I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Seoul, on a budget and on foot. One of the best things about this city is how much there is to do for free.
Whether you’re navigating the historic Bukchon Hanok Village or stumbling across lantern-lit temples at night, Seoul’s got countless gems that don’t cost a single won.
In this guide, I’ve included my personal picks along with well-known favorites to help you plan the perfect budget-friendly trip.
Some I’ve visited multiple times, while others are still on my list. Either way, I’ve researched them carefully so you can make the most of your time in Seoul, without overspending.
I always recommend using Naver to map out your itinerary, as it helps you get a clear sense of travel times and the surrounding areas. Enjoy your adventures in this dynamic city!
Free Things To Do in Seoul I’ve Personally Done
1. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
One of the most iconic free things to do in Seoul is wandering through Bukchon Hanok Village, nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces.
This scenic neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean houses called hanoks, giving you a glimpse into life during the Joseon Dynasty.
As you explore the narrow lanes, take time to admire the wooden beams, curved rooftops, and decorative doors.
It feels like stepping into a living museum. Best thing is, it’s completely free.
Pro Tip: This is a residential area, so please keep your voice down and avoid peeking into windows. Signs are posted reminding visitors to respect the space.
Check the official website for more information
📍 Directions: From Anguk Station (Line 3), take Exit 2 and walk straight for about 300 meters. Or from Exit 3, take a quick left and walk about 200 meters.
2. Walk Along Insadong Street (인사동)
Insadong is a must-visit cultural neighborhood for art lovers and souvenir hunters alike. It’s a vibrant street packed with tea houses, galleries, handmade crafts, and local snacks.
Make sure to visit Ssamzigil, an open-air four-story mall with a spiral walkway lined with indie shops and artists.
I always find unique handmade gifts here, and it’s just plain fun to explore.
Don’t miss the side alleys! They’re full of quirky shops, hidden murals, and tiny galleries.
Check the Ssamzigil website for more information
📍 Directions: From Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 6), walk straight 100m and turn left into Insadong-gil.
3. Visit Jogyesa Temple
If you’re looking for a peaceful break in central Seoul, head to Jogyesa Temple.
Located near Insadong, it’s a vibrant Buddhist temple known for colorful lanterns, a towering Bodhi tree, and its spiritual calm.
People frequently visit Insadong Street and the Jogyesa Temple together.
As a returning visitor, I’ve found this to be one of the most accessible and photogenic temples in Seoul. Great for solo travelers or anyone seeking a quiet moment.
I love visiting in spring when the Lotus Lantern Festival lights up the temple grounds. it’s magical and, yes, free.
📍 Directions: From Anguk Station (Exit 6), walk straight toward the main intersection, then veer left. At the next light, cross to reach the temple gate.
Open 24 hours, free
Check the website for more information
4. Stroll Along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
One of the best free outdoor activities in Seoul, Cheonggyecheon is an 11-kilometer stream running through the city center.
Lined with greenery, art installations, and stepping stones, it offers a tranquil walking path for couples, families, and photographers.
I especially enjoy walking it at night, soft lighting reflects off the water, creating a dreamy vibe that feels far from the urban chaos above.
This is also a great route to pair with visits to Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or Euljiro.
📍 Directions: From City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2, Exit 4): Walk about 6 mins.
OR From Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 5): Walk 2 mins to Cheonggye Plaza and follow the stream.
5. Hanji House (Hanjigaheon) or Traditional Korean Paper Heon, formerly Hanji Culture and Industry Center.
Hidden in Insadong, this spot lets you experience Korea’s traditional paper, hanji, in a hands-on and educational way.
The center features more than 200 types of hanji, with color swatches, exhibits, and a giant “Hanji Table” showcasing its various uses.
There’s a basement workshop for craft projects like bookmarks or mobiles.
I walked in without a reservation and made a “kimchi mobile” in about 90 minutes. It was a fun, peaceful activity during a hectic day of sightseeing
If you’re into cultural experiences beyond palaces and food markets, this is a gem.
🛑 Type “한지가헌” (Hanjigaheon) in Naver or Papago to locate it more easily.
Directions: from Anguk station exit 2, go straight to the intersection and cross the street. Go right and cross the street take your 1st left.
6. Base of Namsan Seoul Tower
While there’s a fee to go up the observation deck, simply walking around the base of Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the best free views in Seoul.
It’s worth it for the sweeping skyline views, especially around sunset.
If you’re not up for the hike, the Namsan Circular Shuttle Bus is a budget-friendly way to get there.
You’ll also find the famous Locks of Love near the tower, padlocks left by couples as a symbol of love.
I recommend visiting in the late afternoon and staying to watch the tower light up after dark. It’s a popular spot but still feels peaceful at the top.
📍 Directions: Take the Namsan Circular Bus 01A or 01B from Myeongdong Station or Seoul Station.
Fare: ₩1,400 (cashless, T-money card only)
7. Explore the Seoul City Wall
If you’re into history and panoramic views, don’t miss the Seoul City Wall.
This ancient wall once protected the city, and parts of it still remain, winding through neighborhoods and up mountains.
I visited the section near Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) Gate, one of the main gates from the Joseon era.
A short walk from there leads to Seonggwak Park, where you can see restored wall segments and enjoy views of Dongdaemun and the city below.
🧭 Bonus: The Seoul City Wall Museum nearby is free and offers context for what you’re seeing.
📍 Directions: From Dongdaemun Station Exit 9, walk to the gate. For the museum and park, cross the street twice, turn left, and walk about 2 minutes.
8. Dongdaemun Design Plaza aka DDP
Even if you’re not an architecture buff, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a stunner. Designed by Zaha Hadid, its flowing, futuristic structure is reason enough to visit.
Wandering the public spaces, lighted stairs, and outdoor art installations is completely free, and very Instagram-worthy.
Bonus points if you come by at dusk when the building glows under city lights.
Sometimes you’ll catch free exhibitions or pop-up markets in the plaza.
And even if you don’t, the space itself is a treat to explore.
Website for more info HERE
📍 Directions: From Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, use Exit 1 or 2 depending on whether you want the plaza level or museum level.
9. Wander Hongdae
Want to soak in Seoul’s youthful, artsy energy? Hongdae is the place.
From buskers to street art to indie shops, the entire neighborhood is alive, especially at night.
Some of the best free entertainment in Seoul happens here, spontaneous dance crews, live acoustic sets, and the famous Free Market in Hongdae Park (on Saturdays from March to November).
Don’t skip Mural Street (aka Graffiti Alley) near Wausan-ro, or just wander and let the alleyways surprise you.
📍 Directions: From Hongik Univ Station (Exit 9), walk straight and follow the crowd.
For Mural Street and the Free Market, try Sangsu Station Exit 1 or 2.
10. National Museum of Korea
This was one of the biggest surprises for me. It’s enormous, beautiful, and free.
The permanent exhibitions walk you through thousands of years of Korean history, from ancient artifacts to modern cultural pieces.
What really blew me away was the immersive digital gallery. It was so peaceful and mesmerizing, I stayed longer than planned.
The outdoor grounds are also worth a wander, with a pond, pagoda, and lots of photo spots.
The museum’s calm outdoor spaces, including a reflecting pond and a traditional pagoda garden, provide serene spots to relax after perusing the indoor displays.
🎟️ Special exhibits do cost extra, but you can still easily spend half a day here without paying a cent.
📍 Directions: From Ichon Station Exit 2, walk 150m toward Yongsan Family Park.
11. Discover the COEX Starfield Library
Located in Gangnam’s sprawling COEX Mall, the Starfield Library is one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul. Plus it’s totally free to enter.
Towering bookshelves stretch nearly 43 feet high, filled with books and magazines in multiple languages.
I stopped by between shopping and was blown away by the architecture and ambiance. It’s a peaceful spot to take a break, people-watch, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
📍 Directions: Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 5 or 6) – Walk into COEX Mall and follow signs to the library.
12. Check Out Bongeunsa Temple
Right across from COEX is Bongeunsa Temple, a tranquil spot nestled in the heart of Gangnam.
Despite its location, it’s incredibly peaceful, and I love wandering its paths when I need a break from the chaos of the city.
The temple features hundreds of Buddha statues, traditional buildings, and a towering 23-meter Buddha of the Future.
Behind it, a short wooded trail offers a bit of nature and quiet reflection.
Free to visit, Open all year round from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
📍 Directions: Bongeunsa Station Exit 1, turn right and walk a few minutes.
Alternative: Samseong Station Exit 5 or 6 through COEX.
13. K-Star Road
If you’re a K-pop fan, don’t miss K-Star Road in Apgujeong.
It’s lined with oversized Gangnamdol statues representing popular idol groups like BTS, EXO, and SHINee.
It’s fun, colorful, and totally free to explore. The nearby Gangnam Tourist Center sometimes has maps and mini merch.
Plus, it’s a great way to mix fandom with sightseeing.
📍 Directions: Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 2 – The first statue is right outside.
14. Understand Avenue (Seongsu)
Understand Avenue is an artsy container complex near Seoul Forest.
It’s made of shipping containers turned into art galleries, cafés, and shops. I found this area by accident while attending an artist’s exhibition.
It’s free to wander and there’s often street art, exhibits, or live performances.
It’s also close to Seongsu-dong, a rising creative district.
📍 Directions: Seoul Forest Station Exit 3
15. Jamwon Hangang Grass Garden
This riverside park is one of my favorite hangout spots.
The Jamwon Hangang Grass Garden features vast lawns and ornamental grasses that change color with the seasons, especially stunning in autumn.
It’s a great place for a picnic, walk, or just people-watching along the Han River.
It’s also close to trendy neighborhoods like Sinsa and Apgujeong, so you can explore both without going far.
📍 Directions:Jamwon Station, Exit 4. Proceed straight and make a left turn onto Jamwon-ro 8-gil, the first street. Turn right at the end of the road and continue to the next traffic light. Cross the street and proceed down the street toward the underpass to arrive at the Grass Garden on your left. It’s about a 10-12 minute stroll.
Other Free Things to Do in Seoul
These are popular and well-reviewed spots I haven’t made it to yet, but they’re all free, easy to reach, and on my radar for future trips.
I’ve included directions and brief descriptions to help you explore confidently.
16. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Deoksugung Palace
This vibrant, 30-minute ceremony is one of Seoul’s best free cultural experiences.
You’ll see guards in traditional Joseon Dynasty uniforms marching in rhythm, with drums and horns echoing in front of the palace gates.
📍 Directions: City Hall Station Exit 1 – Deoksugung is about 72 meters from the exit.
🕒 Showtimes: 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM, every day except Mondays, weather dependent, not in the rain, extreme heat, or cold.
17. Stroll Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
After the guard ceremony, take a peaceful walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path, which curves around the palace. It’s especially beautiful in autumn and a great photo spot.
📍Directions: City Hall station and come out of Exit 2. Walk straight and in about 2 minutes. The walkway is on your right, starting from the Deoksugung Palace Daehanmun Gate entrance.
18. See the !Wow! Murals in Seongsu
Seongsu is Seoul’s answer to Brooklyn, and the Pow!Wow! street murals prove it. These vibrant pieces are scattered throughout the neighborhood and make a fun self-guided art walk.
📍 Directions: Seongsu Station Exit 3 – Wander the streets from there.
19. Visit Oil Tank Culture Park
A fascinating repurposed space, Oil Tank Culture Park was once an industrial oil depot and is now a public park and event space.
It’s quirky, eco-conscious, and full of free exhibitions and community events.
📍 Directions: World Cup Stadium Station Exit 2 – Walk around the stadium for about 10 minutes.
20. Explore Common Ground
This shopping and cultural space built from shipping containers is a cool place to browse pop-ups, cafés, and streetwear shops.
Even if you’re just window shopping, the vibes (and photo ops) are on point.
📍 Directions: Konkuk University Station Exit 6 – Walk about 200 meters.
21. Walk Seoullo 7017 Sky Garden
A former overpass turned elevated park, Seoullo 7017 winds through central Seoul above the traffic.
With seasonal flowers, sculptures, and cafés, it’s a fun way to get a different view of the city.
📍 Directions: Seoul Station Exit 2 – Cross the street and look for signs.
Alternative: Hoehyeon Station Exit 5
22. Wander Namdaemun market
Namdaemun is Korea’s largest traditional market and a must-see for budget travelers.
While the food and goods cost money, it’s completely free to browse the stalls, snap photos, and soak up the energy.
📍 Directions: Hoehyeon Station Exit 5 – 2-minute walk.
Also accessible from Myeongdong or Seoul Station.
23. Blue House Sarangchae – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
This small museum near Gyeongbokgung Palace is now permanently closed and returning to its formal function as residence and office for the president.
24. The War Memorial of Korea
This massive museum details Korea’s military history with indoor and outdoor exhibitions, including tanks, planes, and immersive displays.
📍 Directions: Samgakji Station Exit 11 or 12
25. Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain
This stunning nighttime fountain show sends illuminated streams of water dancing off the bridge to music.
It’s a top Han River evening activity, totally free and easy to enjoy with snacks by the water.
Show times: April-June, September-October: 12:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, approximately 20-minute long show
July-August: 12:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, approximately 20-minute long show
📍 Directions: Express Bus Terminal Station Exit 8-1 or 8-2, then walk 10–15 mins.
Alternative: Dongjak Station Exit 1, walk toward Banpo Hangang Park.
FAQ
Yes, South Korea can be very budget-friendly, depending on your travel style. Street food, public transportation, and even some accommodations are surprisingly affordable. The key is to plan ahead and take advantage of free activities like the ones in this post.
Yes! Many areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Insadong, and Gangnam are very pedestrian-friendly. However, Seoul is big, so use the subway to get between neighborhoods.
Use an eSIM or pick up a prepaid SIM card at the airport. If you’re traveling with a U.S.-based carrier, check their international data rates. Most travelers prefer an eSIM for convenience.
No, but learning basic words like annyeonghaseyo (hello) and kamsahamnida (thank you) goes a long way. Major transit stations and tourist spots often have signs in English. For more help, check out my Korean phrases for tourists guide.
The Wrap-Up: Free Things To Do in Seoul
Whether you’re trying to travel on a shoestring or just want to experience more of Seoul’s vibrant culture without overspending, this list proves you don’t need to break the bank to make unforgettable memories.
From peaceful temples and scenic river walks to modern art installations and night markets, Seoul is bursting with free adventures.
I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s rich in experience without draining your wallet.
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Planning Your Trip to Seoul? Start Here:
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Happy exploring!