Explore · June 2026

25 Free Things to Do in Seoul

Seoul is expensive — but fun doesn't have to be. Here are 25 genuinely great free activities.

Palaces & History

  1. Gyeongbokgung Palace — Free entry if wearing hanbok (rent from ₩10,000 nearby)
  2. Changdeokgung Secret Garden — Free on culture day (last Wednesday/month)
  3. Deoksugung — Free changing of the guard ceremony, daily 11AM & 2PM
  4. Seoul City Wall (한양도성) — Walk the 600-year-old fortress wall, views are incredible
  5. War Memorial of Korea — Completely free, massive museum

Nature & Parks

  1. Han River Parks — 12 parks along the river. Bike, picnic, or just sit
  2. Namsan Tower Hike — Skip the cable car, hike up for free (30min)
  3. Bukhansan National Park — World-class hiking inside the city, free entry
  4. Seonyudo Park — Old water treatment plant turned into eco-park
  5. Seoul Forest — Like Central Park but less crowded. Deer feeding area

Culture & Art

  1. National Museum of Korea — Free permanent exhibition (one of Asia's largest)
  2. MMCA Seoul (국립현대미술관) — Free on certain days, always free for under-24
  3. Bukchon Hanok Village — Walk through traditional houses, free
  4. Ihwa Mural Village — Instagram-worthy street art everywhere
  5. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) — Free exhibitions, 24hr rooftop park

Markets & Streets

  1. Gwangjang Market — Free to walk around (food costs money though)
  2. Hongdae Free Market — Saturday afternoon, artists sell handmade goods
  3. Insadong — Traditional art street, free galleries everywhere
  4. Myeongdong Cathedral — Beautiful architecture, peaceful inside
  5. Cheonggyecheon Stream — 11km stream walk through the city center

Hidden Gems

  1. Seoullo 7017 — Elevated garden walkway (old highway turned park)
  2. Naksan Park — Best city wall + skyline sunset view
  3. Ttukseom Hangang Pool — Free outdoor pool in summer (July-August)
  4. Yeouido Cherry Blossoms — Free festival every April
  5. Noryangjin Fish Market rooftop — Watch the auction at 1AM for free