10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Seoul

Namsan is a 262-metre-tall mountain seated on the border of Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The reason for its name is that it is the mountain to the south when viewed from Gyeongbokgung, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Being a somewhat small mountain and accessible by bus and subway, Namsan is one of the must-visit spots for locals as well as tourists from overseas.

You can also enjoy the view of Namsan from popular Seoul neighbourhoods such as Myeongdong, Hannam-dong and Itaewon. N Seoul Tower, seated at the top of Namsan, emanates brilliant lights far, far away. Namsan is also a vista point from which all of Seoul can be viewed. At the top of Namsan, enjoy a seemingly endless view of Seoul under the beautiful, clear sky. You will be able to witness every little detail of the scenes of Seoul from the centre of the city.

N Seoul Tower is one of the most notable landmarks in the entire country. Noticeable from most parts of Seoul, the tower is a cultural complex equipped with an exhibit, restaurants and an observatory. Thousands of tourists and locals visit the tower each year.

Walk up to the observatory of N Seoul Tower and enjoy a 360-degree, panoramic view of the city. Located on the third floor, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the observatory offer visitors thrilling views. For lasting memories on special occasions, enjoy the gorgeous night view of Seoul over a glass of wine at the romantic French restaurant on the top floor. The view of N Seoul Tower from afar is as attractive as the view from the tower itself. At night, don’t miss the colourful lights that illuminate the tower to indicate the air conditions.

Banpodaegyo is a 2-storey bridge that connects Yongsan-gu and Seocho-gu. Jamsugyo runs under the bridge and is widely loved by many thanks its great location and beautiful nightscape.

The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, which is installed on the 1,140-metre-long section of the bridge, uses water pumps to produce an awesome scene in which the great width of the Hangang River stands out. Here, you can watch a gorgeous, rainbow-coloured nightscape presented by over 200 colourful lights and fountains that dance to music. An even more magnificent view can be enjoyed from the Hangang observation deck located on Jamsugyo. This is known as an especially great vantage point to watch fireworks on the day of the Yeouido Fireworks Festival. Visit Banpodaegyo and take in the romantic atmosphere while admiring the gorgeous and colourful night view.

Naksan Park is a famous attraction that offers a panoramic view of beautiful Seoul from up high. Located 125 metres atop Naksan Mountain, the park is low enough to walk up or conveniently take a bus.

On a sunny day, how about hiking up to Naksan Park, sitting at a cool café and enjoying an awesome view including N Seoul Tower unfolding in front of your eyes? Your fatigued mind and soul will be refreshed by an aromatic cup of coffee and a clear view. The views are quite beautiful during the day but make sure to find time to enjoy the city’s sunset over Hanyangdoseong. You will fall in love with the harmony of tradition, modernity, nature and city. You can feel the true appeal of Naksan Park when the day turns completely dark and lights turn on along the city walls and downtown Seoul starts to glow. Enjoy the night view of Seoul where tranquillity meets glamour.

63 Building is a 249-metre-tall landmark in Yeouido-dong, Seoul. The building has appeared in various media including movies, animations and games. Although its official name changed to 63 Square, it is still better known by its original name, 63 Building.

The father of all skyscrapers in Korea, the building is famous for its observatory located on the 60th floor. Enjoy the clear view of downtown Seoul and the Hangang River that unfolds through the glass of the observatory. On a clear day, you may even get a view of the sea off Incheon. While visiting the observatory during the day has its own appeal, the night brings a more colourful and impressive view. In particular, the beautiful lights that flood the Hangang River form a spectacle that cannot be seen anywhere else. There is also a selection of restaurants on the floors close to the observatory so enjoy the beautiful view of Seoul over a table of delicious foods on a special day.

Seonyudo is a small island located in the middle of the Hangang River. Seonyudo Park, which is established on the island, was a former filtration plant before being transformed into an eco-friendly ecological park. This is one of the best places to watch the beautiful scenery of the Hangang River.

With so many things to see and places to relax on Seonyudo, we recommend you first visit the observatory. At the end of a walk on Seonyugyo, also called the Rainbow Bridge, you will reach the Seonyugyo Observatory. From here, refresh your mind and enjoy the clear view of the blue Hangang River and World Cup Daegyo Bridge as well as the National Assembly Building in Yeouido on the opposite side of the river. Seonyudo offer beautiful views any season you visit. It is also a great place to thoroughly enjoy the nightscape of downtown Seoul. Through a telescope at the bird observatory, come to get to know the birds inhabiting a small island near Seonyudo.

Standing a bit taller than Namsan Mountain, Ansan is a 296-metre-tall mountain situated in Seodaemun-gu. Encompassing Ansan, Ansan Jarak-gil is a 7-km-long circulating forest path allowing you to hike up the mountain from anywhere on the trail. The route coming from behind the Seodaemun-gu Office is filled with an array of colourful flowers every spring and is especially famous for cherry blossoms in full bloom. There are forest bath sites, rest areas and mineral springs as well as many benches and pavilions along the trail where you can relax.

On your way up the mountain, you will pass a waterwheel, thatched houses and an artificial waterfall, and, before you know it, reach the top rewarded with a gorgeous view. When the weather’s nice, you can get a clear view of the Hangang River and the city including Inwangsan, Bukshansan and Namsan. Take a moment to rest in Ansan where you can enjoy both the tranquillity of the forest and the view of the city.

Bugak Palgakjeong Pavilion is an attraction where you can view all of Seoul from an angle different from that of N Seoul Tower. The spiral road is lined with trees and a variety of flowers that blossom and fall from one season to the next. Bugak Skyway, which leads up to Bugak Palgakjeong, is a well-known route to drive while appreciating the fabulous nightscape of Seoul.

Once you reach the top, you will be able to see the city walls and downtown Seoul in a single view. Bukhansan Mountain is seen in front while Namsan and Gwanaksan Mountains are seated in the back. A contrasting harmony between the modern city and mountain ridges boasts unique scenery. Enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening and, at night from the observation deck on the 2nd floor, check out the colourful nightscape of Seoul centred on Gwanghwamun 4-way Intersection.

Bicena is a restaurant that offers a Korean cuisine experience with a luxurious and modern vibe. The name in Korean means to “empty, fill and share.” Located on the 81st floor of Lotte World Tower, the restaurant gives you the opportunity to dine while enjoying the view you would normally get from the observatory. The clear, panoramic view of Seoul seen from a Korean restaurant at such a great height is something you would not be able to experience anywhere else.

Changing from one season to the next, the menu consists of course meals so you can taste a variety of dishes. The restaurant reinterprets forgotten local dishes and meticulously prepares pastes and kimchi, providing a taste on another level compared to common Korean food. The restaurant features private rooms of different sizes, which makes it a perfect venue for dates with loved ones or group dinners.

STAY is the French restaurant of Signiel Seoul located on the 81st floor of Lotte World Tower. A 3-star Michelin chef presents creative and artistic French cuisine based on the five philosophies of creativity, accuracy, boldness, inspiration and sensibility. The Pastry Library in the centre of the restaurant offers a variety of desserts baked by the French chef himself.

The interior designed with the primary colours of white, yellow and black exudes luxurious chic and the high ceilings create a grand open space. Downtown Seoul including Jamsil, Hangang and Gangnam unfolds like a panorama through the floor-to-ceiling windows, presenting a grand and fantastic view. If you are searching for a unique experience of enjoying Seoul’s fabulous skyline and high-class dishes at the same time, make sure to visit STAY.