Seoul's Hidden Photo Spots -

I often find myself snapping constantly throughout my trip(s) so I can capture every moment. I personally like one-of-a-kind places with cute murals and all that --

It has been a while since my last trip to South Korea -- the last being in 2013. I had no idea there are a lot of very distinct, full of character photo spots in there (Seoul, to be exact).


Ihwa Mural Village -

If you're a Korean drama fan, then I'm sure you'll be familiar with this village -- yes, it is the filming location of TV dramas 'The Girl Who Sees Smells' and 'Rooftop Prince'. Approximately 60 artists took part in the project of painting the walls and installing sculptures in the village.

This project was carried out in 2006 by the local Public Art Committee in order to improve the environment of this village.

Photo Credit: AirAsia

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

This village is located in Ihwa-dong area, Jongno-gu (Seoul). To get there, take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station. Use Exit 2, walk for about 15 minutes and you will not miss it.

Naksan Park -

To get to Naksan Park, you will need to do a little 300m hike up the "mountain" -- this mountain is a solid granite bedrock located not far from Ihwa Mural Village. 

In 2002, it was designated as a park -- being in the centre of Seoul, this park allows visitors to have a magnificent view of the entire city. 

Photo Credit: TimeOut

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

You can get to Naksan Park easily by walking through Ihwa Mural Village. Just walk the same street up the hill for about 300m and you will arrive at Naksan Park.

Gyeongnidan-gil Road -

A 1-km long road, filled with all sorts of attractions, entertainment and cuisines from around the world. The liveliness of this place is unlike any other neighbourhood in Seoul. 

With N-Seoul Tower in the Northern side and Itaewon in its Southern side, Gyeongnidan-gil Road has now become well known among travellers and locals alike, who are looking for a unique place to chill out. 

Photo Credit: Visit Korea 

Photo Credit: Visit Korea

It is fairly easy to get to Gyeongnidan-gil Road -- just take the Subway to Noksapyeong Station (Line 6) and use Exit 2. Walk straight for about 3 minutes until you see an underpass. Use this underpass to get to the other side of the road and you're there.

FYI -- it is located in the Itaewon-dong area, Yongsan-gu (Seoul).


These certainly got me jumping on my feet to start shooting.
I know there are more of such attractions in Seoul; and perhaps other places too. I'm looking forward to find out and to add them to my list :)

Smartphone Photography 101: Five Tricks For Taking Better Travel Photos -

Are you planning a vacation and wondering what camera to take?
While the image quality might be better on a DSLR, but carrying around bulky camera equipment in foreign countries isn't quite a good idea.

So, perhaps you should reconsider.

The purpose of travel photography is for us to document our memories and highly likely we will share them with family and friends (*cough* Instagram *cough*). So, smartphones win hands-down in terms of portability and convenience.

Have a look at the five important things (at least I think so ...) to consider to make your travel photos a much better ones ;)


Know the Rule of Thirds (and when not to use it) -

Image Source: Take & Talk Pics 

This, my friends, is the golden rule of photography.
Divide the canvas into thirds (and you will eventually have nine equal grid squares). The most interesting element should ends up where the interception of lines are.

You can place your element slightly to the left or to the right -- your choice. This will create a strong composition and focuses on the object.

This rule works 90% of the time. But feel free to also experiment.


Rethink the Cliche Shots -

Keep your eyes open for unique photo opportunities -- and don't be afraid to take a shot.
The best thing about smartphone photography: if you don't like the shots, you can delete them later. But if you don't take it in the first place, you'll have no idea how it'll turn out. Right?

Experiment with the angles and viewpoints. The last thing you need is shooting something the same way as everybody else.

Image Source: Mark Garbowski Photography

Shooting from low angle is one way to show the scene from a different perspective. Something one will unable to see at a standing height.

So leave the cliche shots to tourists and try something new!

And oh. Don't forget to look down, too ;)


Make Connection. Get Closer to People. Local People -

The sceneries might be beautiful.
But sometimes we tend to forget that the locals have their own stories to tell too. If you're shooting from a distance, no problem. But if you'd like to take a close-up shot of them -- please, please, please -- be polite and ask for permission first.

Image Source: Photographing the World

I find it interesting to photograph people in their own environment. It helps contextualise the portrait and viewers will be able to see what's there.


Don't Use the Flash -

Never, ever use the flash. Unless it is absolutely necessary.
It ruins the quality and will wash out your photographs. But instead, play with the dark. Use the contrast to create an amazing shot.

Hard to believe, maybe. But try it.


Let Your Photos Tell Stories -

A good photo tells a story. And that's what photography is all about -- letting viewers in to the experience while not being there physically themselves.

Sometimes the action of the subject tells a story by itself.

Image Source: Elle's Studio

The trick is: compose your subject well and take a shot at the right time. You need to often do this quickly so use the burst mode (simply hold the shutter down to take series of shots -- on an iPhone) and pick the best shot later.


There you have it -- some really simple tricks to help you during your next travel.
Be open to experimenting, too.

Enjoy!