r/PlayLocalKorea

Hey everyone!

I wanted to share some moments from a recent Hanbok photoshoot we did at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We had an amazing mix of locals and international friends joining in.

We rented some beautiful Hanboks, hung out, and had a professional photographer capture the whole experience.

It was an absolute blast!

Walking around Gyeongbokgung, it’s always wonderful to see so many foreigners embracing the culture and wearing Hanbok.

It truly is a beautiful sight, but also super fun!

As a Korean, one of the funniest and most endearing things to watch is seeing some of the foreign guys confidently rocking female Hanboks.

It always brings a smile to the locals' faces and adds such a fun vibe to the palace.

This is just Part 1 of our photoshoot series—I’ll be dropping Part 2 tomorrow, so stay tuned for more!

⚠️ A Quick Note on Privacy:

The photos uploaded here are shared with the explicit permission of everyone involved. Please do not copy, download, or reuse these images anywhere else without permission.

I took these photos at Seosunra-gil recently, and I’m still thinking about the vibe there.

For those who don't know, it’s a street running along the historic stone walls of Jongmyo Shrine.

While places like Ikseon-dong and Seongsu-dong are great, they can get incredibly crowded.

Seosunra-gil has this unique, effortless coolness to it, but with a much more peaceful, therapeutic atmosphere.

You can just wander past the traditional stone walls, pop into unique craft workshops, or grab a coffee at a trendy cafe.

The outdoor street-seating(Yajang) culture here is so well-organized and tidy, too.

If you visit, definitely clear your schedule for the afternoon.

It looks like a simple alleyway at first, but the magic of the place will make you lose track of time completely.

Hey everyone!

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul or looking for a cool place to hang out this season, I highly recommend visiting Ikseon-dong Hanok Village.

I recently went there and took some photos, and the vibe was just incredible.

It’s located right outside Jongno 3-ga Station, so it’s super easy to get to.

Here are a few quick tips if you go:

Go at night: While it's pretty during the day, it becomes absolute magic after dark when all the lights turn on.

Get ready to explore: Every narrow alleyway has its own unique charm and different aesthetic.

What’s there: It’s packed with amazing brunch spots, hidden food gems, cozy cafes, and unique craft shops. You can easily lose track of time and spend 2 to 3 hours just wandering around.

What I love most about this place is the crowd.

You’ll see teenagers, hipsters, expats, and elderly locals all sharing the same space, totally immersed in their own vibe.

If you're in Seoul, definitely add this to your itinerary.
Let me know if you have any questions about the area!

One of my favorite spots for a night out in Seoul: Jonggak Youth Avenue (Jeolmeum-ui-geori).

If you want to see where the locals actually hang out after work, this is the place. It’s got a much more "real" vibe compared to some of the more polished tourist areas.

Why I recommend checking it out:

The Energy: The main street is absolutely buzzing at night. It’s packed with BBQ spots, fried chicken joints, and bars. You’ll see a mix of university students and office workers unwinding, and the atmosphere is infectious.

The "Secret" Alleys: The best part? If you step just one block away from the neon lights of the main road, you’ll find these quiet, narrow alleys. They have such a nostalgic, moody atmosphere—perfect for street photography or finding a hidden gem of a restaurant.

Bosingak Pavilion: Right next to all this modern chaos is the Bosingak Pavilion. There’s something really cool about seeing a Joseon-era structure lit up while surrounded by giant LED screens and skyscrapers. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather after a big meal.

Quick Tip: It’s super close to Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon, so you can easily walk over after seeing the palaces.

Has anyone else explored the back alleys here? Found any specific bars worth visiting?

#SeoulNight #Jonggak #Bosingak #HiddenGem #SeoulVibes

Just wanted to share a quick recommendation for anyone visiting Seoul this spring.

I spent the afternoon around Jamsil, and honestly, the vibes were 10/10.

Most people go straight to the Seoul Sky observatory, but I checked out the view from the 31st floor of Lotte Tower

Why you should check out this area:

The View: You get a perfect panoramic look at Seokchon Lake. The water looks so emerald right now with all the spring greenery.

The Yoda Surprise: Randomly spotted a giant Yoda figure sitting in the park area from above! Definitely a fun photo op if you're a Star Wars fan.

Art & Architecture: Even from the ground, the tower is insane to look at. Make sure to walk around the base to find the "Possibilities" sculpture—it’s made entirely of Hangeul characters and looks really cool against the glass building.

Spring Vibes: Seoul is at its peak right now.

The mix of the massive skyscraper with the lush park and lake around it is just beautiful.

If you're looking for a spot that combines modern architecture with a chill nature walk, Jamsil is definitely the move.

Has anyone else found any other hidden view spots in the city lately?

#SeoulTravel #KoreaTrip #SeoulSkyline #SpringInSeoul #Jams

Just wanted to share a quick local tip for those currently in Seoul or planning to visit this month.

To celebrate Buddha’s Birthday (which falls on May 24th this year), the city has decorated Cheonggyecheon Stream and the surrounding areas with thousands of traditional lanterns.

It’s honestly one of my favorite times to walk through the city because of the "Day vs. Night" contrast:

During the day: The lanterns look like giant, colorful sculptures floating above the water—great for detailed photos of traditional artistry.

After sunset: The whole stream transforms into a glowing pathway. The reflection on the water is incredibly peaceful and, honestly, pretty magical.

The best part? You don’t need to be Buddhist to enjoy it.

It’s just a beautiful cultural moment that brings the whole city together.

Seoul always seems to have something new happening every week, and this is definitely the highlight for May.

Bonus for Expats/Travelers:

I’m actually hosting a few "Coffee Chats" nearby for anyone who wants to grab a drink and talk more about hidden spots in Seoul or K-culture in general.
If you’re looking to meet some locals and fellow travelers, feel free to reach out!

Has anyone else checked out the lanterns yet? Which spot did you think was the most photogenic?

#Cheonggyecheon #BuddhasBirthday #SeoulLife #KoreaTrip #coffeechat