A 24/7 metropolis with one thing to do each hour of the day, Seoul is not an affordable place to go to.
Going to well-known remark decks, having fun with premium cuts on the Korean barbecue and partying till daybreak can positively do some harm to your bank card. However when you veer a bit away from the typical must-do record, you will discover that many of the best things to do in the capital of South Korea will not price a lot in any respect – or perhaps a single gained.
Fill your hours with scenic walks, go to the metropolis’s most poetic websites and expertise views cash cannot purchase. Listed here are our favourite free things to do in Seoul.
1. Stage a photograph shoot in Ihwa Mural Village
Positioned close to Seoul’s unbiased theater district, the Ihwa Mural Village is the place to go when you’re looking for the excellent selfie. The alleyways are lined in vivid, colourful murals created by greater than 70 native artists in an try to revitalize this once-neglected neighborhood. Common murals embrace Angel Wings and Fish Swimming Upstream.
2. Savor the ambiance at Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum
Constructed in honor of a beloved Korean poet, this three-room museum has occupied a former pressurization facility since 2012. Guests can flick thru outdated images and first editions of Yun Dong-ju’s poems – but it is the design of the area and the moods it imbues which are the museum’s actual highlights. Take a stroll behind the museum on Poet’s Hill and admire the N Seoul Tower from a distance – a view that might encourage lyrical musings from nearly anybody.
3. Pay homage at the Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine
The hauntingly stunning Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine commemorates the many Roman Catholics who have been murdered throughout the Byeongin Persecution of 1866. The shrine homes a gallery and a museum displaying implements of torture that vividly evoke the website’s tragic historical past. It is best to go to at nightfall when the glow of votive candles lends an otherworldly dimension to the area.
4. Take a look at the up to date artwork scene at the Seoul Museum of Artwork
One of the few free artwork areas in Seoul, SeMA is a contemporary artwork museum housed in a historic constructing. Whereas particular exhibitions at the museum will be fairly crowded and expensive, the everlasting exhibitions are free and sometimes neglected. These embrace Chun Kyung-ja, Everlasting Narcissist, a set of works by the famend Korean artist that spotlight her international influences.
5. See conventional Korean properties in charming Bukchon Hanok Village
Tons of of conventional Korean properties (hanok) make up Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood that recaptures the ambiance of Joseon-dynasty Korea. Though the authenticity of the neighborhood is usually debated – some of the hanok are newly constructed whereas others are a century outdated – the verdict on the appeal of the small alleyways and unbelievable views is unanimous.
6. Hang around by the river in Hangang Park
Seoul’s most well-known free website is that this park alongside the Han River – one of the metropolis’s best – which zigzags by way of the metropolis. Stunning lookouts and nice walks will be discovered at any level in the park, but it is the views from the Mangwon-dong neighborhood which are arguably the best and a agency native favourite. In case you’re right here in summer time, many free occasions happen as half of the Hangang River Competition; the park’s out of doors movie screenings are terrific.
7. Take in the arts at Oil Tank Tradition Park
A cultural heart created from 5 remodeled 1970s-era oil tanks, the Oil Tank Tradition Park performs host to free live shows, exhibitions and lectures. Even when there’s nothing in specific occurring, you possibly can simply go a number of hours exploring the area’s hidden nooks and watching musicians working towards in the out of doors amphitheater. The venue’s distinctive curves make it a favourite amongst photographers.
8. Get pleasure from a superb learn at the Cheongun Literature Library
At the foot of Mt Inwang, the Cheongun Literature Library is undoubtedly one of the most stunning libraries in Korea. The practical decrease degree is dwelling to a median assortment of books – however on the second degree, the library’s studying rooms are housed in a placing conventional Korean home, making for a singular place to settle in with a superb learn. Spacious and sunny, it is a bibliophile’s dream come true.
9. Linger in the Gyeongui Line Forest Park
A park constructed on the route of 100-year-old practice tracks that when led to North Korea, Gyeongui Line Forest Park is one of the highlights of Seoul’s northwest aspect, and it runs by way of a number of fashionable neighborhoods. On summer time nights, you will see lots of picnickers having drinks and listening to buskers with guitars in the Yeonnam-dong portion of the park. In good climate, pianos are additionally arrange exterior for the musically inclined to carry out for the public.
10. Study the metropolis’s previous at the Seoul Museum of Historical past
Even particular exhibitions are virtually all the time free at the standard Seoul Museum of Historical past, close to Gyeonghuigung Palace. Whereas the museum boasts relics from the Joseon dynasty, the exhibition corridor of donated gadgets on the first flooring makes the strongest impression, with every thing from outdated computer systems, cassette tapes, T-shirts from the ’60s and different family items utilized by abnormal residents. Free occasions showcasing Korean tradition usually happen throughout native holidays.
11. Take in heavenly vistas from Bukhansan’s highest peak
With dozens of peaks in the space, Seoul has no scarcity of mountains to climb. But ask any avid hiker for the best stroll in the space, and you will doubtless be despatched packing up the slopes of 836m (2743ft) Bukhansan. These keen to attain the mountain’s tallest peak can be handsomely rewarded with heavenly views – and maybe even some makgeolli (conventional Korean rice wine) from a pleasant fellow climber: locals are recognized to share their mountaintop drinks with vacationers at the summit.
12. Hike Inwangsan for simpler metropolis views
Much less demanding than Bukhansan, 338m (1109ft) Ingwangsan nonetheless presents breathtaking views of Seoul for hikers, in addition to a free historical past lesson. A sequence of historic fortress partitions are preserved right here, and from the path, you possibly can spot Gyeongbokgung Palace in the distance. Be certain to take a look at the uncanny Seonbawi (Zen Rocks) and the Guksadang shamanist shrine in your manner up.
13. See the sights for free on a free Seoul strolling tour
Make a reservation three days forward to take benefit of Seoul Tourism’s free strolling tour program, which is staffed by volunteer guides. Whereas the high quality of the excursions varies, they’re free and are provided in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese language and different languages, and canopy an enormous vary of themes, from exploring native markets and historic websites to discovering traces of the artists and writers who as soon as lived in one of the metropolis’s oldest neighborhoods. Excursions are restricted to 10 individuals every (20 for some palace excursions), and reservations should be made in advance.
14. Pattern the wares at Seoul Station’s Lotte Mart
Bigger grocery shops in South Korea have a tendency to provide extremely beneficiant samples, however few are as munificent as the Lotte Mart inside Seoul Station. Pattern-givers often communicate primary English, Japanese and Chinese language – and are not afraid to offer you seconds. Strive the instantaneous noodle aisle at 6pm on a weekday, and also you would possibly have the opportunity to skip dinner. (Although we would not suggest it.)
15. Take a breather at Bongeun-sa
Anybody staying south of the Han River and searching for some tradition after buying in the packed COEX Mall ought to take a look at Bongeun-sa, a temple that traces its historical past to 794 CE, throughout the Silla kingdom. Regardless that a lot of the unique website was destroyed by a fireplace in 1939, the temple’s air of serenity, woodblock carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra and a library of 3479 Buddhist scriptures make it value a go to.
16. Window store at Dongmyo Flea Market
Many of Seoul’s markets are free to take a look at and nicely value exploring – and the assortment of used items at the Dongmyo Flea Market is extra about shopping and fewer about shopping for. This random assortment of every thing from digital massagers to outdated Korean cash and piled-up hills of low-cost T-shirts is most energetic on heat, dry weekends. It is positioned close to Dongmyo Park (84, Nangye-ro 27-gil, Jongno-gu).
17. Rise above the fray at Seoullo 7017
Typically in contrast to the Excessive Line in New York Metropolis, Seoullo 7017 is a “sky backyard” that runs from Seoul Station to Namdaemun Market. Transformed from a former freeway overpass in 2017, this 1km (0.6-mile) park boasts greater than 20,000 crops and advantageous metropolis views and performs host to a plethora of public occasions. The courageous can stand on glass-covered holes by way of the overpass and look down at the vehicles whizzing beneath.
18. Channel European vibes at Seoul Anglican Cathedral
Though Myeong-dong Cathedral is Seoul’s most well-known – and maybe most traditionally vital – church, it could possibly be argued that the Seoul Anglican Cathedral is the capital’s most stunning. Designed by English architect Arthur Dixon and constructed in the Romanesque Revival type, this distinctly European edifice is a sight to behold, in and out. You possibly can go to the church for free, and common English-language providers are held on Sundays at 9:30am in the crypt chapel.
19. Unwind streamside at the Cheong-gye-cheon
One of the metropolis’s ecological marvels, the Cheong-gye-cheon is a synthetic stream that runs by way of downtown Seoul. Strolling the nice, greenery-lined pathways that run alongside the water is a good way to unwind in the night, and the stream is much more dazzling throughout the well-known Lantern Competition each November. The Cheong-gye-cheon Museum can also be free if you would like to study the website’s complicated historical past.
20. See the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain’s water present
From April to October, individuals come to the Banpo Bridge part of the Han River Park to see the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain water present. Choreographed with lights and music, 380 water jets placed on a present soundtracked by every thing from classical music to pop and rock. Name the Korea Journey Hotline (+82-2-1330) to test the fountain’s schedule on the day of your go to.
21. Browse the Nationwide Museum’s everlasting assortment
Displaying greater than 12,000 artifacts that span from prehistory to fashionable instances, the Nationwide Museum of Korea is South Korea’s largest museum. Whereas particular exhibitions carry an entrance payment, you will not be left wanting after shopping the free everlasting assortment. Be certain to see the photogenic 10-story pagoda from Gyeongcheon-sa Temple at the heart of the museum. There’s additionally a youngsters’s museum, which is free however requires an internet reservation.
22. Study Buddhism at Gilsang-sa
Though Jogye-sa in the coronary heart of downtown is Seoul’s best-known temple, maybe its most stunning shrine is Gilsang-sa, positioned off the overwhelmed path in Seongbuk-dong. A restaurant-turned-temple, Gilsang-sa solely opened in 1997. Its idyllic pure environment and wealth of English-language packages make it a must-visit for anybody in Buddhism – or these simply looking for a (free) place to get away from all of it.
23. Take a mini-break at Seonyudo Park
Repurposing a former water purification plant, this inexperienced island in the center of the metropolis is the first park of its variety in the nation. Locals and guests come to picnic or sunbathe in the botanical gardens and inexperienced areas.
24. Carry a date for a stroll alongside Seoul Metropolis Wall
Initially constructed in 1396, Seoul Metropolis Wall is a nationwide treasure and a beautiful place to hike. For locals, it is also a preferred date spot. Strive a night stroll alongside the portion of the wall in Naksan Park, close to Hyehwa Station: it is onerous not to be seduced as the heat glow of the historic fortress’s lights and the panoramic metropolis views sparkle in your lover’s eyes.
25. Admire the futuristic structure at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
A draw for anybody who loves cutting-edge structure, the multifunctional Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of architect Zaha Hadid’s biggest works. Exhibitions, vogue exhibits and different occasions are held repeatedly; not all of them are free, however the edifice itself is free to stroll round – and it is positively value a (lengthy) look.
26. Have fun Tradition Day at venues throughout city
On the final Wednesday of each month – aka Tradition Day – efficiency facilities, museums and cultural websites throughout Seoul open for free or at a reduced price. Town authorities works in collaboration with venues to create this in depth record of freebies that features every thing from the 5 grand palaces to the Nationwide Museum of Fashionable and Modern Artwork and Seoul Performing Arts Firm. Reductions for many main film theaters are additionally obtainable on Tradition Day.