Seoul Architecture: A City Shaped by Palaces, Hanok, and Skyscrapers

No trip to South Korea's capital city is complete without taking a self-guided tour of the city's spectacular buildings.

Seoul's architectural landscape is as diverse as it gets - ranging from the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace to the 100-year-old homes of Bukchon Hanok Village to the highly futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid.

Architecture buffs planning a visit to Seoul are in for a treat. Not sure where to start? This guide to the best architecture in Seoul will take you to the city's most impressive buildings, from colourful Buddhist temples to historic hanok houses to ultra-modern skyscrapers.

The first stop on your Seoul architecture tour is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, this was the first and most significant royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

There's a lot to admire on the expansive grounds. Be sure to spend some time photographing Gwanghwamun Gate, paying attention to the details of Geunjeongjeon Hall, and seeing the reflection of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeonghoeji Pond.

It's also well worth timing your visit with the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, which typically takes place twice daily Wednesdays through Monday.

Local tip: Entrance is free for anyone wearing traditional Korean clothing (hanbok). You can rent hanbok from one of the many shops surrounding Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is an essential stop for both architecture and history lovers. Visiting this spot is one of the most famous things to do in Seoul - and it's easy to see why.

Explore the area, and you'll see beautiful examples of traditional wooden hanok houses, narrow alleyways, 100-year-old teahouses, and plenty of locals and tourists dressed in hanbok. Some prime photo spots are at the top of Bukchon 11-gil with N Seoul Tower in the background, as well as the views over Bukchon Hanok Village from the Bukchon Observatory.

Local tip: Out of respect for the people who live here, there is a curfew for Bukchon Hanok Village. Visitors are generally asked to avoid the area before 10am and after 5pm out of respect for local residents.

Walk for 15 minutes from Bukchon Hanok Village, and you'll be transported into the modern era at Ssamzigil Mall. Set right in the heart of the popular Insa-dong neighbourhood, Ssamzigil Mall adds a contemporary touch to this traditional area.

This four-story mall features 70 shops, all situated around the building's central courtyard. From handicraft stores to workshops and fashion boutiques, this is a great place to pick up cool handmade souvenirs you can't find anywhere else. But even if you're not in the market for anything, it's worth exploring the nooks and crannies of Ssamzigil Mall.

Local tip: Don't skip the rooftop, which features a café, lovely views over Insa-dong, and plenty of photo ops.

Located right down the road from Ssamzigil Mall, Jogyesa Temple is a must on any Seoul architecture tour. Originally built in 1395, Jogyesa Temple was later destroyed by a fire and painstakingly rebuilt in 1910. It now stands proud as one of the most important Buddhist temples in South Korea.

With its colourful paintwork, towering golden Buddha statues, and incredible seasonal decorations, Jogyesa Temple is a popular year-round destination.

However, one of the best times to go is during the weeks leading up to Buddha's birthday, which typically falls in April or May. During this time, the temple is adorned with an incredible display of lanterns that is just magical to see in person.

With its wave-like glass-and-steel facade, Seoul City Hall looks more like the exterior of a modern art museum than a stuffy city hall building. Built in 2012 to replace the old city hall building, the new Seoul City Hall is so much more than a space for government activity.

One of the coolest attractions is the "Green Wall," a seven-story vertical garden which is one of the largest indoor vertical gardens in the world.

You'll also want to check out the impressive art installations, eco-friendly designs, and the adjacent Seoul Metropolitan Library, which is housed in the former Seoul City Hall building.

N Seoul Tower (aka YTN Seoul Tower or Namsan Tower) is an icon of Seoul's architectural landscape. Located at the top of Namsan Hill, this landmark attraction juts 236 metres into the sky. Pay to access the observation tower at the top of this communication tower, and you'll get incredible 360-degree views of the Seoul skyline.

However, it's entirely possible to enjoy the sweeping city views from the base of the tower for free. While you're there, you should also check out the thousands of "love locks" that decorate the fences around N Seoul Tower.

Local tip: To reach the base of the tower at the top of Namsan Hill, you can either pay to ride the cable car to the top of the hill or hike one of the hillside trails for free.

It's impossible to miss the Lotte World Tower. As the tallest building in South Korea and the sixth-tallest building in the world, this 123-story skyscraper stretches 555 metres into the air, dominating the Seoul skyline.

While you should absolutely admire this architectural marvel from the outside, it's also well worth taking in the bird's-eye views from one of the observation decks at the top of Lotte World Tower.

Local tip: For the best views of Lotte World Tower, be sure to see it reflected in Seokchon Lake.

You wouldn't necessarily think that a university would make a "best architecture in Seoul" list, but Ewha Womens University is truly something special.

The campus' standout feature is known as the "valley," a highly picturesque courtyard that is carved into the hilly landscape and flanked by glass and metal walls that resemble cliffs.

The result of this innovative design is a campus that is largely underground and rooftops that double as green spaces.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) by famed architect Zaha Hadid is another must-visit on any Seoul architecture tour. This landmark attraction happens to be one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Take one look and it's easy to see why.

Hadid, who is known as the “Queen of the Curve," designed DDP in her signature style, with sloped roofs, curved walls, and no evidence of lines or angles.

For even more surprises, head up to the roof, and you'll be transported from the city centre to a lush oasis known as the "Sky Park." Or, visit at night to see the building illuminated.

Be sure to bring your camera when you visit Starfield Library, because this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul.

You'll find this gem in COEX Central Plaza in Seoul's buzzing Gangnam District. Step inside and prepare to be amazed by the library's 13 metre tall bookshelves, stocked with over 50,000 books and magazines.

Local tip: There is now a second Starfield Library in Suwon Mall in Suwon. Believe it or not, it's even more impressive than the original Starfield Library in Seoul.

The most famous buildings in Seoul are the contemporary Lotte World Tower and N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) and the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.

Some must-see examples of both traditional and modern architecture in Seoul for first-time visitors are the traditional wooden homes in Bukchon Hanok Village and the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace. For a more futuristic side of Seoul's architectural scene, Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid and the new Seoul City Hall are must-sees.

Sustainable design and green architecture feature heavily in Seoul’s urban landscape today. Some prime examples are Seoul City Hall's indoor vertical garden, Dongdaemun Design Plaza's rooftop "Sky Park," and Lotte World Tower's energy-efficient designs.

The neighbourhoods in Seoul that are best known for their striking architectural landmarks are Jongno-gu, which is home to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Seoul City Hall, as well as Jung-gu, which boasts modern architectural marvels, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza and N. Seoul Tower.

Travellers can find the most Instagram-worthy architectural spots in Seoul in places like Starfield Library in Gangnam, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu.

For a local experience, travellers can stay at the Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae in Seoul's artsy Hongdae neighbourhood. Base yourself here and you'll be within walking distance of all of the area's buzzing bars, street food stalls, and quirky shops. Another option is to stay in the more residential and modern area of Seoul's Magok neighbourhood. Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok is an ideal choice of hotel in this part of Seoul, thanks to its sleek rooms, indoor pool, and direct metro access.