A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Seoul, South Korea

Follow the trail of analogue charm hidden in the corners of Seoul. Where tradition meets modernity, find inspiration in museums, photobook stores, and streets made for film photography. From thoughtful exhibitions to vintage markets and cozy cafés, this guide leads you to the city’s most photogenic spots to capture the soul of Seoul through an analogue lens.

Once known for its hardware and lighting shops, Euljiro and its backstreets has transformed into a cultural hotspot. Wander through the maze-like alleys filled with retro signs, old factories turned into hip cafés, and hidden bars. Perfect for capturing gritty textures, strong shadows, and moody urban photography – especially with black-and-white or cross-processed film. Photo by bogat23k

Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley features a beautiful mix of traditional Korean architecture and trendy modern boutiques. Shoot early in the morning for soft light and quiet streets, or in the evening for glowing signs and bustling crowds. Great for color film lovers and those who enjoy delicate, storytelling compositions. Photo by vicccf

Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

The Namdaemun Market to Seoul Station Route is one of the most iconic urban routes in central Seoul. Start at Korea’s oldest traditional market – bustling with vendors, neon signs, and colorful chaos – then walk toward Seoul Station as the scene shifts to a modern, industrial vibe. This route creates an intriguing contrast, perfect for storytelling through photography. Photo by arcas2

21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

If you’re into vintage aesthetics, Dongmyo Flea Market is the place to be. From old electronics and fashion to retro toys and dusty records, it’s a paradise for nostalgic visuals. Perfect for shooting with expired film or crafting a gritty, vintage mood. Photo by soyo

102-8 Sungin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a futuristic architectural landmark with a flowing stream and artistic lighting installations. Excellent long exposures, symmetry, and night-time urban experimentation. Photo by yangphotoss

281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Gwangjang Market & Cheonggyecheon pair the sensory overload of a traditional market with the serene flow of the Cheonggyecheon stream. Capture bustling vendors, colorful food stalls, and spontaneous moments on high-speed film. A perfect spot for candid street photography and vibrant LomoChrome shots. Photo by jjenni

88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Seongsu-dong blends industrial charm with creative flair. Former shoe factories now house concept stores, art galleries, and minimalist cafés. Snap portraits against brick walls or explore the street murals near Seoul Forest. This neighborhood is a gem for anyone who love both street and lifestyle photography. Photo by mr_lim

Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Founded by Hye-won Kang, Allycamera is a dream space for film lovers. Part museum, part store, and part photo lab and archive, it houses a vast personal camera collection she has been building since childhood. Dedicated to preserving Seoul’s film photography culture, it regularly hosts workshops and community events that celebrate all things analogue.

Allycamera, 1F, 103ho, 마포구 서울특별시 South Korea

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Seoul

Seoul is a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity, offering a thriving art and cultural scene for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a lover of history, contemporary art, or street photography, Seoul has something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of must-visit museums and art spaces to explore, each offering a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage and creative energy.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)
Located in the heart of Seoul, MMCA showcases contemporary Korean art alongside international exhibitions. It’s a great place to explore the evolving art scene of Korea and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural context.

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
This museum is a perfect fusion of traditional Korean art and contemporary masterpieces. It’s known for its stunning architecture and diverse collection spanning across ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more.

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
A vibrant cultural space offering exhibitions from both Korean and international artists, SeMA is a great place to explore Seoul’s dynamic art scene. From contemporary photography to interactive installations, there’s always something exciting to discover.

Irasun
Irasun is a specialized photo bookstore tucked away in the Bukchon neighborhood of Seoul. It offers a thoughtfully curated selection of photobooks, zines, and art publications by both Korean and international artists. More than just a bookstore, Irasun serves as a quiet haven for photography lovers – a place to immerse oneself in visual storytelling and connect with the creative pulse of Seoul’s artistic community.

Ryugaheon
Ryugaheon is a photography gallery located at 106, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, dedicated to exploring the diversity and depth of photographic art. Known for its carefully curated exhibitions, Ryugaheon offers a platform for both emerging and established photographers to showcase their works, delving into various aspects of the photographic medium.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Seoul

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our Community’s top tips about the city of Seoul – from their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Seoul-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Euljiro Backstreets
Once known for its hardware and lighting shops, Euljiro has transformed into a cultural hotspot. Wander through the maze-like alleys filled with retro signs, old factories turned into hip cafes, and hidden bars. Perfect for gritty textures, strong shadows, and moody urban photography. Great for black & white or cross-processed film.

Seongsu-dong
This neighborhood blends industrial charm with creative flair. Former shoe factories now house concept stores, art galleries, and minimalist cafés. Try capturing portraits against red brick walls or explore the underpass murals near Seoul Forest. Seongsu is ideal for those who love both street and lifestyle analogue photography.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley
A beautiful mix of traditional Korean architecture and trendy modern shops. Shoot in the early morning for soft light and quiet scenes, or in the evening to capture glowing shop signs and bustling night crowds. Great for color film lovers and those who enjoy delicate, storytelling compositions.

Gwangjang Market & Cheonggyecheon
Combine the sensory overload of a traditional market with the serene flow of the Cheonggyecheon stream. Capture bustling vendors, colorful food stalls, and spontaneous moments on high-speed film. A great spot for candid street photography and vibrant LomoChrome shots.

Dongmyo Flea Market
If you’re into vintage aesthetics, this is the place. From old electronics and fashion to retro toys and dusty records, Dongmyo is a paradise for nostalgic visuals. Perfect for shooting with expired film or crafting a gritty, vintage mood.

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Daydreaming with Hwajoo: Portraits on the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens
written by hey_springtime on 2023-08-19 #gear #people

Seoul-based photographer Hwajoo takes us on a dreamy journey with her stunning portraits taken on the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens.
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Posing the Question of 'Existence' and Seeking Its Essence: Cho Jin-young's Lomomatic 110 Review
written by suy0909 on 2024-11-03 #gear #people

Cho Jin-young, a Seoul based film photographer, talks about how she explores film photography as more than just a means of recording, but as a medium to capture the nature of existence. Recently she continued in this process, using the 110 format for the first time with our Lomomatic 110.
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Around the World in Analogue: South Korea on Lomography Color Negative 100 Film
written by melissaperitore on 2023-02-17 #gear #places #around-the-world

Spanish LomoAmiga Carla Dief shares her memorable trip to South Korea shot on a Color Negative 100 film.
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Lomography Partners: Allycamera, Seoul
written by alexgray on 2023-11-07 #videos #partners

Lomography has film partners all over the world and this time we present to you Allycamera from Seoul, South Korea.
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Yoo Myung-gon's First Impressions of the LomoChrome Color '92 ISO 400 Film
written by hey_springtime on 2023-09-21 #gear

Korean photographer and product designer Yoo Myung-gon tested our LomoChrome Color ‘92 ISO 400 (35 mm) film, and gave us his thoughts on the new film stock. Check out the photos he captured and read his first impressions in this interview.
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Lomography Partners: Filmlog, Seoul & Jeju
written by hey_springtime on 2024-05-05 #gear #culture #places #partners

Lomography has film partners all over the world. This time, we introduce you to Filmlog in Seoul, South Korea.
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Photographer Joohee Kim's First Impressions of the Lomomatic 110 Camera
written by hey_springtime on 2024-05-01 #gear #people

We recently released our brand new Lomomatic 110 camera. Joohee Kim, a Seoul-based photographer and avid user of 110 format, tested it out to capture scenes in her everyday life. Check out her photos and hear her story firsthand!
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Joosang Lee's First Impressions of the LomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissed
written by hey_springtime on 2024-12-04 #gear #culture #people

Lomography is pleased to introduce our brand new LomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissed edition, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere with warm tones reminiscent of the 90s. Check out these photos captured with the film by Seoul film lover, Joosang Lee!
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UNDoX Crafts Surreal and Stunning Portraits with the Lomogon 2.5/32 Art Lens
written by suy0909 on 2025-05-27 #gear #people

Film photography duo UNDoX tested out the Lomogon 2.5/32 Art Lens and Lomography Color Negative 800 film to explore the theme “The Universe, and Me Amongst the Shining Stars”. Take a look at how they brought their surreal and spectacular vision to life.
1 3
Learning with Lomography: Jae Won Han of HIPS (Hongik University Visual Design & Photography Society)
written by hey_springtime on 2024-08-06 #gear #culture #people

In this series, we're going back to Art School! We talked to Jae Won Han, who is studying Design & Photography at Hongik University in Korea, to explore where film photography stands in the contemporary art scene and how young artists are utilizing it in their work.
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Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

Capturing Urban Life – Seoul LomoWalk

A Lomography Hang Out
2025-03-29 · Seoul, South Korea

Explore iconic spots in Seoul such as Namdaemun Market, Seoulro, and Seoul Station, and capture the vibrant streets with Lomography cameras! This workshop will also feature street photography expert and Lomographer @x2pic, Jeon Sangyeol.
More Info
Lomography x Filmlog: A Dual Flavor Experience in a Panoramic World

A Lomography Hang Out
2024-04-13 · Seoul, South Korea

To welcome spring, Lomography Korea has teamed up with Filmlog for a special photography workshop. This workshop encapsulates an immersive and diverse journey, capturing the essence of a dual-flavor experience within the expansive canvas of a panoramic world. It invites participants to explore contrasting elements, flavors, or perspectives, creating a dynamic and enriching narrative that unfolds across a wide visual landscape. The theme is designed to evoke a sense of depth, contrast, and excitement, offering a unique and multifaceted perspective that engages and captivates the audience.
More Info
Light Painting – LomoSchool x Allycamera

A Lomography Hang Out
2023-12-09 · Seoul, South Korea

In this workshop, we have prepared an opportunity to learn #LomoSchool’s light painting techniques with Lomography partner @allycameras.
More Info
2015 Film Photography Event Seoul

A Lomography Hang Out
2015-04-11 · Seoul, South Korea

Join us for tons of activities celebrating film photography day! Including a Lomo’Instant Open studio, a LomoWalk and picnic, a LomoWall-making workshop and a performance of “Hi to Him”.
More Info
D Museum Seoul x Lomography

A Lomography Hang Out
2014-09-20 · Seoul, South Korea

Learn the basics of lightpainting techniques, with Lomography at D Museum.
More Info
Lomography Embassy Store Seoul Opening Party

A Lomography Hang Out
2013-06-15 · Seoul, South Korea

Celebrate with us the opening of the Lomography Embassy Store in Seoul, with an intimate concert!
More Info

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A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Seoul, South Korea

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Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Seoul

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