Today, Seoul is very famous for shopping, food, entertainment, cultural experiences, and many more. While it is inevitable that tourists around the world tend to spend more on a holiday, you can visit South Korea on a budget. Though it can be challenging trying to find the best experiences to partake in while not going over budget, there are many things you can do without burning a hole in your pocket. Through this guide, you will find the top 10 free attractions in Seoul you should not miss!
Top 10 free attractions in Seoul
1. Namsan Seoul Tower
Surprisingly, Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the top free attractions in Seoul you can enjoy. By walking along Seoul city wall you can hike to the mountain’s peak for free. If you do, however, opt to take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, it costs approximately 10,000 won for a return journey.
At the top of the tower, there are many activities available. You can take photos with the many sculptures, enjoy a meal at the restaurant there, buy a lock to attach to the tower, and even an arcade! The tower is famous for couple dates and its views of Seoul city in the evening. However, good to note that walking up to Namsan Tower is steep and there are a lot of steps to climb. Hence, it may not be a good idea to climb the mountain during the summer period.
Closest subway station: Myeongdong Station exit 1, 2, 3 (명동역 1,2,3번 출구)
2. Cheongyecheon stream
Cheongyecheon is definitely one of the free attractions in Seoul that is worth a visit at any time of year, in addition to the Han River. The stream uniquely runs directly through the city buildings and has many beautiful bridges to enjoy. Different parts of Cheongyecheon focus on different things, with some parts of the stream being like a rainforest and others having steppingstones so you can enjoy the water close up.
Throughout the year, small concerts are also held for free along the river as well as the New Year’s Lantern festival, which is held only from mid-December to mid-January. It is best enjoyed at night to see all the different lanterns themed around Korean folklore as well as the next Lunar Year animal.
Closest subway station: Jong-gak Station exit 5 (종각역 5번 출구)
3. The National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관) is one of the free attractions in Seoul that you shouldn’t miss. The museum is a great way to connect with Korea’s history from ancient times up until modern day. The museum is a truly special experience, with over 12,000 pieces permanently on display. Fans of Korean dramas set in the Joseon dynasty will enjoy the many artifacts from this time period. The museum has items such as the royal throne and portraits of Joseon rulers to view as part of their permanent exhibit.
The National Museum of Korea is completely free to visit, except for special exhibitions. You can purchase tickets for special exhibitions through the museum’s official website.
Closest subway station: Ichon Station exit 2 (이촌역 2번 출구)
4. Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest (서울숲) is known as the national family park which opened in 2002. The park stretches over 1.16 million m² of land and consists primarily of five distinct areas, Cultural Art Park, Ecological Forest, Nature Experience Study Field, Wild deer habitat, and the Botanical Butterfly Garden. You do not need to pay to enter Seoul Forest and is definitely one of the free attractions in Seoul that we recommend you to visit.
There is also a shopping area that connects the subway exits to the entrance of Seoul Forest. Here you can enjoy many types of food and shop at various small Korean businesses. With that, Seoul Forest is the perfect location in the city to have a picnic and is a popular location during Autumn.
Closest subway station: Seoul Forest Station exit 3 (서울숲역 3번 출구)
5. Bukchon Hanok village
Situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok village offers spectacular views of well-preserved hanok, showcasing traditional Korean architecture and the country’s historical moments. Did you know that it is also a residential area? Most of the traditional houses are still inhabited by residents.
On top of that, there are many cafes and cultural centers for a more immersive experience for tourists. Although coffee is not for free, the place is actually a favorite spot for photographers and travelers due to its Instagram-worthy views. So why not come down yourself to experience Korea’s cultural heritage and take photos as much as you can at one of the free attractions in Seoul?
Closest subway station: Anguk Station exit 2 (안국역 2번 출구)
6. Seoul City Wall
Seoul City Wall was built during the Joseon Dynasty as a barrier to protect the capital from enemies. There were originally four main gates and four smaller gates unique to the City Wall but over the centuries, parts of the structure were damaged. As a result, ongoing efforts for restoration and preservation have been in place since the late 20th century.
Today, visitors are welcome to explore the architecture and some sections of the Seoul City Wall. What’s more, it also offers the Hanyangdoseong stamp trail tour consisting of Baegak Mountain Trail, Naksan Mountain Trail, Heunginjimun Gate Trail, Namsan(Mongmyeoksan) Mountain Trail, Sungnyemun Gate Trail, and Inwangsan Mountain Trail.
If you love hiking and enjoy scenic views, this is a great opportunity to include Hanyangdoseong stamp trail tour on your list of free attractions in Seoul!
Closest subway station: Seoul Subway Station exit 4 (서울역 4번 출구)
*Please note that this direction leads to one of the four main gates also known as Namdaemun today.
7. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Did you know that Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) also represents Dream, Design, and Play? Its brilliant architecture with unique curves and shapes has certainly attracted the attention of many photographers and tourists to this place each year.
Though DDP mainly holds exhibitions, fashion shows, conferences, and other events, visitors can still explore the free common spaces outdoors where you can actually see the stunning design of the DDP. Furthermore, there are plenty of benches to rest and an opportunity to take photos with a futuristic structure as the background! If you’re interested in paid exhibitions and other events, check them out here.
Closest subway station: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station exit 1 (동대문역사문화공원역 1번 출구)
8. Bongeunsa Temple
Next on the list of the top 10 free attractions in Seoul is Bongeunsa Temple. With a long history of over a thousand years, the temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures. Entrance is free so you can feel free to explore the interior and take a short walk right outside the temple just to admire its architecture. Photo-taking is also allowed but good to note that there are some restricted areas.
At Bongeunsa Temple, you may also want to engage in paid cultural activities like enjoying a monastic meal, tea ceremony, and copying Sutras. They also offer temple-stay programs allowing visitors to experience Buddhist tradition which can help to purify the mind and body. You’re not obligated to take up these activities at all, simply visit and enjoy the tranquil this place has to offer.
Closest subway station: Bongeunsa Station exit 1 (봉은사역 1번 출구)
9. Ihwa Mural Village
Ihwa Mural Village is a vibrant neighborhood surrounded by colorful murals and street art. In 2006, the government started the “Art in City” project which is a public art campaign to give energy and life to neglected areas through art and Ihwa Mural Village was one of the selected districts.
You can find unique and playful artwork painted on the walls and stairways. Another attraction is climbing up the stairs and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Seoul and be able to watch the sunset too!
Closest subway station: Hyehwa Station exit 2 (혜화역 2번 출구).
10. Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun
Easily one of the most exciting cultural experiences in Korea will be observing the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun, a royal tradition of the Joseon Dynasty. Activities during the ceremony include the changing of the guard, marching, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional music performances.
The ceremony takes place twice per day, 10 am and 2 pm, except on Tuesdays. At the end of the ceremony, you may take pictures with the guards, however, refrain from touching or talking to them. If you wish to find out more about the ceremony, click here.
Closest subway station: Gwanghwamun Station exit 2 (광화문역 2번 출구)
In this article, though we only put together the top 10 free attractions in Seoul, there are still many other free attractions. You can check them out by visiting Seoul’s tourist information center.
We hope that through this guide, you will be able to enjoy the best free attractions in Seoul! Remember to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content, and be sure to contact us about living and studying in Korea!
