Cool Architecture To See In & Around Seoul, Korea

There are new and improved buildings around Seoul and Korea being built all of the time. Not all of them are beautiful or interesting. In fact, most of them are high rise apartments BUT, there are some that are quite distinctive and for all of the right reasons. If you’re coming to Seoul and want to find the architectural highlights, the buildings that embrace the future with sleek lines, interesting facades, and staircases for days, here is a great start to making an awesome itinerary with the architecture highlights.

Want to take some epic photos in Seoul? Don’t miss these Instagrammable places in Seoul. These are some of the must see places in Seoul and yet so many people miss them when they’re here. Don’t be one of those people.

How To Get Ready:

Make sure to get a T-Money card and have it topped off so you’re ready to travel via bus, subway, or taxi.
If you want to make your own way there, rent a car while you’re here. Avis is a great option and you can rent a car here. Klook is another great and easy to use option if you want to rent a car in Korea.
Make sure to take your camera and maybe a tripod.
Wear comfortable shoes, my favorite are Allbirds which are also sustainable, because there is a lot of walking involved when it comes to Seoul. You’ll be going up, down, and all around.

Want to check out a specific spot? Click on the link below to skip ahead:

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자), Seoul, Korea

1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자 (DDP))

When the building was first unveiled, it was likened to flying saucers and a giant mushroom like structure by many. The structure, made of concrete, aluminum, steel, and stone really stands out in the shopping and fashion district known as Dongdaemun.

There are three underground levels and a fourth level above ground and visitors can walk in, up, down, and all around and you really need to do all of that to get a good feeling for the building that is now a must-see in Seoul for architecture hunters and fashion lovers.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, Korea: Hallie Bradley

No discussion on architectural wonders in Korea would be complete without Dongdaemun Design Plaza which is what really put architecture in Korea on the world map. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also known as the DDP, was one of the main reasons the city of Seoul was designated as the World Design Capital in 2019.

The unique building was the most Instagrammed location in Korea in 2015. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the DDP is the world’s largest atypical architectural structure and today Korea’s spring and fall fashion weeks are held here.

Grab A Bite Inside: Head inside the DDP and you’ll find some restaurant options. Our favorite is Unda Pizza. It’s probably as close to a good New York slice as you’ll find here. Yum yum yum.
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가))
How To Get There: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Subway Station. Take exit 1 which comes out right in front of the building.
Stay Nearby: Dongdaemun Design Plaza is gorgeous and you can stay really close to it. The area is known for shopping and is in walking distance of the Cheonggyecheon Stream and other cultural spots like Gwangjang Market. The best place to stay near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is definitely the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel which even features a rooftop pool!
Hours: You can walk around and through the exterior of the building 24 hours a day, but should you want to go inside here are the hours.
Museum: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
Design Shop: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Weekends & Holidays: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

Seosomun Shrine History Museum, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

2. Seosomun Shrine History Museum (서소문성지역사박물관)

This dramatic space is new on the scene in Seoul and was just opened this past summer. Located near Seomun Gate, it is regarded as a sacred place for Korean Catholics. The striking museum is thought provoking while being both a calm and serene space as well as a rather foreboding experience.

Enter the museum on the first basement floor and wind down corridors seeing the exhibitions until suddenly being thrust into the Sky Square, one of the most interesting parts in the design. You will stand at the third basement floor deep down in the ground but be able to look up to see the sky. The red walls lead up but there is no ceiling and while you know there is traffic on the streets surrounding above, none of that noise makes it down into the depths of this space.

Hall after hall leads to interesting spaces and while you seem to walk without knowing exactly where you’re going, you end up seeing everything before finding the staircase to exit. When we walked through I had this odd sense of dread being taken into the depths that way, but then you come out into the dramatically lit permanent exhibition hall before exiting. This museum provides quite the experience and none of it is above ground.

Address: 5 Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 칠패로 5 (의주로2가))
How To Get There: Chungjeongno Subway Station on line 2, exit 4. Walk straight and you’ll find the park a block down on the right.
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 9:30am ~ 5:30pm; Wednesday: 9:30am ~ 8:30pm; CLOSED MONDAYS
Admission: Free

3. Paradise City Resort

Some buildings you see photos of and just have to see them in person to understand what is going on. This was one of those… or a collection of buildings that I had to see to believe. There are various buildings that encompass Paradise City including a hotel, pool, but the architectural center pieces are the Sandbox and Nightclub and which have been dubbed ‘the imprint’.

These structures were built with no visible windows and entrances were designed in such a way to appear as if a draping curtain was being lifted to allow the visitor entrance. The architectural group MVRDV designed just stunning facades and you could have plenty of fun just walking around the exterior of the buildings.

The structures are constructed from 3,869 unique glass-fiber reinforced concrete panels. The construction required individual molds produced from 3D modeling files. They’re really gigantic and super cool to walk around.

Don’t just walk around though, go in go in go in! I’ve now visited the Paradise City Resort multiple times and have stayed there for a night as well because there is just so much to do from the FREE art museum inside as well as the spa, pool, children’s amusement building, a club, a casino, and so much more.

There are actually two hotel options in the complex and both look rather stunning. Inside there is a large collection of marvelous artworks on display as well. Take a day to appreciate the architecture on the grounds as well as the fun inside. You’ll need at least a day to do it all. Here is a complete guide to everything to do and see at Paradise City Resort.

Art Paradiso Paradise City: This boutique hotel looks pretty dark and sexy. Take advantage of the unrivaled services and amenities in this hotel with just 58 rooms before you head out of the airport or just after you’ve landed. Definitely the best way to rest and relax.
Paradise City Hotel: This has everything including impeccable service and all of the essentials you need. 711 rooms invite visitors in and there is plenty to do in and around this hotel so get on it and stay when you can!

This is definitely the hot place to stay near Incheon Airport.

Grab A Bite Inside: If you head into the plaza of the resort, there are multiple food options. We’ve tried all of them and recommend them all… except the “American Diner” which isn’t all that in my opinion.
Address: 2874 Unseo-dong Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 운서동 2874)
How To Get There: Go to Paradise City Subway Station and the resort is right outside.

4. Café Loverwall (카페루버월)

As you head down the streets in this commonplace residential neighborhood you might think you’re in the wrong area but turn the corner and next to run-of-the-mill villas you’ll easily spot this stunning residence and café. Slanted aluminum covers the curving shape of the exterior and mediates the amount of light that is entering the building throughout the day.

Concrete was left exposed and pale wood and metal furniture is used to accent the space which was designed by the Seoul based architect group AND (Architecture of Novel Differentiation). There is seating on the first floor for café wanderers and one seating area upstairs that in my opinion is the best seat in the house.

Feel the sun come in through the slats and watch as the lines play and move on the walls. The residence upstairs is used by the owner, his wife, and their five cats which come and go as they please through the main doors on the first floor. Definitely head to this café for a coffee and meet the lovely owner and then visit the just as stunning Mimesis Museum before you head to Heyri Art Village for art and fun.

Address: 18-4 Angaecho-gil Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 안개초길 18-4)
How To Get There: From Geumneung Station, exit 2 go to the bus stop right outside of the station. Take bus 078 for 7 stops (approximately 13 minutes). After departing the bus, walk down the road in the same direction the bus was headed to the first intersection and cross the street to the left (south direction). You’ll follow that road all the way to the dead-end (626 meters) and go right to find Louverwall.
Hours: Every day 11:00am ~ 10:00pm

5. Museum Mimesis (미메시스아트뮤지엄)

There’s a bit of a story that goes along with Mimesis and it goes like this:

There once was a Chinese emperor who liked cats a lot, and one day he called upon the most famous painter in the empire and asked him to paint him a cat. The artist liked the idea and promised that he would work on it. A year passed and the emperor remembered that the painter still had not given him the painting of the cat. He called the painter, What of the cat? It is nearly ready, answered the artist.

Another year went by, and another and another. The scene kept repeating itself. After seven years, the emperor’s patience came to an end and he sent for the painter. What of the cat? Seven years have gone by. You have promised and promised but I still haven’t seen one!

The painter grabs a sheet of rice paper, an ink well, one of those brushes like you can only get in the East and… in an elegant and sublime gesture he draws a cat, which was not just a cat but only the most beautiful cat ever seen.

The emperor was ecstatic, overwhelmed with such beauty. He did not neglect (which is no longer the case nowadays) to ask the artist how much he would charge for such a beautiful drawing. The painter asked for a sum which surprised the emperor.

So much money for a drawing that you did in two seconds in front of me? said the emperor. Yes, excellency. That is true, but I have been drawing cats for seven years now, replied the poor painter.

Museum Mimesis is like the cat. The architect Alvaro Siza had been drawing and designing for years and when asked to design this building though he had never been to Korea or seen a “Korean cat” he designed this structure.

As you walk around the building, you follow the curves and waves until you find the door and enter to a first floor with a café and small shop. Here you can also by tickets to enter the museum and again follow the curves of the sleeping cat. It’s a beautiful and comfortable building to walk around. I think the curves are rather calming.

Address: 253 Munbal-ro Munbal-dong, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 문발로 253)
How To Get There: From Hapjeong Subway Station, take exit 8 and walk down the street to the bus stop in front of Holt (stop 14218). Take bus 2200 for 30 minutes and get off at the 7th stop called Shim School. Mimesis is right across the street from the bus stop.
Hours: Every day 10:00am ~ 5:00pm

6. Seoul City Hall (서울특별시청)

The Seoul City Hall building in downtown Seoul just across from Deoksugung Palace is one of the most striking buildings that most tourists will see because it’s so close to numerous tourist sites. The large glass ‘wave’ like structure towers above the older Seoul Metropolitan Library building just in front and reflects the light throughout the day.

Actually, what is now the Seoul Metropolitan Library used to be the Seoul City Hall building and it was built in 1925 during the Japanese occupation o Korea and is an example of Imperial Crown Style architecture. It was the city hall from 1945 until 2008.

Today, you can go inside and up to the rooftop of this building for some great views of Gwanghwamun and the new Seoul City Hall from a different vantage point. Here is information about how to get that view and other great views in Seoul from rooftops.

The new city hall building has a unique shape designed by Yoo Kerl of iArc and is actually built in this unique shape to be climate responsive and is angled to maximize the amount of diffused sunlight coming into the lobby while limiting the direct light at the same time. The building is eco-friendly and stunning from every angle.

While most people view the exterior only assuming that because it’s a government building, they can’t go inside, I’d be remiss if I didn’t very pointedly say, GO INSIDE! While 62% of the functions as government offices and space, 38% is for public use. The interior is just as stunning and features an enormous green wall, or living wall which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest vertical garden in the world.

To me, the most stunning feature though, is the artistic work called “Meta Epic: SeoBeol”. The artwork has “tornado” like characteristics and and hangs down from the ceiling almost touching those that pass by beneath as they walk. It’s beautiful and so many people miss it because they never walk in the front door. But do do do!

Address: 110 Sejongdae-ro Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로 110 서울특별시청)
How To Get There: City Hall Subway Station, exit 5. Walk around the outside of the Metropolitan Library to find the City Hall Building.
Where To Stay: One of the best places to stay in Seoul, is The Plaza Seoul which is right across the street from the City Hall Building offering beautiful views of it as well as nearby Deoksugung Palace. Take in the views from this perfectly located hotel for your next stay in Seoul, Korea.
Hours: Every day 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; Saturdays: 9:00am ~ 3:00pm

Anthracite Coffee Seogyo, Seogyo-dong, Seoul, Korea

7. Anthracite Café

Anyone that loves cafes has surely visited an Anthracite. They are around the city in various places including the ever popular Hannam-dong near Itaewon and also in Hapjeong near Hongdae. Anthracite has a way of embracing the architectural spaces they use. The location in Hapjeong is an old shoe factory that has been lovingly converted.

This place, Anthracite in Seogyo-dong near Mangwon subway station, is really just beautiful. While the ones I mentioned are a bit gritty and use a lot of exposed cement, this Anthracite embraces the old mansion that that once was. Sound carries throughout this space and so everyone speaks in hushed tones or doesn’t speak at all which almost gives it a place of worship quality. That ambiance is heightened by the pew seating that follows the wall so everyone faces out toward the light that filters in.

A rock garden can be seen through the huge windows. It’s a beautiful space and a beautiful renovation that shows appreciation for the buildings past.

Address: 11 World Cup-ro 12-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 월드컵로12길 11)
How To Get There: Mangwon Subway Station, exit 1. Turn left from the exit and walk to the second street and turn left. The cafe is on the left.
Hours: Every day 9:00am ~ 10:00pm

Oil Tank Culture Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

8. Oil Tank Culture Park (문화비축기지)

Some of the coolest structures in Seoul were originally one thing but have been renovated and reused to become a completely new thing under an urban reformation project. Oil Tank Culture Park is an innovative use of six giant oil tanks that stored petroleum from 1976 until 2000 that are now used for performances, as galleries, and for educational purposes. Industrial facades open to worlds within and often there are markets and outdoor performances in a large plaza in the center of the complex.

Walk into one space and as the doors close utter a sound, any sound, and listen as it echos around you. walk to another tank that was converted into a performance stage and seating where musical groups perform with some of the best acoustics in the city. It’s really a stunning use of these tanks that could have been taken down completely.

The entire park is designed to maximize energy and is efficiently using geothermal energy for cooling and heating, which visitors can learn about in the largest tank where there is also a cafe to sit in. To learn more about the park, check out this post with all of the information on what to see at the Oil Tank Culture Park.

Address: 661 Seongsan-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 마포구 성산동 661)
How To Get There: World Cup Stadium Subway Station, exit 2 or 3. You want to head west so you’ll walk across a large empty plaza area (do NOT walk toward the Homeplus signs/parking lot). Follow the plaza around the stadium, pass a basketball court, and find a 8 lane road. Cross the road at the light to see the Oil Tank Culture Park. It’s easy to spot. You can’t miss it.
Amenities: cafe, restrooms, parking (limited to about 50 spaces or less)

9. Seoullo 7017

Another innovative use of old construction is right downtown outside of Seoul Station. Seoullo 7017 is a 1,024 meter long overpass that has been converted into a pedestrian walkway. There are installations, both architectural, and artistic along the route that provides some stunning views of the massive road system in the area and at night the entire thing is lit up with a light exhibition as well. 645 giant concrete pots feature trees, flowering bushes, trampolines, lily ponds and footbaths and the largest structures feature cafes and eateries too.

Docking Seoul, Seoullo 7017, Seoul Station, Seoul, Korea

Spend an hour or two walking down every branch of the structure to see where it leads and seeing everything you can around old and new Seoul Station. To learn more about the paths and what you can see, check out this guide to Seoullo 7017.

Address: Malli-dong to Hoehyun Station (만리동 ↔ 회현역)
How To Get There: From Seoul Station, walk out the front and look left. The overpass is Seoullo. Find the nearest elevator or escalator up.

Peace Culture Bunker, Dobongsan, Seoul, Korea, 평화문화진지

10. Peace Culture Bunker (평화문화진지)

There are military installations around the country and one in the north of the city of Seoul was recently reformed into a community space. While a lot of architectural lists will drill out the modern structures that visitors need to see, I think true architecture lovers will appreciate how spaces that were built for one thing are converted for use as a completely new thing.

The Peace Culture Bunker constructed in 1968 was initially constructed as a defensive shelter for tanks with housing on top to hide the tanks from the enemy to the north.

The structure sat empty for some time and eventually the community took the space back and what use to house weapons, is now home to markets and art installations after CoRe Architects came in and converted the structure. It’s a very interesting spot to check out and is right off of a subway station so super easy to get to. Read about the Peace Culture Bunker here.

Address: 6-5 Dobong-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 도봉구 도봉동 6-5)
How To Get There: Dobong Subway Station, exit 2. The exit enters into a garden/park. Walk to the left and follow the path around to find the bunker.

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, Itaewon, Hannam-dong, Seoul, Korea

11. Leeum Samsung Museum Of Art (삼성미술관리움)

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art has been one of my favorites museum in the Hannam district of Seoul. There is a lot to do, see, and eat in the area to it makes for a great day out. The Leeum Samsung Museum is three buildings that house two museums and an education center.

Architects Rem Koolhaas, Mario Botta, and Jean Nouvel designed the three buildings hidden in the back alleys of the neighborhood. Museum 1, designed by Mario Botta, houses the traditional collection of the museum which is always on showcase. The center of this building is one of the biggest highlights and features the spiral staircase.

Museum 2 was designed by Nouvel and features the international and contemporary artists exhibitions. The third building which houses the child education center was designed y Rem Koolhaas. Separately, each building is special, but all together, they’re absolutely stunning and there is always something interesting to find there.

Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16)
How To Get There: Hangangjin Subway Station, exit 1. Walk straight and turn right on the first street (after the entrance to the school) and follow the street up to find the museum on the right.
Hours: Open from 10:30am ~ 6:00pm on Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year Day, and Chuseok.
Website: https://www.leeum.org

Seoul Sky Observatory, Lotte World Tower, Seoul, Korea

12. Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and the sixth tallest in the world. It took ages to be accepted and finally built in Seoul but has quickly become an iconic stop and should be added to any list of best things to do in Jamsil.

While Namsan Tower is still one of Seoul’s must-see spots with views, Lotte World Tower has a bit different and chic appeal. The 555 meter tall building looks a bit like a rocket set to take off into the atmosphere. The lines stretch up up up and windows on every floor mean views views and views for days.

From inside and out the building is rather stunning and there is a lot to do inside like taking a visit to the Lotte Museum of Art, an aquarium, or visit the nearby mall for more attractions. If you want to visit the observatory, check out this guide on Seoul Sky Observatory.This building also features the gorgeous luxury hotel, Signiel Seoul. The rooms and bathroom are everything Instagrammable and beautiful.

Address: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300)
How To Get There: Jamsil Subway Station, exit 1 or 2. Look up!
Ticket: Buy your tickets in advance as only a certain number of people are

Galleria Gwanggyo (갤러리아백화점 광교), Suwon, Korea

13. Galleria Gwanggyo (갤러리아백화점 광교)

Galleria Gwanggyo is the sixth branch of the upscale department store called Galleria in Korea. The exterior is the first aspect that draws visitors in with a mosaic like stone facade and a glass tunnel that seems to be trying to break free from the building and winds from the ground up to the top. It’s like a diamond inside the stone is breaking free.

Galleria Gwanggyo (갤러리아백화점 광교), Suwon, Korea: Hallie Bradley

Once entering, even if you don’t want to shop, you’ll notice that you can wind your way up to the very top by just following the beautiful glass tunnels. It’s really a beautiful building and you could spend a couple hours just enjoying the walk up to the roof and back down again. Since it’s a department store, there are also plenty of eateries and cafes inside to take a break and grab a bite when you visit too.