Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to Instagram a few shots, today I’ll be sharing with you on where and how to take the best pictures.

It’s a given that a visitor to Seoul will undoubtedly visit and snap shots at the iconic royal palaces at one point or another but to take some unique shots, try visiting when the royal palaces are holding their night admission. A few times during the year, some of the palaces offer special admission in the evening as the royal palace buildings and grounds are lit up. Also, if you have the time, do try and visit Huwon, the rear gardens of Changdeokgung Palace which offers some of the best royal palace experience and in a smaller, private setting. The trails along the Seoul City Wall are not only superb for nature shots but also provides plenty of historic sites- such as temples, old city gates and scenic views of the city along the way. Try shooting at both daytime and nighttime to get wonderfully contrasting images.

Seoul’s Buddhist temples like Jogyesa and Bongeunsa attract visitors year round but for colorful, mesmerizing pictures, try and visit in the few weeks leading up to Buddha’s birthday. During this time, the temple grounds are decorated with colorful paper lanterns and lotus flowers making it a special experience. Other religious venues that may be of interest for photographers include Myeongdong Cathedral, the Seoul Central Mosque, the Seoul Anglican Cathedral, or the Guksadang shaman shrine on Mt. Inwang.

Parks are aplenty in the city but I’d particularly recommend the World Cup Park and Seoul Forest for breathtaking scenes of nature, especially in the fall. For something more unusual, visit Seonyudo Park which was once home to an industrial water treatment plant but was converted into a park. Its fascinating mix of nature and urban elements makes it a favorite shooting location of many and is particularly popular with wedding shoots!

For photographers more interested in capturing urban city life, older neighborhoods such as along Euljiro, Dongdaemun, and Jongno with its blend of warehouses, mom and pop stores, residential homes are recommended. Don’t forget to visit the numerous mid to larger sized traditional markets in just about every neighborhood for some vivid images! For the areas where past and present comes together try visiting Munllaedong with its many factories and converted art spaces or Ikseondong for the many converted traditional hanok homes with less crowds than touristy neighborhoods like Bukchon.

For documenting Seoul’s modern aspects, you won’t want to miss the out-of-this-worldly Dongdaemun Design Plaza (also known as the DDP) with its massive fluid structure that’s as interesting inside as it is outside. Lotte World Tower, currently Korea’s tallest building, is fast growing as a popular subject for pictures as well. A number of skyscrapers in Yeouido have recently opened or are currently in construction and one great way to capture that skyline is from the Han River ferry boats that depart from Yeouido.

Seoul’s high-energy and fast-pace can be captured in areas like Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Jongno with its many neon signs, influx of people coming and going, traffic, and tall buildings. For a different kind of fast pace, try shooting the thousands of people that pass through inside Gangnam Station, the stimulation of all your senses at the bustling Noryangjin Seafood Market, or the coming and going of trains at Yongsan Station.

Lastly, don’t forget to take into account the numerous festivals and events going on in Seoul that will add depth to your pictures! From festivals like the upcoming Seoul Lantern Festival, in November, or the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, to seasons like spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or fall when the leaves change to vivid hues, be sure to check the Visit Seoul homepage to see what may be coinciding with your visit.