Seven of the Most Instagrammable Places in Seoul

A A group huddles over a pinewood table with a spread of baked eggs, wilted spinach and freshly buttered gluten-free toast. "Quick! The lump in the butter is disappearing!" shouts one voice. "Climb on the tabletop for a better angle!" shouts another. "Does anyone have a manicured hand?" Silence…and then panic.

This is what I imagined when I first heard the 'InstaMeet', the new phenomenon that connects the virtual networks of Instagram by encouraging like-minded Instagrammers to link up in the real world. The product is far more inspiring than another generic breakfast shot. With 'InstaMeets' motivating mobile photographers to connect and share photogenic locations, the imagery created - from city skylines and architecture to urban and undiscovered neighbourhoods - is bona fide art.

One fan of the 'InstaMeet' is photographer Ken Lum Lee. Born and bred in London, he later moved to Seoul and started the blog Seoul State of Mind. Initially a private photo diary for friends and family, photo-walks and InstaMeets have opened up the blog, inviting followers to walk alongside the photographer and his Korean travels.

Here Ken Lum Lee of Seoul State of Mind shares with us the seven most Instagrammable spots in Seoul:

Dongdaemun design plaza is a futuristic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. The centrepiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination features a walkable park on the roof, exhibition spaces, retail stores and a restored section of the Seoul fortress. Yeouido is a large island located in the Han River in Seoul and is the city's main business and investment banking district. It includes five parks and hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival every April.

Samcheong Dong is an idyllic neighbourhood in Seoul, which according to feng-shui is said to have the best location. It was given its name in reference to the three characteristics that make it a primitive area including clean water, beautiful mountains, and charming residents and is famous for its Bukchon Hanok (Korean Traditional Houses).

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was created by architect Mihn Hyun Jun and spans 27 x 264 square meters over six floors (three above ground, and three below). It includes a library, theatre and multi purpose hall.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village now preserved to show the 600-year-old urban environment and for visitors to get a sense of life under the Joseon Dynasty.

A group huddles over a pinewood table with a spread of baked eggs, wilted spinach and freshly buttered gluten-free toast. "Quick! The lump in the butter is disappearing!" shouts one voice. "Climb on the tabletop for a better angle!" shouts another. "Does anyone have a manicured hand?" Silence…and then panic.

This is what I imagined when I first heard the 'InstaMeet', the new phenomenon that connects the virtual networks of Instagram by encouraging like-minded Instagrammers to link up in the real world. The product is far more inspiring than another generic breakfast shot. With 'InstaMeets' motivating mobile photographers to connect and share photogenic locations, the imagery created - from city skylines and architecture to urban and undiscovered neighbourhoods - is bona fide art.

One fan of the 'InstaMeet' is photographer Ken Lum Lee. Born and bred in London, he later moved to Seoul and started the blog Seoul State of Mind. Initially a private photo diary for friends and family, photo-walks and InstaMeets have opened up the blog, inviting followers to walk alongside the photographer and his Korean travels.

Here Ken Lum Lee of Seoul State of Mind shares with us the seven most Instagrammable spots in Seoul:

1. Dongdaemun design plaza is a futuristic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid. The centrepiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination features a walkable park on the roof, exhibition spaces, retail stores and a restored section of the Seoul fortress.
2. Yeouido is a large island located in the Han River in Seoul and is the city's main business and investment banking district. It includes five parks and hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival every April.
3. Samcheong Dong is an idyllic neighbourhood in Seoul, which according to feng-shui is said to have the best location. It was given its name in reference to the three characteristics that make it a primitive area including clean water, beautiful mountains, and charming residents and is famous for its Bukchon Hanok (Korean Traditional Houses).
4. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was created by architect Mihn Hyun Jun and spans 27 x 264 square meters over six floors (three above ground, and three below). It includes a library, theatre and multi purpose hall.
5. Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village now preserved to show the 600-year-old urban environment and for visitors to get a sense of life under the Joseon Dynasty.
6. Naksan Park or Nak Mountain was once guarded the eastern boundary of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Much of the mountain was destroyed during Japanese rule and later became a residential area for the working class of Seoul. In 2006 the government began to transform the neighbourhoods and derelict spaces into cultural art spaces. Visitors can still visit and walk along the old Seoul Fortress walls with views over the city.
7. The Han River is the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula located at the border of the two Koreas. The lower stretches of the Han river are lined with pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, public parks and restaurants, making it one of the most scenic locations in Seoul.

@kenlumlee