Seoul in Pictures: 47 Free Photos and a Short City Guide

Seoul in 47 free photos, taken in autumn when the ginkgo trees turn gold: Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace with the changing of the royal guard, the halls and painted eaves of Deoksugung, the old city gates, tiled hanok houses in the narrow lanes, the glass towers and plazas of the modern city, and the boats on the tidal flats of the west coast. Each set of photos has a short note on the place.

Seoul at a glance

• Getting there: Incheon International Airport; the AREX train reaches Seoul Station in about 45 minutes.
• Getting around: the subway is huge, cheap and signed in English; a T-money card works on it, on buses and in taxis.
• Money: Korean won. Cards are taken almost everywhere, even for small amounts.
• When to go: April to May for the blossom and September to November for the autumn colours. Summers are hot and rainy, winters very cold.

How to download: click a photo to see it large, then use Download. The originals are about 1200 × 800 pixels: right for blog posts, slides, social media, school projects and video call backgrounds.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395, was the main palace of the Joseon kings. You enter through the great Gwanghwamun gate, where the changing of the royal guard takes place in Joseon-era costume several times a day. Inside are the throne hall, pavilions on ponds and the National Folk Museum with its five-storey pagoda. Visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional dress, get in free; the palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Deoksugung and the old city

Deoksugung, across from City Hall, mixes traditional wooden halls with stone Western-style buildings; its stone-wall road is a favourite walk in autumn. The eaves of the palace halls are painted in dancheong, bright patterns of green, red and blue. Of the old city walls, the great gates remain, among them Sungnyemun, rebuilt after a fire in 2008.

Hanok houses and old lanes

Hanok are traditional Korean houses with tiled roofs, wooden frames and courtyards. Whole lanes of them survive in Bukchon, between the palaces, and around Insadong, with tea houses, galleries and craft shops. Bukchon is still lived in; keep your voice down.

Modern Seoul

Seoul is a city of almost ten million people, with office towers along the main boulevards, the green lawn of Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, and lines of yellow ginkgo trees in autumn.

The west coast

West of Seoul, around Incheon, the Yellow Sea has some of the largest tides in the world; at low tide the fishing boats sit on the mud flats.

Tips for a first visit

• Rent a hanbok near Gyeongbokgung for free palace entry and the best photos.
• Buy a combined palace ticket if you plan to see four or more of the five palaces.
• Download a Korean map app; foreign map apps give poor walking directions in Korea.

More about Seoul

Seoul is South Korea’s capital and also its largest city. It is relatively small, with an area of about 600 square kilometres, but having a population of over 10 million makes it is one of the world’s most densely populated cities. It is densely populated not only in terms of people but also in terms of vehicles – about three million of them regularly cause widespread traffic jams. The Seoul National Capital Area – Seoul’s commuter belt – has a populace of over 20 million. Around one-quarter of South Korea’s entire population lives in and around Seoul, which is located in the northwest of the country, on the Han River.

In 2003, Seoul’s mayor, Lee Myung-bak, initiated a project to uncover and restore the 5.8-km-long Cheong Gye Cheon stream which runs through Seoul’s centre and had been covered over with a road and an elevated highway. The project is estimated to have cost over US$ 900 million and was opened to the public in September of 2005. It was considered a major success in urban renewal and beautification. A further US$12 billion is expected to be invested in redeveloping the around 800,000 m2 area near the stream into a major commercial and residential area in the coming years.

Seoul is one of Asia’s most wealthy and expensive cities, and it attracts large numbers of tourists each year. Modern Seoul is a city of skyscrapers, but it also preserves temples, palaces and other ancient sites, and its museums and art galleries display its history.

There are modern purpose-built tourist attractions for all the family, like the Children’s Grand Park amusement park, and local markets and parks to explore. Getting around Seoul by public transport is easy, and to escape the noise of the city for a while take a day trip out of the capital to the peaceful countryside of Namhansanseong Provincial Park, or Yeongjong Island’s sandy beaches. The summit of Mount Pukhansan can also be reached on a day trip.

A good pace to start in this city of contrasts is the top of the Seoul Tower, which gives a great view of the city and helps with orientation. From there you will see that most of the finest palaces and the surviving old city gates are within the city centre itself, in the historical district of Jongno and the Chongno area. The Gyeonbok-Gung Palace, the grandest of them all, was almost destroyed by the Japanese in the early 1900s, but has been carefully restored and also houses the Korean National Folk Museum. Nearby Changdeok-Gung Palace has also been restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Namdaemun Gate is well worth a visit for its traditional Korean architecture and the nearby market, both of which offer great potential for photographs.

The place to go for an over-view of Korean history from pre-history to the 20th century is the National Museum of Korea, which houses objects and artefacts illustrating the country’s past, as well as touch-screens and interactive displays. For traditional Korean food, try one of the many fast food outlets and noodle bars in the city or in its markets; for something more up-market, go to Itaewon Street or Daehangno, both of which have restaurants popular with tourists. Chinese and Japanese food, as well as French and Italian cuisine, are also widely available, and most shopping centres have food courts in the basement.

History of Namdaemun Gate

Namdaemun Gate, also known as Sungnyemun, stands as a timeless symbol of Seoul’s rich history and cultural heritage. As one of South Korea’s most iconic landmarks, this majestic gate has witnessed centuries of change, embodying the resilience and spirit of the Korean people. Let’s delve into the captivating history of Namdaemun Gate, tracing its origins, significance, and enduring legacy.

Origins and Construction:

Namdaemun Gate was constructed during the Joseon Dynasty, one of Korea’s most illustrious periods, in 1398. Commissioned by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, the gate served as one of the main entrances to the capital city of Seoul, then known as Hanyang. Its strategic location at the southern end of Seoul’s central axis made it a vital hub for commerce, culture, and administration.

Crafted from wood and adorned with intricate architectural details, Namdaemun Gate exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Korean architecture. Standing at a towering height of nearly 25 meters, the gate features a multi-tiered, pagoda-style roof, adorned with ornate carvings and vibrant paintings, reflecting the artistic prowess of the Joseon artisans.

Symbolism and Importance:

Namdaemun Gate holds profound symbolic significance in Korean culture. The name “Namdaemun” translates to “Great South Gate,” signifying its importance as the primary entrance to the capital city. Beyond its practical function as a passageway, the gate represented the authority and majesty of the Joseon Dynasty, serving as a visual testament to the kingdom’s power and grandeur.

Moreover, Namdaemun Gate played a pivotal role in shaping Seoul’s urban landscape and social dynamics. As the main thoroughfare connecting the city to the rest of the country, the gate facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange, fostering the vibrant growth of Seoul as a dynamic metropolis.

Historical Significance and Resilience:

Throughout its long history, Namdaemun Gate has withstood numerous challenges, including invasions, fires, and urban development. Despite facing destruction during the Japanese invasion of Korea in the late 16th century and the Korean War in the 20th century, the gate was meticulously restored each time, attesting to the unwavering spirit of the Korean people and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

However, Namdaemun Gate faced its greatest trial in 2008 when a devastating arson attack resulted in significant damage to the structure. The incident shocked the nation and sparked a massive restoration effort to rebuild the gate to its former glory. After years of painstaking restoration work, Namdaemun Gate was reopened to the public in 2013, reaffirming its status as a national treasure and a symbol of resilience.

Legacy and Cultural Heritage:

Today, Namdaemun Gate stands as a testament to Korea’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy. It serves as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its majestic beauty and learn about its storied past. Moreover, the gate continues to symbolize the spirit of the Korean people, reminding them of their collective resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

As a designated National Treasure of South Korea, Namdaemun Gate holds immense historical, cultural, and architectural significance. It serves as a tangible link to Korea’s past, preserving the traditions and values of previous generations for future generations to cherish and admire.

Namdaemun Gate stands as a timeless testament to Seoul’s rich history and cultural heritage. From its humble origins during the Joseon Dynasty to its enduring legacy as a national treasure, the gate has weathered centuries of change, emerging as a symbol of resilience, strength, and national pride. As one of South Korea’s most iconic landmarks, Namdaemun Gate continues to inspire awe and reverence, reminding us of the enduring power of history to shape our collective identity and heritage.

More free photos

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Questions about these Seoul photos

Can I use these Seoul pictures for free?

Yes, for personal and commercial projects. All we ask is a link back to BigFoto.com; the box at the top of the page has a credit link you can copy.

Which palace should I visit in Seoul?

Gyeongbokgung for size and the changing of the guard, Changdeokgung for its Secret Garden (UNESCO World Heritage), and Deoksugung for an evening walk.