Hi, I'm Jack, co-founder and lead photographer at Modu Studios. I'm originally from Toronto, but I've called Seoul home for over seven years now, and in that time I've had the honor of photographing more proposals here than I can count. I've hidden behind park benches, crouched in bushes, and stood across rivers with a long lens, all so I could capture that split second when someone says yes.
People ask me all the time where they should propose in Seoul, and honestly, the answer depends on what you're picturing: a quiet, romantic moment away from crowds, or a dramatic skyline as your backdrop. So I put together this list of my actual top picks as a Seoul proposal photographer, based on real shoots I've done, not just places that look nice on a map.
Choosing a location is only half the job though. As a working Seoul proposal photographer, half of what I do happens before the camera even comes out: scouting the right hiding spot, timing the light, and making sure your partner never suspects a thing. So alongside each location, I'll share a bit about how we actually pull off the shoot there.
If you want to see examples of these locations in action, you can browse our portfolio here and get a feel for what your own proposal photos could look like.
If you ask me where to propose in Seoul, Naksan Park is where I send almost everyone. It sits along a restored section of the old Seoul city wall, up on a hill in Ihwa-dong, and it gives you sweeping views over the city without the crowds you'd get at somewhere like N Seoul Tower.
What makes it perfect for a proposal is the mix of privacy and scenery. There are quiet stone pathways along the wall where I can stay far enough back to stay hidden, and the golden hour light hitting the skyline behind you is something else. It's also just a genuinely peaceful spot, so your partner won't feel like they're being paraded in front of tourists at the exact moment you're trying to have a private conversation.
Getting there is easy too. Taxis or Ubers take you right up to the top of the park or you can walk there directly from Hyehwa Station (Line 4). This makes logistics simple if you're staying anywhere central. We usually recommend shooting right before sunset as it gives us the best possible conditions (golden hour) for capturing your special moment.
Check out a full proposal shoot album from Naksan Park here.
Haneul Park translates to "Sky Park," and it earns the name. It's part of the World Cup Park complex, built on top of a former landfill that's now covered in tall silver grass and open fields. If you're picturing a proposal that feels like it's out of a film, with golden grass swaying around you and Seoul's skyline in the distance, this is it.
The catch is that it's a bit more effort to reach since there's a set of stairs (or a shuttle bus) to get up to the park itself, but that's part of what keeps it from being overrun. It's especially stunning in the fall when the silver grass is in full bloom, though it photographs beautifully most of the year.
For proposal shoots here, I like to scope out a spot along one of the quieter trails ahead of time so I can stay out of sight until the right moment. It's one of those locations where the setting genuinely does half the work for you.
Check out a full proposal shoot album from Haneul Park here.
There's something about the Han River at night that never gets old, even after all these years. Banpo Bridge is home to the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world's longest bridge fountain, and when it's running alongside the city lights reflecting off the water, it creates a backdrop that feels genuinely cinematic.
This spot works well if you want a more relaxed, low-key proposal that doesn't require a hike or a long walk beforehand. You can grab a spot on the grass at Banpo Hangang Park, have a picnic, and let the evening unfold naturally. It also gives me plenty of options for staying hidden nearby, since the park is spacious and there's always a mix of people around walking, biking, or just hanging out.
One thing worth knowing: the fountain show runs on a schedule that changes seasonally, so if you want it in the background, this is something I always help clients plan around when we're booking the shoot.
Check out a full proposal shoot album from the Han River here.
If you want something that feels quietly regal, the Secret Garden inside Changdeokgung Palace is hard to beat. It was once a private garden for the royal family, and it still has that hushed, hidden-away feeling today. Ponds, pavilions, and centuries-old trees make it one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city.
This one takes a bit more planning than the others. The Secret Garden requires a separate ticket from the main palace, entry is limited to guided tour groups at set times throughout the day, and it can sell out, especially on weekends. That means we can't just show up and wander freely the way we can at a park. We usually help clients book their time slot in advance and plan the proposal moment around the tour route itself.
It's absolutely worth the extra planning if you love the idea of proposing somewhere with real history behind it. Just know going in that this location needs to be booked ahead of time, not decided the morning of.
5. Nami Island (A Special Mention)
Nami Island isn't technically in Seoul, but I couldn't leave it off this list. It's a small, tree-lined island about an hour outside the city, made famous by Korean dramas, and it has this dreamy, almost storybook quality to it, especially along the main tree-lined avenue. Clients tell us that the whole island reminds them of a Studio Ghibli film.
Because it's outside the city, this one comes with a higher price tag than our standard packages. Getting there and back takes real travel time, plus the ferry to the island itself, so we do charge more for Nami Island proposals to account for the extra hours involved. But for couples who want something that feels like a true getaway, away from the city entirely, it's consistently one of the most memorable locations I shoot.
If this is the vibe you're after, reach out and I'll walk you through timing and pricing so there are no surprises (besides the one you're planning, of course).
Check out a full proposal shoot album from Nami Island here.
I get a lot of questions from couples who have never worked with a proposal photographer before, so let me walk through how it actually works.
First, we talk through your plan. I want to know the rough timing, whether you already have a location in mind or want my input, and any details that matter to you, like a specific song, a family ring, or a particular phrase you want to say. The more I know ahead of time, the less I have to guess in the moment.
Next, I scout the exact spot in advance. For every location on this list, I already have a good sense of where to stand so I can stay out of sight until you're ready. But every proposal is a little different depending on time of day, crowd levels, and season, so I usually do a final check the day of or a few days before if the location allows it.
On the day itself, I show up early and stay invisible. Your partner should have no idea I'm there until the ring comes out, sometimes not even then. I shoot the walk up, the moment you get down on one knee, the reaction, and the minutes afterward once things settle and you can both actually breathe again.
Finally, you get a preview gallery within a day or two so you can start sharing the news right away, with the fully edited set following shortly after.
If you want the full breakdown of what's included and current pricing, that's all laid out on our proposal photography package page.
A few things I always tell couples before their proposal shoot in Seoul:
Do I need a permit to propose in these Seoul parks? No, you don't need a permit for a proposal or a personal photoshoot at any of the park locations on this list, like Naksan Park, Haneul Park, or the Han River. The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace is the one exception, since entry itself requires a booked, timed ticket for the guided tour.
How far in advance should I book a Seoul proposal photographer? I recommend reaching out at least a couple of weeks ahead if you can, especially if your trip lands during peak travel season (spring cherry blossoms or fall foliage) or if you want a location like the Secret Garden, which needs tickets booked ahead of time. That said, I've pulled off proposal shoots on shorter notice too, so it's always worth asking.
What happens if my partner notices you during the shoot? It happens occasionally, and it's almost never a problem. Most people are so focused on the moment itself that they don't register a photographer nearby, especially once I've picked a spot with good natural cover.
Can we do a full couples shoot after the proposal? Yes, and a lot of couples do exactly that. Once the initial shock wears off, we usually extend into relaxed portraits at the same location or move somewhere else nearby if you'd like a change of scenery.
After years of doing this, I can tell you the location matters, but having someone who knows how to stay hidden, time the moment, and actually capture the reaction matters just as much. That's what I focus on with every couple I work with.
You can see the full details of what's included in a session, along with pricing, on our Seoul proposal photography package page. And if you want to get a feel for our style first, take a look through our portfolio to see real proposals we've shot around the city.
Wherever you decide to propose, I'd love to help you capture it. Feel free to reach out and tell me your plan, even if it's still a rough idea. I've helped plan enough of these that I promise it'll come together.
Jack Peneycad - Lead Photographer, Modu Studios
Frequently asked questions about our photoshoots. If you have any further questions, you can email us by clicking the button below.
Yes. All Modu Studios photographers (Jack and Jeffery) are fluent in English and have extensive experience working with international couples, travelers, and destination wedding clients in Seoul. They also speak working level Korean.
Professional photography in Seoul typically ranges from ₩300,000–₩1,000,000 KRW depending on shoot length, location, and deliverables. Modu Studios offers transparent packages with no hidden fees and our mid-range prices include cinematic fine editing and location guidance, giving you huge value compared to basic packages. See our list of packages here.
We specialize in couples, pre-wedding, engagement, proposals, travel, and brand photography. Whether you want cinematic city photos or natural lifestyle images, we tailor each shoot to your vision. See our offerings here.
Popular locations include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong, Euljiro, the Han River, and customized routes based on your style and schedule. We're open to your suggestions as well, if you have a special or specific location within Seoul that you would like to shoot at. We're also open to locations outside of Seoul, however we charge more as it takes more time + travel expensives. If you'd like to book a shoot outside of Seoul, email us at modustudioskorea@gmail.com
We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons such as spring and autumn. For proposals or special occasions, earlier booking ensures availability.
Absolutely. We guide you through poses, locations, timing, and outfits so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Even if you’ve never done a photoshoot before.
We send the sample photos within 48 hours of the shoot. Once you let us know your selections for the finely edited and preset photos, we send the final gallery to you within 5 business days via our Pixieset account.
