Seoul has so much to offer that there is always something to do anywhere, from shopping in Myeongdong to enjoying the nightlife in Hongdae. But sometimes you just want to escape from the bustling party scene and just enjoy a good view of Seoul after dark.

Here are five hidden spots in Seoul you might want to add to your itinerary.

Location: 41, Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 

Naksan Park is part of the Seoul Fortress Wall which was built to protect Seoul from invaders in the past. It has a 2.2 km hiking trail that takes about an hour to complete. Though it might seem like a daunting trek, it’s actually not that difficult of a trail to walk on. Its breathtaking view is also worth the exercise, leading many Koreans to call it the “La La Land” of Seoul. 

Location: 343, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 

Located on Seonyudo Island, Seonyudo Park stands on the Han River, giving a good view of the city. It was once a sewage treatment facility until the Hangang Renaissance Project transformed it into a recycling park and filled it with bamboo and other plants.  

During the day, you can get a nice view of the park’s beauty. Its floating garden, waterfall, and greenhouse are just some of the features to expect. If you’re by the Rainbow Bridge, you might be able to catch a good view of the sunset and a better view of the Yeouido skyline. 

Location: 138-220 65, Hangaram-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Jamsil Hangang Park is one of the many parks you can visit around the Han River. Filled with recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and a skating rink, families often fill up the place to play or simply hang out.  It’s a great place to also ride a bike while catching the view of the South Korean capital’s iconic river.  

The night lights turning on as the sun sets is a definite must-see. You can also head to the café underneath the Jamsil Bridge to have a chill-out night by the river.  

Location: 42, Changuimun-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located north of Seoul lies the Bugaksan, also known as Baegak Mountain. It is known as the highest among the city’s four inner mountains and is another part of the Seoul Fortress Wall. Its mountain trail spans 4.7km long, good for roughly a 3-hour hike.  

If you’re looking for the best spot to catch a good view, then the Bugak Skyway might be the ideal place for you. At night, you can see downtown Seoul from above and even catch sight of the famous Gyeongbukgung Palace. 

Location: Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 

If you lack the time to go through a mountain trail, then visiting the Noksapyeong Overpass might be another option for you to catch a great nighttime view of Seoul. Located around the Gyeongnidan road in Itaewon, it’s the best place to view Namsan Mountain and the N Seoul Tower, especially at sunset. This spot has often been featured in K-dramas for its unassumingly picturesque quality.  

Sources: YouTube Channels (Seoul Walker, Walk Together), pinoytourist,  Seoul Selection Magazine, Seoul Government Twitter