a must!

If you’re visiting Seoul in the fall, then check out my post on the Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in Seoul. 

Photo Tip: This area of the park is huge and even if there’s a lot of people, you won’t run into many. 

30. Yongma Land

If you’re looking for creepy, grungy, or OOTD photos, then you HAVE to take photos at Yongma Land. It is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Seoul because it is an abandoned amusement park that was repurposed as a photographer’s haven.

You have to walk up a steep slope along a tree-lined street but it is so worth it. It costs 5,000 won to get in.

I always recommend coming here during Halloween in Seoul. I promise it will  put you into a festive mood. 

Photo Tip: You can go at any time and I recommend paying the additional wons to get the carousel to turn on at night.

The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Seoul 

Fair warning… The food at these restaurants is meh. You’re honestly going for the aesthetics. 

31. Art Monster

Art Monster in Gangnam is one of my favorite Seoul Instagram spots. Not only is the outside alley hella freaking cool, but the inside is as well.

It reminds me of some of the bars I visited in Hong Kong. Inside, you can get a tap bracelet to try different beers and wines on tap.

When you’re ready to cash out, you pay for what you drank. They also have bar food here. 

Photo Tip: This location is great for street fashion. I took this photo just as the sun was about to set so I would have enough light. The last time I was here, the staff yelled at me for my tripod and photos. Be discreet and quiet so you don’t draw attention to yourself. 

32. Rooftop Kloud

Rooftop Cloud is one of my favorite nighttime photo spots in Seoul. You get a great view of Seoul from the rooftop and they even play movies.

Photo Tip: I went during the weekend in April while it was still cold and it wasn’t that crowded. It is an expensive bar, so that could have been it. It does get busy in summer and autumn.

33. Park 913

The Park 913 restaurant in Cheongdam is super bougie. FYI the food there isn’t the greatest, but the drinks are hella bomb.

You can get a great Seoul night view from the restaurant with a great shot of the Namsan Tower. P.S. The hottest people I have ever seen in my life work here. 

Photo Tip: Make a reservation and let them know you want the back table on the right-hand side.

34. Moxy Rooftop

If you want to get some local culture during your Seoul trip, you have to stay at The Moxy Insadong! It’s only a few years old too! Just be aware their cocktails are excellent, but their food isn’t.

Photo Tip: I went to the rooftop for my 30th birthday in 2020. A lot of people didn’t know about this rooftop then so it was fairly empty. We stayed until close.

35. Sala Deng Bangkok

Sala Deng Bangkok in Ikseondong is one of my favorite Instagram worthy restaurants in Seoul. It has amazingly tasty Koreanized Thai food. It’s not very spicy and has hints of sweet in it. 

Photo Tip: Sala Deng is a very popular restaurant in Ikeseondong and is always busy. Go when the cafe opens during the week.

The Most Instagrammable Landmarks in Seoul

As a blogger, I am sadly a slave to Google’s algorithms. However, if you don’t want to look like a total tourist, I also recommend visiting these places!

If you’re interested, I also have a completely done-for-you 5-Day Seoul Itinerary. 

36. Deoksugung

Deoksugung was the main palace inhabited by members of Korea’s Royal Family during the Joseon monarchy until the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. It’s one of the smaller palaces, but it is the most modern. 

Photo Tip: You can come at any time of the day. The grounds are expansive. Play with your angles because you never know what you’re gonna get.

37. Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa temple is lovely around Buddha’s Birthday. It comes to life with colorful lanterns.

In fall, you can feast your eyes on the changing colors of the foliage. While in spring, you can feel the tranquility of the delicate cherry blossoms.

If you’re looking for beautiful places in Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple should be on your list.

Photo Tip: Bongeunsa Temple isn’t usually time-dependent. You can get great photos at any time of the day. If you want hanging lantern photos, go in the morning.

38. Suguksa Temple

The Suguksa Temple is a bit difficult to get to. Technically it’s still in Seoul, but it doesn’t have good public transport to get there. It’s definitely a hike and a half, but if you have time to kill then I recommend visiting.

39. K-Star Road

You’ll get the best photos of Seoul on K-Star Avenue especially if you’re a K-pop fan. The road features a lot of famous groups and artists that have left their marks on the Korean music industry. 

Photo Tip: K-Star Road isn’t time-dependent. You can take pictures with any of the Bears at any time of day.

40. 63 Building Aquarium

Did you know you can see live mermaids in Seoul? (You can actually see real mermaids in Jeju too.) This has probably been one of the coolest experiences to date.

Combine a little fantasy magic with one of my favorite cities on earth and BOOM. If you’e looking for cool places to take pictures in Seoul, the 63 Building Aquarium should definitely be on your list.

Photo Tip: You’re going to have to use some Photoshop magic. Many annoying and screaming little children get in the way. Take a photo of yourself sitting while there are no mermaids. Then take photos of the mermaids and merge the photos together.

41. Corner of Shinsegae Department Store

This corner of Seoul is a great spot for interesting photos. If you go across the street from the department store, you’ll be able to get the same shot I did. 

Photo Tip: I recommend coming here around 3pm before the work crowds start going home. This is a great area for street photography and street fashion. I love how you can see the Namsan Tower peeking out in the back.

42. I Seoul U Sign at Ttukseom Park

The I Seoul U sign is one of the most recognizable Seoul photo spots. There’s a more famous one at Yeouido Hangang Park, but since this one was closer to where I used to live, I snapped a photo here too.

43. Lotte World Tower

Lotte World Tower is one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Seoul. Did you know it is also the fifth tallest building in the world? If you’re scratching your head and trying to figure out why it looks like the Shard in London, it’s because it does. 

Photo Tip: I like the bustling cityscape in this photo. If you go directly across the street to set up your camera, you’re going to get a cool photo like this.

The Most Instagrammable Hotels in Seoul 

These are hotels that have amazing views and beautiful backdrops. I visited these places many times while I lived in South Korea.

If you’re planning a visit to South Korea, check out my guide on Where To Stay in Seoul and the Best Neighborhoods. 

44. Grand Hyatt Seoul

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is another one of my favorite hotels for afternoon tea. They have a spectacular cherry blossom tea set every spring. 

Photo Tip: Go out on the terrace after you eat to get an amazing Seoul photo overlooking the skyline.

45. Park Hyatt

If you’re looking for one of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in Seoul, I recommend the Park Hyatt. If you have afternoon tea and then take the elevator down two floors to use the bathroom, you’ll find this window facing the CoEx Mall. 

Photo Tip: Lemme tell ya, the Park Hyatt makes for delicious photography due to the awesome views of Gangnam. 

46. Banyan Tree Seoul

Banyan Tree is a luxury hotel and one of the best Instagram spots in Seoul. I mean do you need a good reason to treat yourself?

How can you say no to a bougie room located on the side of a mountain and overlooking Namsan Tower?

Photo Tip: The best time to take photos in a room with a pool are during sunset and at night. You can use fairy lights to make the place pop.

The Most Instagrammable Book Stores in Seoul 

If you didn’t know, I’m an English major and one of my favorite things to do is read super spicy and smutty books. I’m a bibliophile at heart and when I was just taking photos for Instagram, these were the most aesthetic bookstores I found in Seoul. 

47. Arc-N-Book 

Arc-N-Book is one of the most notable Seoul Instagram spots. This was the second location after the one in Myeongdong opened.

The Jamsil Station area is one of my favorite places to play in Seoul. Check out my blog post the Best Things To Do in Jamsil. 

Photo Tip: For uninterrupted photos, go during the week. On the weekends, it gets very packed.

48. Seoul Chegg Bogo

During the 2020 pandemic, I researched places to go using Seoul Instagram hashtags. The Seoul Cheg Bogo bookstore is super unique and I just HAD to get a photo here. Little did I know, I started a trend!

Photo Tip: This bookstore is not time-dependent and you can come at any time you like.

49. Chegro Bookstore (채그로)

The Chegro Bookstore will give you a fantastic picture of Seoul. Located in Hongdae on the south bank of the Han River, you can’t go wrong with your photography here. 

Photo Tip: This is a super popular location in Seoul for how well it does on Instagram. If you want the least amount of obstruction, go during the week. Just to get this photo, we had to wait and it was super hot.

50. Dae-O Bookstore

Rap Monster aka Kim Nam Joon of the ever-popular boyband BTS has taken a photo here. After he did, the cafe soared to popularity.

I like it because it represents a bygone era in Korea. This is a secondhand bookshop and a cafe.

Photo Tip: This Seoul photo spot is located in the courtyard. You can take pictures here at any time.

I hope you all enjoyed this rendition of the most Instagram worthy places in Seoul. Of course, be sure to bookmark this post because as time goes by, I’m sure I will find more Instagram worthy places in Korea and Seoul. Don’t miss out on it, because your girl loves exploring the Land of the Morning Calm.

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