9 of the Best Views in Seoul and Where To Find Them

Perched atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower) is undeniably one of Seoul's iconic viewpoints. To reach the tower’s base on foot, you can take a leisurely 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) hike from Myeongdong Station. Depending on which of the four trails you choose, this can take between 30 minutes and an hour. For a more relaxed journey from Myeongdong Station, take the 2-minute ride on the Oreumi elevator to the Namsan Cable Car station. From there, it’s a 3-minute ascent to the tower’s base. After entering the tower, take an elevator ride to its observation deck, an ideal spot for cityscape photography, especially during sunset. To skip the tower’s long admission line, you can buy your N Seoul Tower ticket in advance.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to bring a padlock for the “love lock” walls surrounding the tower’s base and observation deck.

If you prefer to pair panoramic vantage points with cocktails, head to Rooftop Bar Floating on the 21st-floor of the L7 Hotel Myeongdong. Noted for its views of Myeongdong Shopping Street, N Seoul Tower, and Namsan Mountain, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As the city’s largest rooftop bar and bistro, it offers a diverse menu as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options. Rooftop Bar Floating is typically open from 5pm to 1:30am and requires an advanced reservation that you can book by phone.

Once an elevated highway and now a pedestrian walkway, Seoullo 7017 (also known as Seoul Skygarden) provides an often-overlooked viewpoint for admiring the city’s dynamic urban landscapes. Measuring approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) in length, the pathway is somewhat similar to New York City's famed High Line with 24,000 plants and trees (in raised planters) and offers unobstructed views of landmarks like Myeongdong, City Hall, and the 14th-century Sungnyemun Gate.

If you’re seeking hidden gem views in Seoul—and don’t mind breaking a sweat—Mt. Inwang is the perfect destination. While most tourists flock to Bukhansan for their alpine sightseeing, Inwang is a great alternative with its eerie rock formations, night hiking opportunities, and unbeatable views of Seoul's other mountains. For the best experience (and help navigating the trail safely), consider joining a guided hiking tour that stops at sights along the way, including ancient shrines and tranquil viewpoints that offer a respite from the bustling city below. Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely approach and take an e-bike tour that visits Inwangsan and other Seoul landmarks.

As the world’s fifth-highest building, Lotte World Tower boasts the highest (and one of the most impressive) observation decks in Seoul: Seoul Sky—a 70th-story viewpoint located 1,804 feet (550 meters) above Seoul’s sidewalks—offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis. You can also elevate your experience by dining at one of the tower's restaurants, which offer gourmet cuisine with a side of spectacular city views. To get your adrenaline pumping, try the thrilling Skybridge walk, which takes you across a 36-foot (11-meter) bridge, 1,775 feet (541 meters) above the ground.

Walk along the 14th-century Seoul City Wall that once encircled the city, and you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of both the old and new Seoul. For a more illuminating visit, take a private hiking tour to learn about the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site and gain historical insights into one of the most scenic spots in Seoul. Alternatively, you can join a guided moonlit tour along the walls and witness the city in its illuminated splendor.

Take to the waters of the Han River for an ever-changing way of seeing Seoul. Opt for a nighttime cruise, and you can see the city's landmarks illuminated against the twilight sky as you float past iconic sights such as the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Foundation. For an alternative sightseeing experience, consider taking a stand-up paddleboard tour along the peaceful river.

Due to its strategic location at the heart of the city, Gyeongbokgung Palace provides sweeping vistas of both the city’s traditional architecture and its modern skyscrapers. You can ascend to higher vantage points within the palace grounds, such as Geunjeongjeon Hall, to see Seoul’s bustling urban landscape below, or admire the palace’s mountainous backdrop from the elevated Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Consider taking a morning tour to delve deeper into the history and culture of this majestic palace complex while avoiding the tourist rush that happens in the afternoon.

See Seoul from above on a private helicopter tour. These excursions offer stunning panoramic views of the city's landmarks, from ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers. Photograph the Korean capital from a unique vantage point as you glide above the bustling metropolis, the tranquil Han River, and further-flung attractions like Nami Island. This aerial journey is perfect if you’re seeking an exclusive and atypical way to see the city’s sights.