20 Free Things To Do & Hidden Gems In Seoul

Traveling in Korea is actually cheaper than you might think at first glance. Thanks to its many free activities, whether you want to learn more about a country’s culture, enjoy the fresh air or relax in the shade of trees, Seoul has it all. So keep scrolling to find out how to visit and love the capital without spending a penny!

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1. Embrace history by walking along Seoul City Wall (서울 한양도성)

The Seoul Wall or Hanyangdoseong, built over 600 years ago, was, as you’ve already guessed, a means of protecting the capital from possible invaders, but it also ruled the daily life of the population during the Joseon era.

Today, the fortress represents the city and its history, deeply engraved in its walls. This landmark, appreciated by locals and foreigners alike, is a great place for strolling around Seoul, offering charming and breathtaking views of the city. Built along Seoul’s four main mountains (Baegak, Naksan, Namsan and Inwangsan), many trails are now available.

You can check out some of these trails in my other post here and directly on the official website too.

2. Go back in time in the Hanok Villages (한옥마을)

Addresses:
– Bukchon Hanok Village: Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu
– Namsangol Hanok Village: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu
– Ikseon-dong Hanok Village: Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu

Want to feel like you’re stepping back in time, surrounded by many well-preserved traditional houses? Then you should put a visit to these small hanok villages on your list.
Explore the famous hanok village of Bukchon or head to the smaller but equally beautiful district of Ikseon-dong and enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage in one of the quaint cafés while taking in the peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.

3. Learn more about a famous poet at the Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum (윤동주문학관)

Address: 119 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu
Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 every day (closed on Mondays)

If you love literature and want to know more about one of Korea’s most famous poets, this is the place to go! Yun Dong-ju wasn’t afraid to fight oppression with his words, especially during the Japanese occupation. An excellent cultural activity far from the hustle and bustle of the capital!

4. Chill at Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원)

Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Grab a bite to eat, read on the grass, go jogging or simply get your daily dose of vitamin D in Yeouido Hangang Park. Popular with locals, it’s never really empty, perhaps because there’s never a dull moment: festivals, busking and other activities await you!

5. Attend a festival

Seoul and Korea in general have no shortage of fun activities, and festivals are one of them! And you know the best part? They’re usually FREE!

Cherry blossoms, fireworks, music… you’re sure to enjoy your stay in Korea. Plus, it’s a great way to mingle with the local population and immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll see, Koreans love to get together and have fun!

6. Hike the beautiful Cheonggyesan (청계산)

As this is Korea’s “national sport” (or is at least deeply rooted in their national identity), I obviously can’t talk about free things to do without mentioning hiking. So let’s start with the beautiful, quiet and rather unknown to tourists Cheonggyesan Mountain, which won’t leave you indifferent, believe me. What’s more, the trail is easy and if you’re there in spring, you’ll be greeted by beautiful pink Azalea flowers.

7. Take a break at the Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관)

Located at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, this picturesque library has been designed in the hanok style. Surrounded by nature and the peaceful mountain scenery, relax and forget time as you read the pages of your chosen book.

8. Take in the panorama at Inwangsan (인왕산)

The library lies at the foot of the mountain, but it would be a shame not to hike to the top, as you’ll be greeted by an incredible panorama. Oh, and just so you know, this is one of the hikes you can do while walking along Seoul’s famous walls. History and exercise at the same time, that’s what makes Inwangsan one of my all-time favorites!

9. Visit the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP (동대문디자인플라자)

Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 10.00-20.00 every day

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or not, DDP is a must-visit in Seoul. With numerous exhibitions and events ranging from conferences to fashion shows throughout the year, the place that stands for “Dream, Design and Play” will inspire you to fire up your creative side.

Here’s the link to the official website if you’d like to check out the calendar of upcoming events!

Pro tip: come in the evenings and during the festive season for the beautiful lighting effects!

10. Unwind in Haneul Park (하늘공원)

Address: 482 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu

One of my most underrated places in Seoul (see my post on it here), this place, formerly a waste landfill, has become a magnificent park offering stunning views over the city and a relaxing atmosphere. Climb the 291 steps if you dare and enjoy this little haven of peace in the middle of the city!

And if you’re visiting Seoul in Autumn, you’re in for a treat, as the park is a famous place to see the beautiful silver grass during the festival of the same name.

11. Escape the crowds in Seocheon Village (서촌마을)

Address: 28-1 Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu

Hanok houses mingling with modern boutiques make Seocheon Village a must-see on your Seoul itinerary. The narrow lanes, pretty murals and warm atmosphere are enough to make you want to visit this authentic village.

Not to mention that it’s much less crowded than Bukchon Hanok Village, giving you some well-deserved peace and quiet.

12. Catch the sunset at the N Seoul Tower (엔 서울타워)

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu

Seoul has no shortage of pleasant places to watch the sunset, but the N Seoul Tower and its breathtaking panorama are one of a kind, aren’t they?!?

This communications and observation tower may seem very unromantic at first glance, but I assure you it’s quite the opposite. It’s also become Seoul’s most famous landmark, so let yourself be carried away by the charm and lovely views.

Pro tip: you don’t need to take the cable car to get the full experience, just take the footpath to make the most of the scenery!

13. Watch the hustle and bustle of Seoul from above at Seoullo 7017 (서울로 7017)

Address: 416 Hangang-daero, Namdaemunno 5(o)-ga, Jung-gu

This pedestrian walkway is like a stroll in the park, except that you’re actually on an overpass. The name Seoullo 7017 comes from both its construction and its makeover as the place was originally an inner-city highway that was slowly transformed into what it is today for safety reasons.

The sky garden is the ideal place to relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the city below.

14. Explore Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)

Address: 262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu

Bukhansan is, without a doubt, a must-see in Seoul, or should I say must-do?!? The thrilling experience of the hike will stay with you, believe me!
And, although challenging, the adventure itself and the scenery when you reach the top are certainly worth the effort!

15. Take a break at Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)

Address: Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu

This citizens’ park is the place to go when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the capital. Here, the only sounds you’ll hear are the shouts from the Lotte World Adventure theme park and people chatting and strolling alongside you.

Admire the magical reflections of the landscape in the water and explore both shores of the lake at your own pace!

Pro tip: Seokchon Lake is sumptuous in the spring, when it takes on magnificent pink hues, surrounded by over 1,000 cherry trees.

16. Feel inspired at SeMA – Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관)

Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu
Opening hours: 10.00-20.00 on weekdays, 10.00-19.00 on weekends, closed on Mondays

Located right next to Deoksugung Palace, this free museum is the perfect place to feed your creative side, calm your mind and learn more about local artists. The contrast between the Renaissance-style exterior and the modern interior isn’t what you’d expect at first, but that’s what makes it unique.

Plus, you don’t need to be bilingual in Korean, as everything is well explained in English too (which is rather rare in the country).

17. Become one with nature in Gwanaksan (관악산)

A temple on a cliff, a rocky trail – that’s how I’d describe this hike. Don’t worry, as there are several routes and you can absolutely choose the beginner-friendly trail to enjoy a moment of relaxation and peace in the forest before being rewarded with spectacular mountain views.

Plan your route in advance, take plenty of water, some snacks and become one with nature in Gwanaksan.

18. Keep in shape at Olympic Park (올림픽공원)

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu

Built for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, this park is also a symbol of World Peace, with the gate of the same name that you can see in the photo above.

With its museum, sculptures and fitness rooms (it wouldn’t be a Korean park if it didn’t have them), this huge place is ideal for keeping fit while trying not to get lost, though. You can also relax and admire the many fields of flowers scattered around the park.

My kind of perfect afternoon, if you ask me – provided it doesn’t rain, of course!

19. See the colorful show at Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)

Address: 649-1, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu

For a free show in Seoul, head to the Banpo Bridge, listed in the Guinness World Records Book as the longest bridge fountain, and be amazed by its spectacle of water, lights and music. Operating 4 to 6 times a day, it’s best to come in the evening (around 8 p.m.) for a richer, more colorful experience.

Don’t forget that the show only runs from April to October!

20. Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul for a while without straying too far from the main attractions, this is your address.

Finding yourself at Cheonggyecheon Stream is like walking along a little haven of peace, surrounded by lush, beautiful nature.

Pro tip: come here in the evening to enjoy the lights and the different atmosphere. Cheonggyecheon Stream is also the place to be during the vacations and end-of-year events!

In a nutshell

With millions of visitors every year, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Seoul offers a wealth of fun, unique and exciting activities. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to have a good time in the capital, as it’s actually pretty cheap once you’ve done a bit of research!

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