Where to Get the Best Views in Seoul

Daytime in Seoul. The sun’s out and the day is ripe for clear views that seem to stretch on forever. Here are some great spots to explore to get the big views you’re after. 

If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, you might want to get involved in one of Seoul’s favourite pastimes – hiking. The good news is, while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, you can see some of the most inspiring and lovely views in this part of the world.

If you’re after a little hike that’s still big on all things natural beauty, this walk is right up your alley. Head to the middle of the city and take it from there.

Hiking in Seoul here in Bukhansan National Park is on many a walker’s to-do list. Here you can select from many trails, and no matter which you choose, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring and remarkable views. You need to be reasonably fit to tackle these hikes – there’s one which reaches heights of 740 metres, so it’s hard, but the view-bounty is a beauty. Expect forests and rocky outcrops; multiple terrains.

This is not just another hike with a view. This is a remarkable one with magical, knockout views. Mountains, mountains and more mountains, Songnisan is a sensation. And if you’re lucky enough to be here in autumn, the display of turning leaves is like no other. Make sure you lay eyes on the view that includes the cloud-shrouded Mujangdae. Put this hike on your Seoul itinerary.

This is a set of trails that form part of the ancient city walls lap. But this hike requires a little more planning than others because the whole trail is within an active military zone. Passing behind the Blue House, the president’s residence, this is high-security stuff. That being so – bring your passport and check the trail’s opening times before you set off. If you want to continue to Inwangsan, just keep tracing the city walls for an extra-lengthy hike.

If you’re a waterfall fan, this is the hike for you. Leave about 2 hours to finish it, and get ready for the best view of Seoul that’ll blow your mind. This is Asia’s tallest waterfall. Enough said. And what’s even better is that the abandoned amusement park you’ll find at the base of this walk is the same one made famous on Instagram. Bear in mind – there’s an AUD 13.00 entry fee. 

At home on the hilltop within Namsan Park lies the N Seoul Tower. With your N Seoul Tower Ticket in Seoul, you get access to the best views in the city. When you get here, you’ll go up, up and up, nearly 500 metres to the Observatory where you’ll find out more about this landmark. The hustle and bustle of Seoul disappears as you see the city sprawl out in front of you. Up here, above the loudness and micro life, you get the big picture, looking out across the city to the hills and further. 

By now, you know Seoul sizzles during the day, with loads of spots to see it in all its glory. So, to shake things up a bit, try some nighttime outlooks and get the whole picture of what makes the city tick. Here are some of Seoul's Best Nighttime Viewpoints.

Take the clear path up to the top where you’ll find the old fire beacon station. It’ll take you about 30 minutes. From here, look out over most of Seoul. You’ll see Gangnam, Yeuido and the CBD, as well as the Namsan Tower, all dressed in sparkling lights. To get the nighttime view you’re after, start an hour before the sun sets, and make sure you pack a torch with extra batteries just in case the path isn’t lit.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds loads of historical significance. Built back in the Silla Dynasty, this area is rich in interest and things to discover. Apart from the past, the wall also offers a high viewing point. Head here in the evening and expect to see photographers with their tripods at the ready for breathtaking city shots at night.

This may not be the steepest hill or have the most sweeping views, but what it does have is accessibility. Even though it's easy to get to, it still offers a gorgeous vista. See the Han River follow the highway and Gangnam too; it’s a great spot to get a snap of the city’s liveliness.

In Eastern Seoul, you’ll find this viewpoint. If you’re keen on a bit more of a hike, the climb is slightly steeper and rockier than others. In fact, there are some parts that include ropes so be prepared. When you reach the top, you’ll find a wooden deck where you can see the sunset. You won’t be the only one with this idea, but at least you’ll get a top night shot. Due to the steep gradient, take a torch and extra batteries for the hike down.   

This peak isn’t as well known, but you can get some pretty great night pics of Lotte World Tower and Gangnam from here. The good news is the hike up is easy with steps and boardwalks to help you along. The infrastructure at the top gives you a fab spot to stop and take stock of the world below. 

Think you’ve seen the view from N Seoul Tower if you’ve been here during the day? With a Namsan Tower ticket nighttime holds a whole new vista. And the best part is, once you’re at the top, you can watch the sunset over Seoul until the lights of the city start shining and blinking. Then, if you want to, you can stay for a buffet at the restaurant. Boom!

So, you’re out for a fun night in Hongdae, or you’re grabbing an after-work tipple in sophisticated Gangnam. Seoul is spoilt for choice in terms of a rooftop with sweeping views of the city. Sip on a Chardy while you revel in the outlook: dreamy!

Want sweeping views that take in the stunning beauty of Namsan Mountain juxtaposed against the twinkling lights of Myeongdong? This is the place to cheers your peers. With the reputation of being one of the city’s most bewitching bars. This heaving social spot is spread over the whole 21st floor of the L7 Myeongdong Hotel. It’s got outdoor and indoor areas and is decked out in marble, modern lighting and huge windows. Take your pick of the extensive craft beer and wine list – oh – and there's Korean fried chicken too! 

This bar is a little bit of Texas in Seoul. If you’re a fan of creative cocktails, delicious food and warm service, this is the place for you. Blending local ingredients with good ‘ol Southern flavours, try signature drinks like the Juarez Old Fashioned or Omija Mule. Meanwhile, on the snug rooftop, there’s room for an intimate drink with an outlook that’ll make you smile. Here, it’s the food that keeps ‘em coming back – a BBQ-inspired menu to die for. 

Up in hilly Gyeongnidan, celebrity restaurateur, Hong Seok-Cheon delivers what all patrons have come to expect. The ambience up here is all about Korean vintage, with purple and pink neon illuminating the spaces. This Instagrammable place draws a very ‘it’ crowd who love sipping on the beautiful cocktails. But there’s another gem up My Sky’s sleeve: the rooftop where you can get jaw-dropping views of the Seoul Tower, which is closeby. If you want to eat while you’re here, grab a pasta or risotto with a Korean feel. 

Get up to the 17th floor for lovely views of the thriving metropolis, south of the Han River. Located in Gangnam, this rooftop bar Seoul looks down on the old Nonhyeon-dong neighbourhood. See one-of-a-kind aspects of the low-rise houses contrasted with skyscrapers. And to make the views even better, this is the place to sample world-class whacky cocktails.

When you’ve seen the best views Seoul has to offer, visit nearby Nami Island for more stunning scenery.