No matter if you are spending 3 days in Seoul or much more if you are passionate about photography or into Instagram you’ll want to know all about the most Instagrammable places in Seoul, South Korea.
Since I’ve visited Seoul on some cold winter days, the sights weren’t so picturesque. Nonetheless, I somehow love the pictures I’ve managed to take in South Korea’s capital.
Whenever I look at them, I feel like the weather was much warmer, and I must agree the sun helped a lot to bring out the colors. As a result, I have plenty of pretty Instagram pictures to share.
And I just want to share with you the result of my hard work researching almost all of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul.
Most Instagrammable places in Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is such a vibrant city where you can go from skyscrapers to old traditional buildings in a blink of an eye. Where the rich culture surprises you, and the Instagrammable restaurants and cafes are at every corner.
I honestly think that Seoul during Spring or Summer is much more vibrant, colorful, and green. But at the end of the day, I work with what I have and I’m honestly pretty happy with the results.
You might want to get your Seoul pass in order to get around faster, cheaper, and get to see all the great Seoul places.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Maybe the most popular place in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is the place for taking pictures. Especially when you rent a traditional Korean suit, a Hanbokfor both you and your loved one.
Read all about my oneday Hanbok experience here!
The residential area is where members of the royal family lived together with closed ones, and it is still inhabited today. That’s why I recommend respecting the people who live here while taking beautiful pictures.
Streets are running up and down, many of the Hanoks (traditional Korean houses) have been transformed into coffee places or tea houses. Also, there are many shops and museums you can get lost in.
Admission Fee: Free
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gahoe-dong, 계동길 37
Subway: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1 or 2.
Iwha Mural Village
One of my favorite places in Seoul, a very popular destination for most of the people visiting and looking for the most Instagrammable places in Seoul.
Expect climbing some serious stairs and steep streets, but it will all rewards you with both amazing colorful streets and breathtaking views of Seoul from above.
The small part of town has lots of terraces, coffee places, and bars where you can rest after the climb.
I’ve also noticed the place is popular because of the Korean drama movies that have been shot here. You’ll notice K-Pop and Korean drama are a huge thing in Korea, and in Asia. Thus, many fans come to take pictures on the streets where their favorite characters lived some of their most important moments.
Just keep in mind the fact that this is also a residential inhabited area, and respecting the local people is the most important.
Address: 49 Naksan 4-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Arc N Book
It’s a book shop we are talking about, but it has some of the most amazing places for taking perfect Instagram Seoul pictures.
At Arc N Book they have all kinds of activities and book releases or readings. There are small sofas and comfortable corners where anyone can sit back and relax with a book or a magazine.
We were so charmed by this place that we spent quite some time here. You’ll find some restaurants, a coffee shop, and even an ice cream stand inside the book shop.
But the most Instagrammable place you’ll see here is by far the wall of books that goes up like a wheel.
Address: 29 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Starfield Library
On the other side of the Han River, in the popular Gangnam area of Seoul sits another very popular Instagram Seoul destination.
It surprised me to see that Starfield Library is inside a shopping mall, COEX Mall. But if you follow the instructions provided by Google Maps or Naver Map you’ll have no problem finding it.
When I was there the place was packed with teenagers taking tons of pictures or just killing time.
I suggest going with someone if you want to take the iconic picture on the stairs. I only had my tripod with me, thus I had to find a different angle and take my picture either way.
Address:
Bongeunsa Buddhist temple
Just a few steps away from the Starfield Library you’ll find the beautiful Bongeunsa Buddhist temple.
The most important Buddhist temple in Korea, dating from more than 1000 years ago, here is where a splash of color will enchant your senses.
I loved strolling around the beautiful garden, which I think transforms in an incredibly flower-filled place as soon as Springs comes.
Disconnecting with a cup of flavored tea at the local teahouse is another thing you can do, and the inside of the small temple-like building is just perfect for some great Instagram pictures.
Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace)
Despite the fact that it was awfully cold on both occasions I’ve visited the two palaces, the view they offer was still stunning.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest one in Korea, thus the most crowded one. But when you go early in the morning and enter by the Gwanghwamun gate, you might be lucky and skip the crowds.
If you’re not in luck, I suggest skipping that one and heading directly to Changdeokgung Palace, far less crowded and offering yet as many picture-perfect spots.
Address:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Myeongdong streets
It is just an area in Seoul, why would this be one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul you ask.
Oh well, these streets are incredible as soon as night falls. All the neon lights turn on, hundreds of street food stalls come to life, and everything vibrates with life.
Address: 83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe
One of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul to which I failed to go. Maybe the hippest place in Seoul here is where you can enjoy a coffee (in a pink cup, of course), and take some pretty cool pictures in this pink girly paradise.
With two locations in town, the place is both a cafe and a makeup and fashion store. What else would you expect from a place like this in the world cosmetic’s capital?
View this post on InstagramNobody puts baby in the corner #Korea #Seoul #Film
Address:
Hongdae – 335-21, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Myeongdong – 66-2, Chungmuro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Zapangi
Another pretty pink cafe, hidden behind a pink vending machine which attracts a lot of Instagrammers this way.
Be prepared to line up patiently in order to capture that perfect shot, because this is one of those popular places in town. It attracts both locals looking for a funky shot and a great cup of coffee and tourists alike.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcy26VKhQc7/
Address: 400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2D Cafe – CAFE 연남동 223-14
I must tell you I have mixed feelings about this place.
Yes, it is the famous coffee shop where you feel like you stepped inside of a comic book. Yes, it is a great Instagrammable place and something you should at least try to see and put on your places to visit in Korea during the winter list.
But I felt it very commercial, and not in a good way.
First of all, we went all the way there only to find out it has moved on to a larger place. But there was no sign announcing that.
Moving forward, as we’ve arrived at the new location, a pretty big line was expecting us. We tried to wait patiently for our turn, but since it was winter and very cold, we just went to another place across the street from the comic fantasy cafe.
Before we left we decided to just go on at the entrance and take a picture of the chair in front of the door. Someone came out and told us that we can only take pictures after we are seated at the table, but they are full at the moment. Ok, that’s not how you win your clients.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4BUReAnjf1/
Address: 223-14 카페, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Line Friends Flagship Store Itaewon
Moving forward to some other cartoon place, a fun one this time, for the child in you!
Line Friends Flagship Cafe is located inside of a 3-story high outlet where you will find it hard to concentrate and step out without buying some of the cutest things in the world. Things you don’t actually need, but who cares when they are so pretty?
Or just come here to drink a coffee and take some Instagram pictures.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B62mvF_H3uw/
Address: 200 Itaewon-ro, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hello Kitty Island
Imagine this: an entire exhibition designed around the world’s most loved cat, Hello Kitty.
Enjoy the various exhibits, take home some fun souvenirs, and stop for a coffee and a sweet at Hello Kitty Cafe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTIYdgNA1Cw/
Address: 340, Hanchang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Gangnam
Famous thanks to that awful song, Gangnam is Seoul’s party district.
You can come here for some pretty cool pictures too. I’m not talking about the “Gangnam style” statue in front of the COEX mall, but the super hip streets in Gangnam.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nb9rNplJi/
Lotte World Tower
More particularly, the observatory located on the 123rd floor of the Lotte World Tower in Seoul. This is the place where you want to go if you want to have the most incredible view over Seoul from above.
It might be a great idea to come just before sunset and see Seoul during the best time of the day.
View this post on InstagramThe right perspective makes the impossible, possible. . Beautiful shot by @b96en_ . . . . . . . . #seoul #visitseoul #explodeseoul #seoultravel #seoultrip
Address: Lotte World Tower – 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Arriate Flower Café
Located on one of the busiest streets in Hongdae, step inside this flower-filled cafe and get absorbed in a peaceful world.
Everything is Instagrammable about this place, from the entrance to the steps leading up, to every little flower hanging from the ceiling. I must admit it makes me think a bit about all the pretty cafes in London.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6MV_qnAaXa/
Address: 164-30 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Insadong
Seoul’s famous shopping area has much more in store for you. Pretty narrow streets, tea stores, vibrant colors, and great food locations.
Statice Museum
Haven’t you been to any teamLab Borderless museum yet? Neither have I, but this is the closest thing to it.
At the Statice Museum, you’ll find plenty of Instagram material, all you need is a Seoul pass and some inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-OpmohY_T/
Address: Hongik-ro 5-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Namsan Tower
One of the most iconic landmarks of Seoul, the Namsan Tower is strategically located on the top of a hill, with the whole town underneath it.
Whether you choose to climb only the hill or take the escalator the extra 236.7m to the top of the tower, you will still have a great view in front of your eyes. Choose to indulge in dinner at the rotating nGRILL restaurant sitting on the 5th floor of the Namsan Tower.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZIMYdgpSf/
Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Garak Market
Any local market has its own vibe to it, especially the ones in Asia. You won’t feel the local vibe until you get to a local market, no matter where you are.
Garak Market in Seoul is a local fish market, where you won’t find the tourist crowds.
The large variety of seafood and vibrant neon signs makes this place great for interesting pictures.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxwh_LKnnEn/
Address: 932 Yangjae-daero, Munjeong-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The Hello Beautiful sign
Before getting to Seoul I honestly didn’t know what this place is. I just knew it was pretty and I had to have a picture with it.
Once I got there and got lost on the streets of South Korea’s capital, I discovered this is actually a cosmetics shop. Even better, right?
I’ll take some pictures and buy some face masks.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Learn about Korean culture and history, while making the best out of the place and take some original pictures.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Bistopping ice cream shop
Crazy creative ice cream! And I bet it is also delicious so you can enjoy it once all those pictures are captured.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Ev0ItBl0e/
Address: 68 Sinbanpo-ro 47-gil, Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
