5 Days of Seoul Urban Photography Itinerary

Begin your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace. This grand palace is one of Seoul's most iconic landmarks and offers stunning backdrops with its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens.

For lunch, head to Jungsik, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers contemporary Korean cuisine. Afterward, visit Bukchon Hanok Village nearby. This area is filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and narrow alleys that are perfect for capturing the essence of old Seoul.

Dine at La Yeon, another Michelin-starred restaurant located in The Shilla Hotel. Enjoy exquisite Korean dishes while taking in panoramic views of the city from the restaurant's windows.

Start your day at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid is an architectural marvel and provides unique photo opportunities with its sleek curves and modern design.

Have lunch at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets. Try various street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) or mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). Afterward, explore the market further for candid shots of daily life in Seoul.

For dinner, visit Balwoo Gongyang, which specializes in temple cuisine offering a unique dining experience rooted in Buddhist traditions. End your evening with a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream – an urban renewal project that transformed an old highway into a picturesque stream running through downtown Seoul.

Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Secret Garden in the morning. The palace grounds are expansive with beautiful pavilions and landscaped gardens providing excellent photography spots.

Enjoy lunch at Bicena, known for its elegant presentation of traditional Korean dishes with a modern twist. Afterward head to Insadong – a neighborhood known for its antique shops, art galleries, tea houses which offer plenty of photographic opportunities.

End your day with dinner at Korea House. This cultural venue not only serves delicious traditional Korean food but also hosts performances showcasing Korean culture such as dance & music – perfect for capturing some dynamic shots.

Start your final day with a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking and provide excellent photo opportunities of the entire city. The surrounding Namsan Park is also perfect for capturing nature shots amidst the urban landscape.

For lunch, head to Mingles, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional Korean and modern cuisine. After lunch, visit the nearby Myeongdong Shopping Street. This bustling area is filled with shops, street food stalls, and vibrant energy – ideal for capturing candid street photography.

Conclude your trip with dinner at Vatos Urban Tacos Itaewon. This trendy spot offers a unique blend of Korean and Mexican flavors in a lively atmosphere. After dinner, take a walk through Itaewon’s nightlife scene one last time to capture some final night shots before heading back.