Planning a trip to Seoul? Get ready to capture unforgettable memories and breathtaking scenery. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Seoul is packed with stunning spots perfect for photos and fun. Here are the top 5 must-see places you won’t want to miss!
**Please note that all opening hours are subject to change.
1. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)
- Address: 281 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Dongdaemun Design Plaza Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5) Exit 1
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When it comes to fashion in Korea, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) instantly comes to mind. As the trendiest and most iconic landmark in Korea’s design scene, it’s been a must-visit destination since its inauguration. The plaza houses restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and large-scale exhibition spaces, all wrapped in a sleek neo-futuristic design created by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Among its many global events, Seoul Fashion Week stands out as a highlight, drawing fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. Conveniently located in the city center with direct access to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, DDP is the perfect spot to experience cutting-edge creativity and snap a picture-perfect Instagram shot!
📌 Check out these tours to explore Seoul to the fullest!
- Seoul at Night: Special City Night Private Tour
- Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot
- 2026 New Year Sunrise Tour at Jeongdongjin Beach/ Naksansa Temple – from Seoul (Dec 31)
2. Lotte Tower
- Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:30-22:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Jamsil Station (Lines 2 and 8) Exit 2
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Lotte World Tower is Seoul’s record-breaking skyscraper, standing at 555 meters and ranking as the sixth-tallest building in the world. Visitors flock here for its sheer scale and futuristic style, designed to evoke Korean ceramics and calligraphy, making it both an engineering marvel and a cultural icon. What truly sets it apart is its jaw-dropping glass-floored observation deck, the world’s highest, combined with panoramic 360° views over the city, accessible in just 60 seconds via the world’s fastest double-decker elevators featuring immersive OLED displays. The tower also houses luxury hotels, shopping, cafes, museums, and even the world’s highest swimming pool, so you can snap skyline selfies, dive into top-tier shopping, or relax with gourmet treats all under one roof.
📌 Make sure you visit Lotte World, the iconic indoor and outdoor theme park in Jamsil!
- Lotte World Discount Ticket
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Discount Ticket
- Combo Discount Ticket: Lotte World 1 Day Pass + Lotte World Aquarium
- Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Bridge Tour
3. HBC
- Address: Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Nearby Subway Station: Noksapyung Station (Line 6) Exit 2
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Haebangchon draws visitors in with its vibrant hipster vibe and authentic neighborhood charm, setting it apart from Seoul’s more touristy areas. The mix of retro cafes, trendy boutiques, murals, and cozy pubs creates a lively, creative atmosphere where modern artistry meets deep historical roots. With colorful street art, aesthetic cafes, & incredible hilltop views, Haebangchon isn’t just a neighborhood to visit but also the perfect place to fill your feed!
- Seoul Nightlife Tour: Pub Crawl
- Open Mic Night in Itaewon
- Traditional Korean Accessories with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji’
- Customized 2-Hour Foodie Tour in Seoul
📌 Click below to dine and drink at HBC’s hottest spots!
4. Ikseondong Hanok Street
- Address: Ikseondong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Nearby Subway Station: Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, and 5) Exit 4
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Ikseon-dong Hanok Street is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, offering visitors a rare chance to stroll through narrow alleys lined with century-old hanok houses that have been beautifully preserved on the outside while bursting with contemporary charm inside. This neighborhood perfectly captures Seoul’s “Newtro” trend, where old-world aesthetics meet vibrant, modern culture. Here, you can explore stylish coffee shops, unique craft stores, and inventive restaurants tucked inside historic architecture, creating an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and full of life.
- Seoul Pedicab Tour
- Seoul Photoshoot with an English-speaking Photographer
- Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot (Day/ Night)
📌Click for a list of Ikseon-dong’s Instagrammable places!
5. N Seoul Tower
- Address: 105 Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-23:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Chungmuro Station (Line 4) Exit 4, Donguk Univ. Station (Line 3) Exit 6
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📌 Recommended blogs:
- Top 7 N Seoul Tower View Cafes in Seoul
- N Seoul Tower vs Lotte World Tower – Which One Should You Visit?
6. COEX Starfield Library
- Address:513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Samseong Station (Line 2), Bongunsa Station (Line 9)
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The Starfield Library is the glowing heart of COEX Mall, and the star of countless Instagram feeds and reels posts. The soaring 13-meter-tall bookshelves (though most of the books, especially ones on the high shelves, are just for decoration) are hard to miss, and the go-to photo ops are right in the center with all the books in the background, or while riding the escalator. Although, if you’re really looking to get immersed in a book, this might not be the place for you. It’s more of a “pretend to read and hope someone asks what you’re reading” kind of vibe. With people constantly milling around, it can be a bit loud, but perfect for people-watching!
📌 Check out these nearby tours to explore the COEX!
- Seoul Hallyu K-pop Full Day Tour
- Seoul Highlights: Must-Visit Spots 1 Day Tour
- Modern Seoul 1 Day Tour in Gangnam with K-Style Curator
- SEA LIFE COEX, Seoul Aquarium Discount Ticket
📌 Read more about the COEX & Starfield Library on our blog!
7. Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) Exit 5, Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 1
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Known as the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” Gyeongbokgung is more than just a historical site, it’s a journey to the heart of the Joseon dynasty, where kings ruled, and traditions flourished. From the palace’s sweeping courtyards to intricately painted wooden structures, and meticulously landscaped gardens, there’s much to explore throughout this iconic Seoul landmark. Don’t forget, entry’s free for anyone wearing traditional Korean hanbok & it’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the palace.
📌Palace Tours
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Half-day Tour
- Korean Palace Tour
- Gyeongbokgung & Insadong Food Walking Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (+ Bukchon Hanok Village/ Naksan Park/ Gwangjang Market) Walking Tour
📌Hanbok Rental
- Rental near Gyeongbokgung & Insadong
- Rental in Gyeongbokgung/ Changdokgung Palace
- Modern Hanbok Rental and Photoshoot Service
- Rental and Photoshoot with Video (+ Makeup option)
📌 Read more about Gyeongbokgung on our blog!
8. Euljiro Nogari Alley
- Address: 15 Euljiro 13-gil, Euljiro3(sam)ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (Lines 2, 3) Exit 3
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Euljiro, (nicknamed hip-jiro by young locals for all their hipster gems) is originally an industrial area full of oil-stained factories. Now, as local artists settle in this small area, it’s been changing into a more modern structure. With its old industrial roots and the new influx of artists, Euljiro captures both the New and the Retro, and is becoming a local hot spot.
📌Check out the trendiest things to do near Euljiro!
- Night Food Tour in Euljiro
- Seoul Snap Photoshoot Tour in Bukchon & Euljiro
- Korean Stone Seal Making Class in Euljiro
- Private Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class + Hidden Alley Tour in Euljiro
📌 Read more about Euljiro on our blog!
9. Bukchon Hanok Village
- Address: 53 Bukchonro, Jungro-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00
- Nearby Subway Station: Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 2
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Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village located near the northern area of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Once a hub of the Joseon Dynasty’s politics, administration, and culture, it is now a village that contains about 860 Korean traditional houses called ‘hanok.’ Today, many of these hanoks operate as art galleries, cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and tea houses, providing an eye-opening opportunity to experience, learn, and immerse yourself in Korean traditional culture.
📌 Check out these tours to explore Seoul to the fullest!
- Bukchon Hanok Village Walking Tour
- Make Your Own Mother-of-Pearl Accessories
- Kimchi Making Class in Bukchon Hanok Village
- Seoul VIP Pedicab Tour: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and more
📌 Read more about Bukchon on our blog!
- All About Bukchon Hanok Village
- 7 Real Locations in Seoul That Inspired KPop Demon Hunters
- Hanok Villages in Korea – Korean Traditional Houses
📌 Check out more of our neighborhood guides!
- Explore Mullae, Seoul in 2025 | Street Art, Cafes, & Hidden Gems
- Best Things to Do in Gangnam in 2025
- 5 Best Cafes in Seongsu, Seoul
For more trendy spots and information about Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop.

