Picture this: You’re wandering through the neon-lit streets of Seoul, a city pulsing with life, where every corner promises a new adventure. You want to dive headfirst into this buzzing city but there’s a catch — your budget is tight. Sounds familiar? Well, I’ve been there, and guess what? If you look closely, Seoul is a treasure trove of experiences that don’t cost a dime.
I’ve put together a list of 7 things you can do in Seoul for free: From taking a serene hike up Namsan to marveling at the traditional architecture in Bukchon Hanok Village. So, buckle up, and let’s kickstart this journey through Seoul, where your wallet gets a break, but your adventure doesn’t.
1. Hike Up Namsan
The N Seoul Tower is probably one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. If you don’t mind some exercising on your trip, I recommend hiking up Namsan. It’s a relatively easy hike and you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city!
While there is an admission fee of 21,000 won to go all the way to the top of the tower, accessing the area around the tower with several shops and restaurants is totally free.
There is no one best hiking route to get to the top of Namsan Tower. Instead, there are multiple routes and starting points that will get you to the top of the mountain. The most popular spots to start your hike are right by Dongguk University Station on Subway Line 3 or near Seoul Station on Subway Lines 1 and 4.
The hike will take you about one hour and is approximately 2-3 kilometers long, depending on the route that you choose.
If you are looking for a serene urban hiking experience, I recommend planning your hike outside of the peak hours, so in the morning or evening time, as it does get crowded around N Seoul Tower, especially during the summer.
2. Visit The National Museum
If you are interested in Korean history, the National Museum in Seoul is a must-visit spot! And the best part: The admission to the museum is free!
The National Museum of Korea is showcasing over 310,000 artifacts of Korean history and art. It has relocated several times, with its current location in the Yongsan District since 2005. Across three floors you can find galleries dedicated to periods from Paleolithic to Joseon, along with Asian art, calligraphy, and Buddhist sculptures. One of the highlights of the museum is the Oegyujanggak Uigwe, a royal library collection recognized by UNESCO.
The museum opens daily from 10 am – 6 pm and from 10 am – 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, check out the National Museum’s official website here.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
Ever wondered what Seoul looked like a few decades ago? You can get a glimpse of it in Bukchon Hanok Village.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses or hanoks. Historically, it was home to high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon period. Its popularity as a tourist destination has surged over the years, and it has become one of the most popular photo spots in the city.
There are tons of cute cafes, shops, and photo spots to discover and explore all around the neighborhood! However, as you stroll through the narrow streets, remember this is a residential area. Please respect the privacy and peace of the locals!
Pro Tip!
Looking for a Hanok Village off the beaten path? Then Eunpyeong Hanok Village is for you! This lesser-known hanok village is just as scenic as Bukcheon, with Bukhansan serving as a stunning backdrop.
4. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon is definitely one of Seoul’s architectural highlights. This serene 10.4 km long stream in downtown Seoul is perfect for leisurely walks. Once covered with concrete and an elevated freeway, the stream was restored in 2005.
In the hotter months, you will see locals gathered around the stream dipping their feet in the water to cool down from the hot weather. During the winter, Cheonggyecheon Stream is part of the annual Seoul Lantern Festival, where the area is illuminated with colorful lanterns.
5. Banpo Bridge & Hangang
The Han River, or Hangang, is the river that is flowing through Seoul. It’s the fourth-longest river on the Korean peninsula and has historically been an important route for trade. Now, it has become a scenic spot in Seoul with pedestrian walkways, parks, and restaurants.
In the summer locals, especially young couples or friend groups, gather up around the river to hang out, have picnics or drink together. One of the most popular foods to enjoy by Han River is Ramyeon, which is available at the convenience stores around the river, and delivery food such as fried chicken and Tteokbokki (Yes, Korean restaurants deliver to Han River!). Around Yeouido Hangang Park you can also rent out bikes for small admission fees.
Banpo Brdige’s Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
One of the highlights of Han River at night is Banpo Bridge. The Banpo Bridge crosses the Han River, connecting the Seocho and Yongsan districts. It’s famous for its Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world’s longest bridge fountain. Installed in 2009, it boasts nearly 10,000 LED nozzles running along both sides, extending 1,140m and shooting out 190 tons of water per minute. The water is pumped directly from the river and continuously recycled.
Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain typically operates from April to October, four to six times a day for 20 minutes. However, the exact hours vary by day and season.
6. Visit Temples
Scattered all across Seoul, you will be able to find traditional Buddhist temples, each offering a unique spiritual experience amidst the city’s hustle. The admission to the temples in Seoul is usually free.
My personal favorite is Bongeunsa Temple, located in Gangnam. It was vital for Buddhism’s revival in the Joseon Dynasty and is known for its large Buddha statue and beautiful grounds hosting the annual Lotus Lantern Festival.
Additionally, another favorite is Jogyesa Temple. It stands as the main temple of Korean Buddhism’s Jogye order in downtown Seoul. It’s celebrated for its beautiful architecture, including the Daeungjeon Hall and ancient trees. Both temples offer a blend of tranquility, cultural richness, and are easily accessible, reflecting Seoul’s dedication to preserving spiritual heritage amidst modernity.
These are just two examples of temples that you can visit in Seoul but there are also many others to discover!
7. Watch Busking Performers
I remember back in 2018, when I just came to Seoul as an exchange student, one of my favorite free activities was watching busking performances. As I didn’t have the budget to visit actual K-Pop concerts this was my way to at least see some live performances in Korea.
If you also want to enjoy live entertainment in Seoul for free, I highly recommend visiting the popular busking spots in the city to watch some of the exciting street performances from local dancers and singers. Popular neighborhoods for busking are Hongdae and Sincheon. Each area offers different types of performances, from K-Pop dances to instrumental music and even magic shows. While there isn’t an official busking schedule, many performers share updates on social media. Just search the hashtag #버스킹 (Korean for “busking”) on Instagram or TikTok.
Sidenote: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, with performers often providing tipping boxes for audience contributions.
Seoul awaits!
Seoul is a city of endless exploration and the seven free activities I’ve shared are just the beginning of all that Seoul has to offer.
So, what do you say? Ready to dive into your Seoul adventure? Whether it’s catching the first rays of sunrise from atop Namsan or visiting ancient temples, each moment is waiting to become a part of your story.
If you enjoyed this blog article and happened to do any of these free activities in Seoul, circle back and drop a line in the comments! Share your own discoveries, the unexpected turns, and the best street food spot that wasn’t on the map. I’m excited to hear your stories!
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