You don’t need a heavy wallet to experience the briskness and beauty of Seoul. Below are the best free things to do in Seoul, from attractions to experiences you won’t forget:
National Museum of Korea
137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu
Where else can you learn about the history, culture, and beauty of Korea? Feast your eyes at the National Museum of Korea, the largest museum in the country with over 15,000 artifacts.
If you are traveling in Seoul to see more museums and other tourist spots, book your Seoul Pass BTS Edition. With this card, you can explore over 34 attractions without falling in line to get tickets and you can also avail discounts on local services and restaurants.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Looking for something artsy? Head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It offers no entrance fee, just pure love for the arts. Enjoy the exhibitions, events, and guided tours that are open to visitors of all ages.
Labeled as the most Instagram tagged location in Korea in the year 2015, Dongdaemun Design Plaza has become the hub of design-related events and displays.
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
74 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin 1(il)-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
If you are a seafood lover, you should not miss the 24-hour Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market. Swing by after midnight for the much-awaited fish auctions.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
This charming village can give you a glimpse of the old Seoul. It is near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine.
You might fall in love with the village and want to have the best photographs in this area. To maximize your time and experience complete fun, book a 2-hour hanbok rental paired with a 1-hour photoshoot at Bukchon Hanok Village.
Namdaemun Market
21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Not entirely free, but it’s the largest traditional market in Korea. You can find all and learn about the different crafts and products that Koreans make themselves. These include accessories, clothes, ginseng glasses, toys, carpets, mountain gear, fine arts, hats, flowers, fishing equipment, stationery kitchenware, and imported goods.
Common Ground
17-1 Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Do you need a background for your #OOTD post on Instagram? Common Ground has an all-blue background and a hodgepodge of quaint coffee shops, fashion stores, and market.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seoul
The multicolored lights at night here will definitely take your breath away. If you are in Seoul between April and October, you can watch the water light show up to six times a day for 20 minutes.
Bukhansan National Park
262 Bogukmun-ro, Hyoja-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
There are three peaks you can choose from, and each peak can take from five to seven hours to climb. It is open daily from 4a.m. to 5p.m. and no entrance fee required.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon-ro, Sangwangsimni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Catch the dramatic sunset by the Cheonggyecheon Stream while having a stroll. You can also watch a laser light show at the upper and lower ends of the stream.
Seoul City Wall
622-83 Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Enjoy the sweeping views from the Seoul City Wall, originally built in 1396 and is 18.6 km long. It covers the range of Bugaksan Mountain, Naksan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and Inwangsan Mountain. There are six trails you can take that can take you one hour to three hours.
Han River
Experience tranquility as you stroll along the Han River, considered as the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula. You can go camping, biking, and fishing around the area or set up a picnic.
Jeongdong Observatory
15 Deoksugung-gil, Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Gaze out from the Jeongdong Observatory, located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. You can drink or eat the cafe inside the observatory while taking in the spectacular view of Deoksugung Palace.
Olympic Park
424 Olympic-ro, Oryun-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
You don’t have to pay any admission fee when you explore the Olympic Park, a leisure facility where you can find modern sports stadiums, an eco-friendly forest, and green fields. Since it is a large complex, you can ride the Road Train found next to Peace Square.
Before you take your trip to Seoul, book your Unlimited 4G/LTE SIM Card so you can easily find directions and upload selfies as you travel in the city.
