Costs nothing · Seoul, South Korea

15 Free Things to Do in Seoul

The best budget in travel is zero. These Seoul spots have verified free entry.

Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.

  1. Myeongdong Shopping Street

    Landmark

    Myeongdong Shopping Street is a premier shopping destination in Seoul, South Korea, famous for its dense concentration of fashion boutiques, cosmetic stores, and street food stalls.

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  2. Insa-dong Culture Street

    Landmark

    Insa-dong Culture Street is a must-visit destination in Seoul, offering a glimpse into Korea's rich cultural heritage.

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  3. Gyeongbokgung

    Historic site

    Gyeongbokgung is a former royal palace in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1395 as the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

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  4. Namsangol Hanok Village

    Landmark

    Namsangol Hanok Village is a cultural oasis nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul.

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  5. Namsan Seoul Tower

    Landmark

    Namsan Seoul Tower is a 236-meter-tall communication and observation tower on the summit of Namsan in central Seoul.

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  6. Ihwa-dong Mural Village

    Landmark

    Ihwa-dong Mural Village is a charming residential area on the slopes of Naksan Mountain, where local artists and residents collaborated to revitalize the aging neighborhood with vibrant murals, sculptures, and whimsical staircases.

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  7. Cheonggyecheon

    Park & nature

    Cheonggyecheon is a 10.9-kilometre-long stream and public space in downtown Seoul. It was restored in 2005 after being covered by an elevated freeway for decades.

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  8. Namdaemun

    Historic site

    Namdaemun, also known as Sungnyemun, is the historic southern gate of Seoul's original city wall, built in the late 14th century during the Joseon dynasty.

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  9. Bongeunsa Temple

    Religious site

    Bongeunsa Temple is a tranquil oasis amidst the skyscrapers of Gangnam, Seoul's bustling business district. Founded in 794 during the Silla Dynasty, it has been rebuilt and expanded over centuries.

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  10. Gyeonghuigung Palace

    Landmark

    Gyeonghuigung Palace, one of Seoul's five grand palaces, served as a secondary palace for the Joseon dynasty.

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  11. National Folk Museum of Korea

    Museum

    Located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, the National Folk Museum of Korea is a comprehensive exploration of Korean folk culture.

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  12. Love Lock of Seoul Tower

    Landmark

    Perched on Namsan Mountain, the Love Lock of Seoul Tower is a beloved spot where visitors attach padlocks to railings and fences, often leaving them as tokens of affection or friendship.

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  13. The Blue House

    Landmark

    The Blue House, or Cheong Wa Dae, is a significant landmark in Seoul, serving as the executive office and official residence of South Korea's presidents from 1948 until 2022.

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  14. COEX Center

    Sight

    COEX Center stands as one of South Korea's premier convention and exhibition venues, located in the bustling Samseong-dong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

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  15. Namsan Palgakjeong (Octagonal Pavilion)

    Landmark

    Namsan Palgakjeong, also known as the Octagonal Pavilion, is a beloved landmark perched on the summit of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.

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How we pick these

Every place here is genuinely free to enter. We filter the 48 Seoul places we track down to those with no admission charge, then rank them by traveler reviews. Updated monthly.

Good to know

Always vs sometimes free

A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.

Budget the extras

Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Seoul still add up.

Go early

Free attractions draw crowds; mornings are usually the calmest.

Common questions

What can you do for free in Seoul?+

This list ranks the best no-cost things to do in Seoul, from parks and viewpoints to museums with free entry.

Are there free museums in Seoul?+

Some museums are free all the time and others on specific days. The verified-free ones are included above.

Is Seoul expensive to visit?+

You can see a lot of Seoul on a tight budget by leaning on the free attractions here and eating where locals do.

Worth paying for? Best things to do in Seoul · hidden gems · build a budget itinerary

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