A Walk Around Seoul In 16 Perfect Instagrams

It’s easy to forget, with the modernity of South Korea’s capital city, that less than 70 years ago Seoul was reduced to ashes. Yet, since the end of the Korean War, Seoul has skyrocketed into the global spotlight as an economic, cultural and technological powerhouse. For photographers, the city’s speedy innovation makes for unmatched shots of modernity juxtaposed against the underbelly of a culture trying to keep up. Let these Instagram photos take you on a tour through the city.

In the 64 years since the Korean War cease-fire, Seoul has gone from rubble to the world’s 16th largest city and sixth most important.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUzlaGXFm6I/?taken-by=ric.teo

The sprawling metropolis is so much more than South Korea’s capital city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT_mJlzg0Oz/?taken-by=francesco.j.kim

It’s now home to over 25 million people – half of the country’s population – and is ranked the ninth most visited city globally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWEuklPlX37/?taken-by=viiws

It stands as a glowing testament to the fortitude of a country determined to rebuild itself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVHNH5TAcb5/?taken-by=jjuese

It’s the birthplace of K-pop and home to Fortune 500 giants Samsung, LG and Hyundai-Kia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV_-bq-jtmj/?taken-at=1643624495958466

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV43Wp0nv_G/?taken-by=tfsevil

In the face of its not-so-distant past, the sheer size and innovation of Seoul is mind boggling.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVy-gAllpJP/?tagged=seoulsnap

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFMMfNlaaV/?taken-by=adhigunasosiawan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWChPKbnE6F/?taken-by=karinakhabi

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVYc02EFTJq/?taken-by=baek.hayoung

https://www.instagram.com/p/680QraEGTb/?taken-by=my_koh

Cutting through the modernity are the the museums, heritage sites, back streets and local eateries that let the illuminating culture of Seoul truly shine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV4x1rdlvwu/?tagged=seoulphotography

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFc57YhsTp/?taken-by=sang__heon

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWEu9x2AGkX/?taken-by=stuckinseoul

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWEu05WgIqL/?taken-by=pminty

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWC3hajglkT/?tagged=seoulsnap

About the author

Abby Narishkin

This Mexican-born, American-raised culture enthusiast is a born traveler with a penchant for writing about it. Currently based in South Korea, you'll find her most days hiking a mountain or exploring the back streets of a new city.