Capital area, north-west South Korea
Seoul
Seoul is the base for almost every hosted Korea trip. In a few days you can film Joseon-era palaces, hanok lanes, some of Asia's best-known street food, a riverside skyline and the beauty industry at its source. The city is easy to move around, but palace rules, residential quiet hours and drone restrictions need planning.
Seoul, South Korea
What creators film here
- Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung in hanbok, and the hanok lanes of Bukchon.
- Gwangjang Market and other food markets after dark.
- Skyline views from Namsan and evenings along the Han River.
- Neighbourhoods with very different looks: Seongsu's converted warehouses, Hongdae's street performers, Gangnam's towers.
- K-beauty studios and flagship stores.
When to come
Spring brings cherry blossom, usually from late March into April, and autumn foliage peaks from mid-October to mid-November. Both are the busiest windows, so apply early. Summer is hot and humid with the jangma monsoon, usually late June to late July. Winters are cold and dry, often well below freezing, with clear skies that suit skyline shots.
Getting around on a hosted trip
You arrive at Incheon, or sometimes Gimpo, and we meet you with a private licensed vehicle. Activity days use private transport where agreed. Seoul's subway is fast and well signed if you want to explore on your own time, at your own cost.
Filming notes
- Palaces: handheld personal filming is normal; commercial shoots and larger kit can need permission from palace management.
- Bukchon is residential, and parts of it restrict tourist visiting hours. We plan inside them.
- Drone flying is heavily restricted in Seoul, especially across the north of the city. Check current rules before bringing one.
- Korea takes portrait rights seriously. Ask before filming people up close, and blur strangers where needed.