Welcome to the Seoul photo guide. I’m a photographer based in Seoul, South Korea. I have been here exploring, documenting, and photographing life throughout the city for the past 8 years. This guide is my complete guide for travelers and photographers looking to explore Seoul’s largest attractions and sights, as well as the unique, rarely-seen hidden gems, spots, and locations. This guide will suit you if you’re looking to view real life in Seoul or do research for travel, street, or documentary-style photography.

With that said, let’s jump into our guide. Administratively, Seoul is divided into 25 districts. The name of these districts may or may not directly correspond to the name of popular locations, but these locations will be detailed under their district. A closer, in-depth look at each district and each location is also available for you to explore further. You can simply follow through the links provided.

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Seoul Photo Guide

The Seoul Photo Guide will serve as an overall guide to the entire capital city. To take a closer look at specific districts or attractions you may select and open the desired location below.

(This guide will be continuously updated.)

My Complete Photo Activities in Seoul (11.14.2022~Current):
Photographs: 1028
Video Footage: 4hr 13mins 43secs

Dobong-gu (도봉구)

Dobong District (도봉구) is a district of Seoul located in the northeast of the city. It borders Yangju city and Uijeongbu city of Gyeonggi Province to the north, and Seoul’s Gangbuk and Nowon Districts to the west and east. A good portion of the Bukhansan National Park mountain range lies within the Dobong district area and is accessible by various trails and hiking paths.

Subway Line 1: Dobongsan, Dobong, Banghak, Chang-dong, Nokcheon
Subway Line 4: Chang-dong, Ssangmun
Subway Line 7: Dobongsan

Dongdaemun-gu (동대문구)

Dongdaemun-gu (동대문구) is located slightly northeast of the center of Seoul. Bordering the following districts clockwise from the north: Seongbuk, Jungnang, Gwangjin, Seongdong, and Jongno to the west.

Subway Line 1: Sinimun, Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies, Hoegi, Cheongnyangni, Jegi-dong, Sinseol-dong
Subway Line 2 Seongsu Branch: Yongdu, Sinseol-dong
Subway Line 5: Dapsimni, Janghanpyeong
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Cheongnyangni, Hoegi
Gyeongchun Line: Cheongnyangni, Heogi
Suin–Bundang Line: Cheongnyangni
Ui-Sinseol Line: Sinseol-dong

Dongjak-gu (동작구)

Dongjak District (동작구) is located south of the Han River slightly west of central Seoul. It borders the Yongsan district to the north, Seocho to the east, Gwanak to the south, and Yeongdeungpo district to the west.

Subway Line 1: Noryangjin
Subway Line 2: Sadang, Dongjak
Subway Line 4: Dongjak, Chongshin Univ., Sadang
Subway Line 7: Isu, Namseong, Soongsil University, Sangdo, Jangseungbaegi, Sindaebangsamgeori
Subway Line 9: Noryangjin, Nodeul, Heukseok, Dongjak
Sillim Line: Boramaen Park, Boramae Medical Center

Eunpyeong-gu (은평구)

Eunpyeong District (은평구) is situated in the Northwestern part of Seoul, neighboring Gyeonggi Province‘s Goyang city to the west, Jongno District to the east, Seodaemun to the southeast, and Mapo to the southwest.

Much of the northern part of Eunpyeong is mostly residential areas that seem to be of little interest to tourists, especially compared to areas in central Seoul. However, there are areas throughout the district that still hold their charm and may well be worth a visit to explore, especially if your visit to Seoul is not limited to a few days/couple of weeks. If you’re here longer, I’d recommend exploring the outer regions of Seoul, such as the Eunpyeong District.

Eunpyeong is part of the territory of the Bukhansan National Park mountain range, which has the highest mountain peaks in Seoul! If you enjoy hiking, you’ll certainly enjoy a visit to Bukhansan as it boasts some of the best hiking in the city!

Explore More: Complete Eunpyeong-gu Photo Guide; Complete Bukhansan Photo Guide;

Subway Line 3: Gupabal, Yeonsinnae, Bulgwang, Nokbeon
Subway Line 6: Eungam, Yeokchon, Bulgwang, Dokbawi, Yeonsinnae, Gusan, Saejeol (Sinsa), Jeungsan, Digital Media City
Airport Railway Line: Digital Media City
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Susaek, Digital Media City

Gangbuk-gu (강북구)

Gangbuk District (강북구) is located in northeastern Seoul. It borders Gyeonggi Province‘s Goyang and Yangju cities to the west and north, and Seoul districts Dobong, Nowon, and Seongbuk districts to the north, east, and south.

Subway Line 4: Suyu, Mia, Miasageori
Ui-Sinseol Line: Bukhansan Ui, Solbat Park, April 19th National Cemetery, Gaori, Hwagye, Samyang, Samyang Sageori, Solsaem

Gangdong-gu (강동구)

Gangdong District (강동구) is located south of the Han River to the far east of central Seoul. It is bordered by Seoul districts Songpa to the south, Gwangjin to the west, Gyeonggi Province‘s Guri city to the north, and Hanam City to the east.

Subway Line 5: Cheonho, Gangdong, Gil-dong, Gubeundari, Myeongil, Godeok, Sangil-dong, Gangil
Subway Line 5 Macheon Branch: Gangdong, Dunchon-dong
Subway Line 8: Amsa History Park, Amsa, Cheonho, Gangdong-gu Office
Subway Line 9: Dunchon Oryun, VHS Medical Center, Gil-dong Ecological Park, Sinmyeongil, Godeok, Saemteo Park

Gangnam-gu (강남구)

Made popular around the world through the hit-pop song, Gangnam Style, the Gangnam-gu (강남구) district is an upper-class/business district in downtown Seoul. It’s located south of the Han River, a little towards the east situated between Seocho-Gu to the west, and Songpa-gu to the east. North of the Han river it is bordered mainly by Seongdong-gu.

Gangnam is a beautiful area for photography if you’re interested in photographing the skylines of some of Seoul’s most fascinating works of architecture and high-rises. It’s also a treasure trove for street photography, as well as night photography, especially in its buzzing nightlife areas.

Explore More: Complete Gangnam-gu Photo Guide;

Subway Line 2: Samseong, Seolleung, Yeoksam, Gangnam
Subway Line 3: Apgujeong, Sinsa, Maebong, Dogok, Daechi, Hangnyeoul, Daechong, Irwon, Suseo
Subway Line 7: Cheongdam, Gangnam-gu Office, Hak-dong, Nonhyeon
Subway Line 9: Sinnonhyeon, Eonju, Seonjeongneung, Samseong Jungang, Bongeunsa
Suin–Bundang Line:: Apgujeong Rodeo, Gangnam-gu Office, Seonjeongneung, Seolleung, Hanti, Dogok, Guryong, Gaepo-dong, Daemosan, Suseo
Shinbundang Line: Sinsa, Nonhyeon, Sinnonhyeon, Gangnam

Gangseo-gu (강서구)

Gangseo-gu (강서구) is located just south of the Han River to the far west of Seoul. It borders Gyeonggi Province‘s Bucheon to the southwest, Incheon City‘s Gyeyang district to the west, Gyeonggi Province’s Gimpo to the northwest, and Goyang to the north. It borders Seoul’s districts to the east north to south: Mapo-gu, Yeongdeungpo, and Yangcheon.

Subway Line 2 Sinjeong Branch: Kkachisan
Subway Line 5: Banghwa, Gaehwasan, Gimpo International Airport, Songjeong, Magok, Balsan, Ujangsan, Hwagok, Kkachisan
Subway Line 9: Gaehwa, Gimpo Internation Airport, Airport Market, Sinbanghwa, Magongnaru, Yangcheon Hyanggyo, Gayang, Jeungmi, Deungchon, Yeomchang
Airport Railway Line: Magongnaru, Gimpo International Airport
Seohae Line: Gimpo International Airport
Gimpo Goldline: Gimpo International Airport

Geumcheon-gu (금천구)

Geumcheon District (금천구) is located in the southwest of Seoul bordering Guro district in the northwest, Gwanak district to the northeast, Gyeonggi Province‘s Gwangmyeong City to the southwest, and Anyang city to the southeast.

Gyeongin Line: Gasan Digital Complex, Doksan, Geumchon-gu Office
Subway Line 7: Gasan Digital Complex

Guro-gu (구로구)

Guro District (구로구) is located in southwestern Seoul bordering Yangcheon district to the north, Yeongdeungpo district to the northeast, Gwanak District to the east, Geumcheon district to the southeast, Gyeonggi Province Gwangmyeong City and Bucheon City to the southeast and southwest.

Subway Line 1: Sindorim, Guro, Guil, Gaebong, Oryu-dong, Onsu
Subway Line 2: Guro Digital Complex, Daerim, Sindorim
Subway Line 2 Sinjeong Branch: Sindorim, Dorimcheon
Gyeongin Line: Guro
Subway Line 7: Namguro, Cheonwang, Onsu

Gwanak-gu (관악구)

Gwanak District (관악구) is located in the south of Seoul, slightly to the west. It is bordered by Seoul districts from the west clockwise: Geumcheon, Guro, Yeongdeungpo, Dongjak, and Seocho districts followed by Gyeonggi Province’s Gwacheon City in the southeast and Anyang City in the southwest.

Subway Line 2: Nakseongdae, Seoul National Univ., Bongcheon, Sillim
Sillim Line: Danggok, Sillim, Seowon, Seoul National Univ. Venture Town, Gwanaksan

Gwangjin-gu (관진구)

Gwangjin District (관진구) borders north of the Han River on the east side of Seoul. Clockwise from the east, it borders the following districts of Seoul: Gangdong, Songpa, Gangnam, Seongdong, Dongdaemun, Jungnang, and Gyeonggi Province‘s Guri City.

Subway Line 2: Konkuk Univ., Guui, Gangbyeon
Subway Line 5: Gunja, Achasan, Gwangnaru
Subway Line 7: Junggok, Gunja, Children’s Grand Park, Konkuk Univ., Ttukseom Park,

Jongno-gu (종로구)

Jongno-gu (종로구) is Seoul’s historic and cultural center. It has been the home of kings and queens of Korea’s Joseon dynasty since its establishment in 1392. The Jongno district presents a wonderful blend of modernity with tradition and culture. The district offers some of the city’s top attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest, and most prominent among the five in the district.

Jongno-gu is also home to many art galleries, museums, and other cultural assets that Seoul has to offer. In addition, it is a bustling modern business area and the modern governmental center of the capital city. Whether you’re a photographer or other visitor, you’ll want to dedicate a good amount of time to explore this district!

Jongno-gu’s location is slightly northwestern Seoul. It borders Eunpyeong-gu and Seodaemun-gu to the west, Jung-gu to the south, Seongbuk-gu to the east, and Gyeonggi Province, Goyang city to the north.

Explore More: Complete Jongno-gu Photo Guide; Gyeongbokgung Photo Guide;

Subway Line 1: Dongmyo, Dongdaemun, Jongno 5(o)-ga, Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jonggak
Subway Line 3: Gyeongbokgung, Anguk, Jongno 3(sam)-ga
Subway Line 4: Hyehwa, Dongdaemun
Subway Line 5: Seodaemun, Gwanghwamun, Jongno 3(sam)-ga
Subway Line 6: Dongmyo, Changsin

Jung-gu (중구)

Jung-gu (중구) suggested by the meaning of its name is located in the center of Seoul bordering clockwise from the north the following districts: Jongno, Dongdaemun, Seongdong, Yongsan, Mapo, and Seodaemun.

Jung District is massively popular with millions of people, including many tourists from around the world, coming through its locations on a daily basis. Famous high-class hotels, top-designer brands, and department stores are located throughout the area. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park and the architectural masterpiece, Dongdaemun Design Plaza are home to Jung District. The largely popular street markets of Myeongdong and Namdaemun fall within their borders. Seoul Tower and Seoul Station fall slightly outside of the Jung District, however, the northern portion of these areas, including a large portion of Namsan Mountain Park, lie within this district.

Subway Line 1: City Hall, Seoul Station
Subway Line 2: City Hall, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Euljiro 4(sa)-ga, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Sindang
Subway Line 3: Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Chungmuro, Dongguk Univ., Yaksu
Subway Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Chungmuro, Myeong-dong, Hoehyeon
Subway Line 5: Euljiro 4(sa)-ga, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Cheonggu
Subway Line 6: Beotigogae, Yaksu, Cheonggu, Sindang

Jungnang-gu (중랑구)

Jungnang-gu (중랑구) is located north of the Han River to the east bordering Gyeonggi Province‘s Guri City. It borders Gwangjin district to the south, Dongdaemun district and Seongbuk district to the west, and Nowon District to the north,

Subway Line 6: Bonghwasan, Sinnae
Subway Line 7: Meokgol, Junghwa, Sangbong, Myeonmok, Sagajeong, Yongmasan
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Jungnang, Sangbong, Mangu, Yangwon
Gyeongchun Line: Jungnang, Sangbong, Mangu, Sinnae

Mapo-gu (마포구)

Mapo-gu (마포구) is a district in western Seoul just above the Han River (aka. Hangang / 한강) and bordering Goyang (고양시), Gyeonggi Province (경기도) on the west. It also borders from north to east Seoul districts Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Jung-gu, and Yongsan-gu. Mapo-gu also borders Gangseo-gu and Jung-gu from west to east, south of the Han River.

There are several popular neighborhoods in Mapo-gu, including several university areas, such as the very popular Hongdae (aka Hongik University / 홍대). Such areas are alive with a lot of young energy and a big nightlife scene. This is one of Seoul’s best spots for street photography.

Explore More: Complete Mapo-gu Photo Guide; Hongdae Photo Guide; Hongdae Street Photography Gallery;

Subway Line 2: Hapjeong, Hongik University, Sinchon, Ewha Woman’s University, Ahyeon
Subway Line 5: Mapo, Gongdeok, Aeogae
Subway Line 6: World Cup Stadium (Seongsan), Mapo-gu Office, Mangwon, Hapjeong, Sangsu, Gwangheungchang, Daeheung, Gongdeok
Airport Railway Line: Gongdeok, Hongik University
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Hongik University, Sogang University, Gongdeok

Nowon-gu (노원구)

Nowon District (노원구) is located in the northeast corner of Seoul. It borders Gyeonggi Province‘s Uijeongbu City, Namyangju City, and Guri City from the north to southeast, and Seoul’s Jungnang, Seongbuk, Gangbuk, and Dobong Districts from the south to the northwest.

Subway Line 1: Wolgye, Kwangwoon Univ., Seokgye
Subway Line 4: Danggogae, Sanggye, Nowon
Subway Line 6: Seokgye, Taereung, Hwarangdae
Subway Line 7: Suraksan, Madeul, Nowon, Junggye, Hagye, Gongneung, Taereung

Seocho-gu (서초구)

Seocho District (서초구) is located south of the Han River slightly to the east. From the west, it is bordered by Seoul districts: Gwanak, Dongjak, Yongsan, and Gangnam. It is also bordered by Gyeonggi Province‘s Gwacheon City to the southwest and Seongnam City to the southeast.

Subway Line 2: Seoul National Univ., Seocho, Bangbae
Subway Line 3: Jamwon, Express Bus Terminal, Seoul National Univ., Nambu Bus Terminal, Yangjae
Subway Line 4: Namtaeryeong
Subway Line 7: Banpo, Express Bus Terminal, Naebang
Subway Line 9: Gubanpo, Sinbanpo, Express Bus Terminal, Sapyeong
Shinbundang Line: Yangjae, Yangjae Citizen’s Forest, Cheonggyesan

Seodaemun-gu (서대문구)

Seodaemun District (서대문구) is located northwest side of Seoul bordering the Eunpyeong, Jongno, Jung, and Mapo districts from the north clockwise.

Subway Line 2: Chungjeongno
Subway Line 3: Hongje, Muakjae, Dongnimmun
Subway Line 5: Chungjeongno
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Gajwa

Seongbuk-gu (성북구)

Seongbuk District (성북구) is located in central north Seoul bordering Gangbuk, Nowon, Jungnang, Dongdaemun, and Jongno Districts from the north-clockwise and a small part of Gyeonggi Province‘s Goyang City to the northwest.

Subway Line 4: Gireum, Sungshin Women’s Univ., Hansung Univ.,
Subway Line 6: Bomun, Anam, Korea University, Wolgok, Sangwolgok, Dolgoji
Ui-Sinseol Line: Bukhansan Bogungmun, Jeongneung, Sungshin Women’s University, Bomun

Seongdong-gu (성동구)

Seongdong District (성동구) is located just north of the Han River slightly to the east side of Seoul. It borders the following districts from the north clockwise: Dongdaemun, Gwangjin, Gangnam, Yongsan, Jung, and Jongno.

Subway Line 2: Sangwangsimni, Wangsimni, Hanyang Univ., Ttukseom, Seongsu
Subway Line 2 Seongsu Branch: Seongsu, Yongdap, Sindap
Subway Line 3: Geumho, Oksu
Subway Line 5: Singeumho, Haengdang, Wangsimni, Majang
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Oksu, Eungbong, Wangsimni
Suin–Bundang Line: Wangsimni, Seoul Forest

Songpa-gu (송파구)

Songpa District (송파구) is located south of the Han River to the east side. From the west clockwise, it borders Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Gangdong districts and Gyeonggi Province‘s Hanam City and Seongnam City.

Subway Line 2: Jamsillaru, Jamsil, Jamsilsaenae, Sports Complex
Subway Line 3: Garak Market, National Police Hospital, Ogeum
Subway Line 5 Macheon Branch: Olympic Park, Bangi, Ogeum, Gaerong, Geoyeo, Macheon
Subway Line 8: Mongchontoseong, Jamsil, Seokchon, Songpa, Garak Market, Munjeong, Jangji, Bokjeong
Subway Line 9: Sports Complex, Samjeon, Seokchon Gobun, Seokchon, Songpanaru, Hanseong Baekje, Olympic Park
Suin–Bundang Line: Bokjeong

Yangcheon-gu (양천구)

Yangcheon District (양천구) is located south of the Han River on the west side of southern Seoul. It borders Seoul’s Gangseo, Yeongdeungpo, and Guro districts to the north, east, and south, and Gyeonggi Province‘s Bucheon City to the west.

Subway Line 2 Sinjeong Branch: Yangcheon-gu Office, Sinjeongnegeori
Subway Line 5: Sinjeong, Mok-dong, Omokgyo
Subway Line 9: Sinmokdong

Yeongdeungpo-gu (영등포구)

Yeongdeungpo District (영등포구) is located south of the Han River slightly to the west. It borders the following districts of Seoul from the north clockwise: Mapo, Yongsan, Dongjak, Gwanak, Guro, Yangcheon, and Gangseo.

Subway Line 1: Daebang, Singil, Yeongdeungpo
Subway Line 2: Mullae, Yeongdeungpo-gu Office, Dangsan
Subway Line 5: Yangpyeong, Yeongdeungpo-gu Office, Yeongdeungpo Market, Singil, Yeouido, Yeouinaru
Subway Line 7: Boramae, Sinpung, Daerim
Subway Line 9: Seonyudo, Dangsan, National Assembly, Yeouido, Saetgang
Sillim Line: Saetgang, Daebang, Seoul Regional Office of Military Manpower

Yongsan-gu (용산구)

Yongsan District (용산구) is located north of the Han River in central Seoul. It borders the following districts from the north clockwise: Jung, Seongdong, Gangnam, Seocho, Dongjak, Yeongdeungpo, and Mapo.

Subway Line 1: Namyeong, Yongsan
Subway Line 4: Seoul Station, Sookmyung Women’s Univ., Samgakji, Sinyongsan, Ichon
Subway Line 6: Hyochang Park, Samgakji, Noksapyeong, Itaewon, Hangangjin
Airport Railway Line: Seoul Station
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Hyochang Park, Yongsan, Ichon, Seobinggo, Hannam
Shinbundang Line: Yongsan, Yongsan Park, Dongbinggo