Costs nothing · Seoul, South Korea
15 Free Things to Do in Seoul
Seoul without spending: 15 places with confirmed free entry, ranked by the travelers who went.
Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.
Myeongdong Shopping Street
LandmarkMyeongdong 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.
Read our full guide →Insa-dong Culture Street
LandmarkInsa-dong Culture Street is a must-visit destination in Seoul, offering a glimpse into Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Read our full guide →Gyeongbokgung
Historic siteGyeongbokgung is a former royal palace in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1395 as the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
Read our full guide →Namsangol Hanok Village
LandmarkNamsangol Hanok Village is a cultural oasis nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul.
Read our full guide →Namsan Seoul Tower
LandmarkNamsan Seoul Tower is a 236-meter-tall communication and observation tower on the summit of Namsan in central Seoul.
Read our full guide →Ihwa-dong Mural Village
LandmarkIhwa-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.
Read our full guide →Cheonggyecheon
Park & natureCheonggyecheon 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.
Read our full guide →Namdaemun
Historic siteNamdaemun, 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.
Read our full guide →Bongeunsa Temple
Religious siteBongeunsa 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.
Read our full guide →Gyeonghuigung Palace
LandmarkGyeonghuigung Palace, one of Seoul's five grand palaces, served as a secondary palace for the Joseon dynasty.
Read our full guide →National Folk Museum of Korea
MuseumLocated within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, the National Folk Museum of Korea is a comprehensive exploration of Korean folk culture.
Read our full guide →Love Lock of Seoul Tower
LandmarkPerched 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.
Read our full guide →The Blue House
LandmarkThe 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.
Read our full guide →COEX Center
SightCOEX Center stands as one of South Korea's premier convention and exhibition venues, located in the bustling Samseong-dong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Read our full guide →Namsan Palgakjeong (Octagonal Pavilion)
LandmarkNamsan Palgakjeong, also known as the Octagonal Pavilion, is a beloved landmark perched on the summit of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.
Read our full guide →
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
A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.
Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Seoul still add up.
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.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.