Photo & Video Guide — Light, Spots, Restricted Areas

Ride the light, choose clean spots, and respect restrictions. Get the shot without breaking the spell.

Light by time of day

  • Opening hour: Low crowds, soft side light on eaves; perfect for axial wides.
  • Midday: Harsh light; switch to details, shadows, and interiors where allowed.
  • Golden hour: Reflections at Gyeonghoeru; warm edges at Deoksugung.
  • Blue hour → night: Lamps vs. cool sky; protect highlights on lit eaves.

Top spots (by palace)

  • Gyeongbokgung: Geunjeongjeon rank stones; Gyeonghoeru perimeter loop.
  • Changdeokgung: Injeongjeon axial; Secret Garden ponds and pavilions (timed tour).
  • Changgyeonggung: Myeongjeongjeon side angle; Grand Greenhouse reflections.
  • Deoksugung: Seokjojeon 3/4 facade; Jeongdong stonewall road at blue hour.
  • Gyeonghuigung: Sungjeongjeon minimalism; clean rooflines.
  • Jongmyo: Jeongjeon symmetry; minimalist bays; silent shutter.
  • Hwaseong Haenggung: Procession edges; banners and drums; fortress wall sightlines.

Suggested settings

  • Daylight wides: 24–28mm, f/5.6–8, 1/250, ISO 100–200.
  • Details: 50–85mm, f/2.8–4, 1/250, ISO 100–400.
  • Processions: 70–135mm, 1/500, Auto‑ISO cap 3200.
  • Blue hour: 35mm, 1/60–1/125, f/2–2.8, ISO 1600–3200, highlight priority.
  • Video: 4K 24/30p, shutter ≈ 1/50–1/60, IBIS on, ND for daylight.

Restricted areas & rules

  • Tripods/drones: Commonly restricted or prohibited; check on‑site signage.
  • Platforms/thresholds: Do not step or place gear on wooden floors.
  • Aisles/centerlines: Keep clear during ceremonies and tours.
  • Museums: Flash off; some galleries ban photography.

Field workflow

  1. Wide → mid → detail sequence per location.
  2. One anchor frame per palace; two alternates.
  3. Back up on site; note captions and angles in phone notes.

FAQ

Q. Can I bring a gimbal? A. Handheld gimbals are generally acceptable outdoors; be mindful of crowds and rules.

Q. Filters? A. Polarizer for glare control and foliage; ND for video in daylight.

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