Seoul may not be the cheapest city to travel to, but it’s absolutely possible to have a memorable trip without breaking the bank! Check out our budget guide for a list of free things to do in Seoul 🇰🇷
Bustling with enchanting heritage buildings, trendy neighbourhoods, vibrant shopping districts, and a wide variety of local cuisine, it’s no wonder Seoul is such a popular destination among Singaporeans. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul on a budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun and enjoyable things to do in Seoul for free, whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or your partner. Read on for our curated list of 16 best free things to do in Seoul in 2024. ✨
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Best free things to do in Seoul when travelling on a budget:
1. Stroll through the timeless Bukchon Hanok Village
Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village is a living museum showcasing over 900 traditional Korean hanok houses, some dating back over 600 years. This picturesque gem has stories to tell at every corner, and is the perfect labyrinth for a journey back in time! Keep your eyes peeled as you stroll through the village, and you’ll come across hidden courtyards, a mesmerising blend of the ancient and the modern, and houses with graceful designs.
Insider Tip: There are some quaint cafes, bakeries and charming tea houses hidden in some of the traditional houses at the Bukchon Hanok Village! Pop by for a cup of coffee or tea to rest your legs after hours of sightseeing.
📍 Address: Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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2. Explore the colourful Ihwa Mural Village
Photo credit: William Warby (Flickr)
Nestled on the elevated slopes of Naksan, Ihwa Mural Village is also known as the historical “Moon Villages”, an area that served as a sanctuary for refugees following the Korean War. Today, the once run-down shelter town has transformed into an aesthetic neighbourhood adorned with vibrant murals and street art created by artists from all over Korea, injecting life and allure into the previously neglected area.
Insider Tip: Be sure to put on your sturdy walking shoes if you’re planning to explore Ihwa Mural Village – the journey here involves a bit of a hike, but we assure you that the view from the top will be worth it! Also, do note that the village is still home to many local residents and it’s thus important for visitors to be considerate and respectful while in the area. Keep your noise level low and avoid littering, vandalising, and trespassing.
📍 Address: 49 Naksan 4-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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3. Discover the Serenity of Jogyesa Temple
Photo credit: William Warby (Flickr)
Jogyesa Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, offers a tranquil respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Built in 1395, this historic site showcases traditional Buddhist architecture, vibrant colours, and an opportunity to witness cultural practices firsthand. Some attractions not to miss here include a rare 500-year-old white pine tree and a majestic 450-year-old Chinese scholar tree that withstood the test of time. 🌳
Photo credit: David Baron (Flickr)
Insider Tip: Visit the temple at night to marvel at its breathtaking illumination and experience a sense of serenity like no other. The temple is also extremely beautiful in the autumn months when surrounded by autumn foliage. If you’re travelling in the months of October or November, be sure to not miss out on the month-long Jogyesa Temple Chrysanthemum Festival!
📍 Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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4. Embark on the Seoul City Wall Trail
The Seoul City Wall Trail follows the ancient fortress walls that once protected the city for over 500 years. Choose a section that suits your schedule and interests, such as the 40-minute walk from Heunginjimun Gate to Naksan Summit, offering panoramic city views and a glimpse into Seoul’s rich history.
If you’re a fan of K-dramas, the ancient fortress walls should not be a stranger to you! The walls have commonly been featured as a backdrop of popular K-dramas including Itaewon Class, Love Alarm, and Run On.
Getting There: Begin your journey at Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun Station, Line 1), and pick up a free map from the Seoul City Wall Museum to guide your exploration.
📍 Address: 622-83 Changsin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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5. Have a picnic by the Hangang River
The iconic Hangang River is a must-visit when in Seoul! The river is a popular hotspot amongst locals, who head over to relax by the riverside, enjoy a picnic with friends, jog, or even bike along the river’s scenic paths. If you’re travelling on a budget, having a picnic lunch or dinner here makes for a fun and affordable meal – just grab some snacks and cup noodles from a nearby convenience store and turn a simple meal into a memorable riverside adventure.
Insider Tip: Come over during sunset when the weather gets nice and chilly! You can also plan your visit timing to catch the dazzling Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show in the evening, where water jets and colourful lights create a stunning spectacle.
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6. Visit the lively Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is a haven for street food enthusiasts, offering an array of mouthwatering Korean dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Some must-tries at this bustling market include mung bean pancakes (bindae-tteok), Korean knife-cut noodles (kalguksu), spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), savory pancakes (jeon), and the iconic mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). Besides being a great place for budget-friendly meals, you can also shop for affordable souvenirs such as dried seafood, snacks and traditional handicrafts here.
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Getting There: Conveniently located near Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1, Exit 8), Gwangjang Market is easily accessible by public transportation.
📍 Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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7. Marvel at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Photo credit: @ddp_seoul (Instagram)
Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a stunning architectural masterpiece that perfectly captures Seoul’s modern spirit. Its striking curved design has served as a captivating backdrop for a wide range of art installations, fashion shows, and cultural events, many of which are free to attend – perfect opportunities for the budget traveller!
Insider Tip: Check the DDP’s event calendar for upcoming free exhibitions or performances during your visit so you won’t miss out. There are also frequent art installations at the plaza grounds depending on the time of the year.
📍 Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
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8. Get artsy at the Seoul Museum of Art
Photo credit: @seoulmuseumofart (Instagram)
The minimalist Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is one of the few free art spaces in Seoul. Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases contemporary art exhibitions and installations, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience for its visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the museum’s thought-provoking collections and discover the talents of Korean and international artists.
Insider Tip: Keep your eyes peeled on the museum’s official site – the Seoul Museum of Art frequently hosts special exhibitions, workshops, performances, and communal events throughout the year! Who knows? You just might catch something special while you’re in town!
📍 Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
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9. Hike up Namsan Park for a glimpse of N Seoul Tower
Photo credit: Oat Appleseed (Unsplash)
The N Seoul Tower (also known as Namsan Tower) is one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks. While visitors typically ride the Namsan cable car to get to the park where the tower stands, you can actually take a leisurely hike up Namsan Park for free. If you’re really on a budget and don’t mind clocking in some steps, the hike is actually pretty enjoyable and fun!
Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape without having to pay to enter the tower observatory. To be very honest, we think the view from the park is equally as good (if not better) than from the observatory!
Insider Tip: The hike up Namsan Park will take you less than an hour, and consists of a trail of well-maintained stone steps. Simply wear your sturdy walking shoes and you should be good to go! If you’re a nature lover, there are also plenty of other exhilarating hiking trails to explore around Namsan Mountain.
📍 Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
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10. Stroll along the tranquil Cheonggyecheon Stream
Photo credit: Farrel Nobel (Unsplash)
One of our favourite free things to do in Seoul is to head to the stunning Cheonggyecheon Stream. Despite being located in the heart of the city, this urban oasis offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Seoul, with its clear waters, picturesque walking paths, and lush greens. We recommend visiting during the evening for a leisurely stroll along the stream when the area gets illuminated with magical lights upon nightfall. There are also plenty of benches for you to sit on and soak in the atmosphere.
Photo credit: Philip Jang (Unsplash)
Insider Tip: Cheonggyecheon Stream gets transformed into a magical corridor of lights with hundreds of lanterns during the Seoul Lantern Festival in November! It’s a major cultural festival in Seoul that you won’t want to miss out on if you’re visiting during that time of the year.
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11. Discover the Trendy Vibes of Hongdae
There are plenty of fun areas to explore for free in Seoul at night! One of our favourites is none other than Hongdae, the neighbourhood surrounding Hongik University that’s a vibrant hub of youth culture, street art, and indie music venues. Immerse yourself in the area’s creative energy by exploring its lively streets, where you can enjoy the performances of buskers and street performers for free.
Insider Tip: While Hongdae comes to life at night, it’s also a fun and family-friendly area to visit in daylight. Pop by to let your little ones run around at the Hongdae Playground, take some photos at the Hongdae Mural Street, and shop for trinkets at the Hongdae Free Market!
Getting There: Hongik University Station (Line 2, Exit 9) is the closest subway stop to the heart of Hongdae.
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12. Embrace the Nightlife of Itaewon
Image Credits: Adventures With NieNie
Another spot to immerse yourself in Seoul’s vibrant nightlife is Itaewon. Long celebrated as a cultural crossroads where the world meets, Itaewon is a melting pot of cultures in the form of neon-lit streets, lively bars, a wide array of restaurants, and an overall electrifying atmosphere. The area also offers a range of affordable accommodations for budget travellers, from hostels to guesthouses and budget hotels.
Insider Tip: There are plenty of affordable food options in Itaewon, including street food, BBQ joints, and halal and Muslim-friendly eateries. Many restaurants also offer lunch specials and group set meals that are perfect for economical travellers. A tip to not fall prey to tourist traps is to venture a bit off the main streets to hunt for quaint food spots that the locals frequent!
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13. Hike through the Bukhansan National Park
Another popular best thing to do in Seoul for free is hiking! Nestled on the outskirts of Seoul, Bukhansan National Park is a pristine natural sanctuary that’s only an easy metro and bus ride away. Don’t let the national park’s majestic peaks intimidate you, there are trails suited for all skill and stamina levels at the Bukhansan National Park. Beginners can enjoy breezy hikes along gentle paths while more experienced hikers can challenge themselves to steep ascents and rocky terrain.
Insider Tip: To maximise your enjoyment, hike Bukhansan National Park during the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October! The weather is pleasantly cool during these months, and crowds are less heavy than during peak travel season. It’s also best to start your hike early (regardless of the season) to evade large groups and enjoy the tranquillity of the park.
📍 Address: 262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
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14. Get some fresh air at Seoul Forest
Photo credit: Minku Kang (Unsplash)
If you’d like to get some fresh air close to the city, Seoul Forest is your best bet. Often likened to famous city parks like London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park, Seoul Forest is a great place to chill with your loved ones without straining your travel budget. Besides plenty of pathways, Seoul Forest is equipped with family-friendly attractions including a butterfly and insect-plant garden, a playground, a deer corral, a cultural art park, and more!
Photo credit: Daniel Bernard (Unsplash)
Insider Tip: While you can visit Seoul Forest any time of the year, it’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when the cherry blossoms and ginkgo trees are in season. P/s: try to locate the park’s overhead footbridge, walk across it, and you’ll find yourself at the nearby Hangang Waterside Park with scenic views of the Han River. This is a hidden gem that not many know about! 👀
📍 Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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15. Starfield Library
Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government
We’ve all wanted a wall-length bookshelf carrying our favourite reads, but Starfield Library shows us how it’s done. Towering a whopping 13 metres, the gigantic library is lit with pouring sunlight through the glass windows and hoisting over 50,000 books. Nestled in the heart of Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, Starfield Coex Mall, the chic library is a reader’s paradise and completely free of charge to enter.
Insider Tip: While most of the literature is in Korean, there is also a small section for English readers so you won’t be unequipped at all! And the cherry on top? There are also exclusive author talks or performances frequently at the library, which… you guessed it, are also free!
📍 Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1
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16. National Museum of Korea
Photo credit: Museums of the World
Where are my historical K-Drama enthusiasts at? The National Museum of Korea is South Korea’s largest museum and displays over 12,000 artefacts of Korea’s deep culture from prehistory to the significant six centuries of the Joseon era (1392-1897). While special exhibitions might have a fee, the free permanent collections are enough to keep you mesmerized.
Insider Tip: Some unmissable exhibits are the Ten-story Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple and the Bosingak Bell. English tours are available at 11 AM and 2 PM. Alternatively, the museum app provides a great audioguide that can help you navigate the grand museum at your own pace.
📍 Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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Bonus:
The government of Korea has also arranged several free walking tours, so if you need to get your steps in, just hop along and take a trip across the city! You might get a local overview of the city, and a combination of the above attractions to wrap it up!
Ready for your Seoul adventure?
We hope that this budget guide for Seoul helps you in planning a memorable and affordable trip to South Korea! Psst, don’t forget to bring your trusty YouTrip card along for the best rates all day ✨
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Until next time, safe travels and happy adventures!
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