Looking to do Seoul on a budget? From hanok villages to hillside walks, K-Pop activities to cool museums, there are many free things to do in Seoul.
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Featuring modern free excursions like the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza or night-time drone shows to more historic hangouts like the Deoksugung Palace changing of the guard ceremony, there are lots of free Seoul activities to suit all ages.
Taking in tranquil temples to the world’s most Instagrammable library (Starfield Library), here is our guide to the best free things to do in Seoul.
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Free things to do in Seoul
1. HiKr Ground
Also one of the best free K-pop activities in Seoul, HiKR Ground is found on the upper floor of the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center overlooking the Cheonggyecheon Stream near Euljiro and Myeongdong.
The space has various K-Pop exhibitions and video screens showing famous videos as well as a mini “K-Pop museum” on the second floor (nothing on the scale of the one in Gyeongju).
Better still, you can recreate your own K-pop video in themed sets like the coin laundry from ‘Permission to Dance’ from BTS (don’t worry, you don’t need any coins)!
The K-pop section at HiKr Ground is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm.
Read more in our guide to HiKR Ground >
This is also one of our recommended Seoul with kids activities.
2. Seoul Namsan Trail / Hike
A relatively easy and free hike, the Namsan Trail is a wonderful short (but steep) hike from downtown Seoul, which can end (or start) at Namsan Seoul Tower.
Namsan Trail opened in 2015 and consists of almost 8km of walkways, steps and viewpoints in the heart of Seoul. It connects the existing Forest Path and North Ringway trails to Seoul’s south.
Taking the Namsan Cable Car is costly (or the bus is cheaper), so this is the best (and most satisfying) way to reach one of Seoul’s best panoramic views for free – you can even leave your own love-lock at the top.
From photos to walking tips (and the best route to take), here is our guide to Seoul’s Namsan Trail >
3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Our favourite free Seoul thing to do in Dongdaemun especially during one of the free light shows (seasonal).
By daytime, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul is an aesthetically awesome design centre containing a design museum (certain exhibitions are free), the design lab and a conference center, plus a handful of shops, restaurants and cafes.
You can wander around it freely and from afar, it looks like a huge silver UFO has landed in the centre of Seoul!
The free DDP Seoul Light show (at certain times of the year) features illuminations and projections on the side of the curved and ultra sleek building.
4. Bongeunsa Temple
Located in Gangnam and easily one of the most beautiful temples in Seoul, Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple that originally dates from the 8th century – although most of the current site dates back from the 20th century as much of it was destroyed during the wars.
It has a huge complex of memorials, places to worship plus it even has its own home stay in a temple scheme.
Bongeunsa temple is free to visit (donations are appreciated) and we were blown away by how big this place of worship is.
One of the many highlights was the serene hillside location where a huge 100ft stone statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha looks out over Gangnam-su.
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5. Eunpyeong Hanok Village
One of Seoul’s best day trips and reachable by Seoul public transport using your T-Money card, Eunpyeong Hanok Village feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city – and yet it is only a short bus ride away.
Whilst most tourists visit Ikseon-dong hanok village or Bukchon Hanok Village, Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a much quieter but equally epic Seoul neighborhood that has cute cafes, museums, plus beautiful views of Bukhansan Mountain.
A relatively new hanok village established in 2014 to help promote Korean culture, several K-dramas have been filmed at Eunpyeong Hanok Village including ‘Somebody’ (Netflix), ‘The Third Marriage’ and ‘Moving’.
Read our guide to Eunpyeong Hanok Village including how to get there >
6. Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
The famous Seoul changing of the guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace is free! The ceremony takes place at Daehanmun Gate OUTSIDE Deoksugung Palace three times a day and lasts around 45 minutes.
We caught this once and it is great for free – please note it doesn’t take place on Mondays and can be cancelled in cold and inclement Seoul weather.
P.S. Not strictly a totally ‘free thing to do in Seoul’ but you can also enter all of the royal palaces for free if you are renting / wearing traditional hanbok costume. Try these Seoul hanbok rental companies on Klook >
7. Namsangol Hanok Village
Located in Euljiro and within walking distance of Myeongdong, a free to visit village of traditional houses in the shadow of Namsan Mountain and N.Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village is one of Seoul’s hidden gems and a superb way to get a sense of what life used to be like in Seoul, prior to the tower block boom.
Open daily (except Mondays), the Namsangol Hanok Village was officially opened in the late 1990s and has several restored hanok houses, a tranquil traditional garden, performance stages and an ornate pavilion.
There is also a ‘Time Capsule Plaza’ nearby where a treasure trove of items has been buried for future generations to discover (although to us, the latter feels quite jarring and ‘Brutalist’ when located so close to the historical and pretty Namsangol Hanok Village).
You might like – Our first timers guide to Seoul plus our South Korea packing list and travel essentials
8. Seoul Outdoor Library
The annual Seoul Outdoor Library is definitely a free Seoul activity you’ll want to ‘bookmark’ for your next South Korea trip!
Every year from April to October, the Seoul Outdoor Library pops up in several picturesque locations across the city.
Seoul is known for its Instagrammable libraries like Starfield Library at COEX near Gangnam and this is a welcome addition to Seoul’s roster of annual cultural events.
From locations to opening hours, here is our guide to Seoul Outdoor Library >
9. Seoul Forest Park
Seoul isn’t short on fantastic free outdoor spaces but Seoul Forest Park in Seongsu-dong is certainly one of the best.
The third largest park in the city, not only does it have 3,000 acres of green space and ponds to peruse but also several free to visit wildlife areas like a deer park and butterfly house.
Opened in 2005, there is much woodland and wildlife to enjoy – for us, the highlight of Seoul Forest Park was the deer corral where you could see dozens of deer. There is an insect house too plus a honey-bee garden and rose garden.
The most popular spots in Seoul Forest Park seem to be the lawns and seating areas around the main lake – many visitors had brought coffees and treats from the nearby cafes and dessert stores in Seongsu-dong Village.
Check out our things to do in Seongsu-dong guide>
10. Banpo Rainbow Bridge Fountain
This flipping huge fountain is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “…world’s longest bridge fountain”.
The Seoul Banpo Rainbow Bridge Fountain is a free Seoul attraction and has almost 400 water jets that light up and spout around five to six nights a week between April to October.
It is one of the most colourful and unique attractions in Seoul (although we thought it was a bit overrated to be honest).
11. Yeouido Hangang Park and Seoul Drone Shows
During the summer months, Seoul’s famous Hangang River parks are full of locals eating and drinking, having huge picnics and watching the sun set over the city.
So popular is this with all ages, there are even lots of stalls where you can rent picnic blankets, chairs and trolleys to carry it all – or just grab some fried chicken or noodles from the food stalls (whilst the sunset is free, you obviously need money for the food).
The Hangang River also is home to many free shows and celebrations including the themed Seoul drone shows, usually in September and October – free to watch, the best place to see free Seoul drone shows is Ttukseom park. Check out the official site here >
Check out this Hangang River cruise with Klook or go on a cruise for ‘free’ as part of the Discover Seoul Pass.
12. Cheonggyecheon River Walk
One of the best free walks in Seoul any time of day, the Cheonggyecheon is a downtown public park and river walk that is lit up and open 24 hours.
Cheonggyecheon is an example of urban regeneration whereby this formerly neglected and run down riverside area was transformed in the early 2000s into a wonderful walk along a river, complete with benches, stepping stone bridges and a long concrete walkway (also ideal for jogging).
During festivals and Christmas in Seoul, the Cheonggyecheon stream sometimes has special lights and pop-up events, plus the Seoul Outdoor Library pops up here in the summer months.
13. Jeongdong Observatory Cafe
Quite simply, Jeongdong Observatory Cafe is one of the best free things to do in Seoul.
Head on up to the upper floors of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building, just a short walk from the City Hall Metro stop.
Whilst the Jeongdong Observatory cafe inside is nothing special, the view looking out is spectacular – here you’ll see an incredible Seoul cityscape unfurl in front of you plus you’ll have a perfect panoramic view of the Royal Deoksugung Palace below.
Inside the Jeongdong Observatory, there is a popular cafe and tea-room (the prices are really cheap given the view) which is very popular with students and gets very busy at the weekend.
So for a brew with a view, this is an amazing free Seoul observatory and viewing deck. Just be aware that when you first arrive, the reception feels quite corporate as it is a City Hall office – just head to the first set of lifts you see when you first go in.
14. Jogyesa Temple (Insadong)
Dating back to the 14th century (although rebuilt in the early 1900s due to a fire), Jogyesa Temple in Insadong is one of Seoul’s most historic temples and the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
The Dharma Hall of Jogyesa Temple hosts several Buddhist events and celebrations throughout the year – for the Buddha’s birthday in May, the Jogyesa Temple holds a lantern festival.
The temple also gives out thousands of colourful lanterns to worshippers for free and well wishers to raise aloft during the grand lantern festival parade, which goes past the temple.
15. Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market and other traditional markets
No trip to Seoul is complete without walking around at least one traditional market like Gwangjang market, Mangwon market or Namdaemun market.
Korean street food here often costs very little but you can soak up the atmosphere for free and browse stalls, many of which either look colorful and / or smell amazing.
South Korea Hallyu tip – If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, try Jungang Market in Sindang.
A traditional Korean market by day and fine foodie place at night, Jungang Market is a marvelous mix of old and new Seoul.
By day, it is awash with elderly stall holders and farmers selling everything from ginseng to grilled squid – you’ll find lots of fresh foods including vegetables, fruit and even a dedicated area just selling fresh fish (just follow your nose).
But come here early in the evening and you are in for a very different vibe – daytime stall-holders are closing up their stalls and joining other vendors for Makgeolli or soju (best served with gossip).
16. Starfield Library
One of the most famous free things to do in Seoul, for the world’s most Instagrammable library, head to Seoul’s Starfield Library in Gangnam.
South Korea’s most famous library can actually be found in the middle of a big shopping mall, Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The library contains multi-level book shelves and is surrounded by little nooks and cool coffee shops – no wonder it is so popular on the ‘gram.
Starfield Library Seoul is free to visit and open daily from 10.30am to 10pm 7 days a week.
An easy day trip from Seoul, there is also a second / newer Starfield Library in Suwon too (and it is a lot quieter than Seoul’s library).
Read our guide to Starfield Library in Seoul and Suwon >
17. Bukchon Hanok Village
Very famous in Seoul as a free tourist attraction, Bukchon Hanok village is a hillside residential area with many preserved houses and amazing views of the city.
A popular place to explore wearing traditional Korean hanbok with many gift shops, tea rooms and museums, the best way to explore Bukchon Hanok Village is to wander around the awesome alleys and sublime side-streets.
However, please be mindful people live here so be respectful and keep noise to a minimum.
From hanbok hire to nearby cafes in hanoks, here is our ultimate guide to visiting Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul >
18. Street Performers on Hongdae Street and Festival Street
The heart and ‘Seoul’ (ahem) of Hongdae, this is the central area where many street performers, pop-up stalls and chicken and beer restaurants congregate.
The busiest area in Hongdae (and possibly what you’d call tourist central), there are sights and food to enjoy 24/7 here.
In the summer, both streets are home to pop-up markets and scores of street performers and singers. The K Pop stars of tomorrow all have to start somewhere and Hongdae is a breeding ground for up and coming street performers. They are free to watch (but donations are appreciated).
On all of our daytime visits to Hongdae (particularly at the weekends in summer), we saw dozens of street performers from girl groups to accordionists, street-rappers to beatboxers.
Check out our things to do in Hongdae guide >
19. Bank of Korea Money Museum
Ironically, you don’t need to spend any cash going to the Bank of Korea Money Museum, as it is one of the best free things to do in Myeongdong, open Tuesdays to Sundays (although a reservation is required for weekend visits).
Built in the early 1900s and a very grand building, The Money Museum at the Bank of Korea was classified as one South Korea’s National Historic Sites in 1981.
Learn about the history of the Korean currency and get hands on with money related exhibits. Free tours of the Bank of Korea Money Museum are available – 11am and 3pm daily for tours in Korean (English tours are held every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).
20. Seoul City Wall Walk / Fortress Wall
For one of the best views in Seoul, take a stroll along Seoul’s historic City Wall. One of the main access points and best gates – Heunginjimun Gate, is a short walk from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
With the first part of the wall built in the 1390s to deter invaders (to coincide with the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace), Seoul City Wall is just under 20 km in length (although not all of it is fully walkable).
It takes in many historical sites and views including Baegak, Naksan, Namsan and the Inwangsan Mountains. We’d also recommend combining a Seoul City Wall with a visit to nearby Ihwa Mural Village.
It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the ensuing centuries. The highlights at Seoul Fortress Wall are the eight gate towers, especially the East Main Gate – Heunginjimun Gate.
21. K Star Road (AKA GangnamDol bears)
One of the most famous K-Pop activities in Seoul is a visit to the brightly coloured K-pop bears of K Star Road in Gangnam (which are free to visit 24 hours a day).
These ‘GangnamDols’ (brightly coloured bear dolls) line a 1 km stretch of road with around 20 big bears representing the cream of K-pop talent and famous K-pop dolls.
As you’d expect, the ‘star’ of K Star Road is a huge Psy bear / GangnamDol (near Apgujeong Rodeo Station exit 2), but other bears include Girl’s Generation, Miss A and 4Minute – and yes, the BTS Gangnam-su bear is incredibly popular.
Nearby, you can see the surreal statue of ‘Gangnam Style’, a weird and wonderful Seoul attraction, located just outside the East Gate of COEX Mall and COEX exhibition centre.
22. Seokchon Lake by Lotte Tower
One of the most popular Seoul cherry blossom spots, Seokchon Lake is similar to the parks by the Hangang River in the sense it is popular for picnics with locals and young couples.
Offering magnificent views of Lotte Seoul Sky, this is a free lakeside walk with lots of cute cafes on hand should you wish to stop for a caffeine fix.
We also quite like Seokchon Lake as you get to see all the locals with their dogs in prams!
23. Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul, Gangnam
Even if you aren’t into your sports cars or classic cabriolets, the Hyundai Motorsport Museum in Gangnam is well worth a visit – old and new Hyundai cars are on display over several floors with free admission.
The staff here greeted us in perfect English and led us over to the Hyundai PONY car on the ground floor, explaining how it was this car that took Hyundai onto the world-stage and became so popular in Korea in the 1970s and 1980s.
You are free to wander between floors admiring the cars – it is also their flagship Hyundai showroom in Seoul so you can view the latest models (and potentially buy one if you are feeling flush!)
24. Ihwa Mural Village
A hillside artist’s retreat and residential village renowned for its street illustrations, Ihwa Mural Village is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul’s city streets below.
The area was due for demolition around 20 years ago as it had been established without the necessary city planning.
However, murals and other artistic flourishes encouraged by the MInistry of Culture turned the Ihwa Mural Village into a rather curious visitor attraction.
Art is always in the eye of the beholder BUT if we are being honest, there isn’t that much surviving street art left in Ihwa Mural Village with most of the street art being pretty run down and decrepit (based on our visit in summer 2023).
Our final free thing to do in Seoul
25. HBAF free samples
We’re ‘nuts’ about Korean HBAF flavored almonds! Possibly South Korea’s most scrummy souvenir snack, HBAF almonds 바프 are a popular tourist treat that come in dozens of different flavours.
There are so many delicious flavours that we’d recommend you ‘try before you buy’ – and by that, we mean several of the larger HBAF stores in Myeongdong have small trays of samples so you can taste a few and then decide which to buy.
From the original honey butter almond flavour to more interesting flavours like injeolmi and wasabi, we’ve visited numerous HBAF stores in Seoul to give you the lowdown on all the HBAF flavors – read our HBAF guide here >
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