Things to do in Seoul for free

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It’s no secret that Singaporeans are obsessed with Korea; whether it’s Korean makeup, fashion, skincare, aesthetic treatments, food, or pop culture – you name it, we love it. We don’t all have unlimited budgets, though, so to help you balance your holiday finances, we’ve gotchu covered with free things to do in Seoul so you can have a good time and not have to bust out your emergency monies.

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1. Visit Starfield Library & its towering shelves of books

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Image credit: @jo_traveladventure via Instagram

If you’ve been on #KoreaTok long enough, you would have seen this towering bookcase not once, not twice, but multiple times on your FYP before. And it’s not hard to understand why. This IG-worthy photo spot is the Starfield Library at COEX Mall where over 70,000 books have been lined up neatly on their ceiling-to-floor shelves.

Image credit: @nathasyahumayra via Instagram

This is an actual public library for locals, so expect most books to be in Korean. That doesn’t mean English speakers can’t pick up new knowledge here. There is a small section of English titles and magazines, as well as e-books available on iPads.

Even if you’re not here to read, the library does host occasional performances and workshops, so you can check their website before planning a trip down. Otherwise, take time to recharge – both your social and smartphone batteries – by snagging a spot at the many tables and chairs that come with power outlets that are free to use.

P.S.: Consider making a day trip to the 2nd Starfield Library in Suwon, which opened in 2024 – it’s even bigger than this one.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, B1 COEX Mall, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +82 2 6002-3031 | Starfield Library website

Getting there: Approx. 3-min walk from Bongeunsa Station

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2. Have a picnic by Yeouido Hangang Park

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Image credit: @ggul_dream via Instagram

Tune into any K-drama set in Seoul and we bet there’s at least one scene at the Han River, which then cuts through most of the city.

There are a number of parks you can visit along the river, but the one that pops up most often is Yeouido Hangang Park. This particular stretch has been featured in at least 30 Korean dramas such as Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol and The Secret Life of My Secretary.

Image adapted from: Korea By Me

The park has lush greenery most of the year, but if you drop by in late March to mid-April, there’s a high chance the park will be filled with pastel pink cherry blossoms. And that’s not the only IG-worthy photospot around; walk around and you’ll also see lighted tunnels to pose under.

Image credit: @ferry.kanok via Instagram

If you ask locals the best way to enjoy the river view, a picnic will rank high up on the list. But there’s no need to pack a basket before you go. There are plenty of convenience stores like E-Mart 24 or 7-Eleven around where you can get instant noodles and even soju or makgeoli.

Image credit: Eland Cruise

The other best way to view the Han River is via Eland Cruise. The ferry starts from the terminal at Yeouido Hangang Park and brings you on a 40-minute voyage along the river. Tickets start from KRW15,000 (~S$12.99) for a day tour.

Getting there: Approx. 3-min walk from Yeouinaru Station

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3. Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea for historical artefacts

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If all you know about Korean history is from watching historical dramas such as The Last Empress, then school yourself in facts, not fiction, at the National Palace Museum of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

Royal throne of King Taejo, the founder of Joseon Dynasty.
Image adapted from: National Palace Museum of Korea

This museum holds over 40,000 artefacts from the Joseon Dynasty, an era that ran from 1392 to 1897. You’ll be able to sneak a peek at royal life, as the artefacts are displayed just as how they were used by various kings, queens, and their royal court. 

Image credit: @gyeongbokgung_palace_official via Instagram

The museum is attached to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the Joseon Dynasty ruled their kingdom. It’s been thoroughly preserved and restored, so you’ll be able to see the palace in its full glory. This place has a rich history and you can join a free guided tour to learn more about South Korea’s dynasty past. The English tours run thrice daily from Wednesday-Monday.

Do note that the museum is closed on the last Monday of every month, as well as New Year’s Day, Seollal, and Chuseok.

While you’re here, did you know that you can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free on the last Wednesday of each month? Otherwise, watching the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony won’t cost you anything either. This takes place at 10am and 2pm daily, except on Tuesdays.

Address: 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Mon–Tue 10am–6pm | Wed 10am–9pm | Thu–Fri 10am–6pm | Sat 10am–9pm | Sun 10am–6pm
Contact: +82 2 3701 7500 | National Palace Museum of Korea website

Getting there: Approx. 1-min walk from Gyeongbokgung Station

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4. Appreciate art at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

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Image credit: @ployarisa & @peteclue via Instagram

A hub for the arts, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the place to be if you enjoy getting arty farty. While a lot of the exhibitions require tickets for you to enter, there are a couple of free ones from time to time. Even if you don’t go in, this futuristic-looking building is worth visiting for appreciation of its sheer beauty.

Tons of IG-worthy photo spots.
Image credit: @eatpraylove511 via Instagram

Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily 

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Dongdaemun Station

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5. Be part of Noryangjin Fish Market’s bustling activity

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Image credit: @danlogvin via Instagram

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is the Seoul version of Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo – think seafood just caught off the coast of Korea for sale to restaurants and locals alike. But unlike its Japanese counterpart that closes at noon, Noryangjin is open 24/7. This means you don’t have to wake up at dawn just to check out the fresh marine gems here.

Image credit: @danlogvin via Instagram

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin 1-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

Getting there: Approx. 2-min walk from Noryangjin Station

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6. Transport yourself to olden-day Seoul at Bukchon Hanok Village

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Image credit: @markyu.photography via Instagram

While you’re patiently waiting for time machines to be built, transport yourself back in time to old Seoul with a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village. Once inhabited by aristocrats of the Joseon Dynasty, this rustic village is located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine – check those out too if time permits.

Image credit: @thisisanastasiia via Instagram

Traditional tiled roofs set against the modern skyscrapers right outside the village offer an interesting juxtaposition, showing how Seoul has transformed over the past few centuries.

Getting there: Approx. 10-min walk from Anguk Station

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7. Marvel at light installations at Cheonggyecheon Stream at night

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Image credit: @glokool_korea via Instagram

No fireworks? No sweat. End off a romantic evening stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream on a high note with its spectacular light installation, where you’ll be mesmerised by sights such as an illuminated waterfall and a “rainbow bridge”.

Though man-made, Cheonggyecheon Stream is nonetheless a refreshing place, and you can get right up to the water’s edge thanks to the steps leading down to it.

It’s also a great place to catch sunsets.
Image credit: @cheonggyecheon_official via Instagram

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Getting there: Approx 5-min walk from Sinseol-dong Station

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8. Guided foot tours of Seoul’s attractions

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Extending their kind hospitality to tourists, a group of locals have been providing free walking tours of Seoul attractions since 2013. Each tour lasts an average of 2 hours, where you’ll enjoy viewing the city from a local’s perspective. You can sign up for one via the Seoul Free Walking Tour Facebook page.

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9. Hike up the peaks of the highest mountain in Seoul

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The view from Baegundae Peak, Bukhan Mountain’s highest peak.
Image credit: @morkoshka via Instagram

Feeling your jeans get tighter after countless bowls of bibimbap? Sweat it out with a hike at Bukhan Mountain aka Bukhansan, Seoul’s highest mountain. It has 3 peaks of varying heights, so pick your path based on how much you’d like to challenge yourself. 

It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park but there are some paved areas, railings, and staircases to aid you along the way.

Be prepared to spend your whole day here – scaling just 1 peak would take you from 5-7 hours depending on your walking pace and whether you take any rests. We highly recommend bringing some snacks along in case you suddenly get hangry halfway. Once you’ve conquered this peak, try out these other mountain climbing spots in our guide to hiking in Korea.

Take note of the entry hours: 4am-5pm from March to November, and 4am-4pm from December to February.

Getting there: Take bus 704 going towards Bukhansanseong Fortress from Gupabal Station and alight at the entrance to the park, or find the entrance to the beginner trail on Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui Light Rail, which connects from Suyu Station on Line 4.

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10. Check out kitschy crafted goods at Hongdae Free Market

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Image credit: Younique Lifestyle of Korea

No used goods here – unlike the usual flea markets touting secondhand items, Hongdae Free Market is one full of kitschy stalls featuring handcrafted items by street artists and independent labels. If you haven’t already picked up souvenirs, head down on Saturdays when the market is open to get something unique for friends and family.

Note: Hongdae Free Market is only open 1pm-6pm on Saturdays in March to November. On Sundays at the same time during those months, you’ll also find a Hope Market there.

Address: 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Sat 1pm-6pm (Closed Sundays to Fridays)

Getting there: Approx. 10-min walk from Hongik University Station

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11. Be wowed by multicoloured lights at the Han River’s Banpo Bridge

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Image credit:  Korea Tourism Organization India via Facebook

Betcha haven’t seen a fountain spouting out of a bridge before, much less one illuminated with rainbow lights, albeit only lit up from April to October. There are a couple of bridges along the Han River, but Banpo Bridge is arguably the most popular – no guessing why. Bring your girl here and surprise her with this magical sight – or maybe even a proposal?

Address: Banpo 2-dong, Seoul, South Korea

Getting there: Approx. 8-min walk from Seobinggo Station

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12. Have a photoshoot at Common Ground

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Image credit: @lovefb731 via Instagram

Move over, Wheeler’s Yard – Common Ground has all the brilliant blue #OOTD backdrops anyone could hope for. And it’s high on the hipster quotient too – this cluster of stacked container blocks houses a hodgepodge of quirky cafes, permanent, and pop-up fashion stores, as well as a street market in the open area.

Address: 200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11am–10pm, Daily

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Konkuk University Station

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13. Visit concept stores dedicated to K-pop stars like NCT, Blackpink & BTS

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Fangirling or fanboying has never been easier in Seoul. There are a number of museums and cafes run by artist agencies for fans to visit and geek out with fellow K-pop lovers.

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Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store

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Image credit: @arassijjang via Instagram

Those who count SM Entertainment artists like EXO, NCT, and Red Velvet as their faves will want to make a pit stop at the Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store. Here’s where you can get your hands on coveted merch like CDs, lightsticks, and T-shirts.

The place also has larger-than-life art installations done in collaboration with the artists themselves. You’ll go trigger-happy taking snaps for the ‘Gram.

Address: 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store Instagram

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Seoul Forest Station

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the SameE

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Image credit: Philosophizing via Google Maps

And as for fans of YG Entertainment’s Blackpink, iKON, and BigBang, you’ll want to add the SameE to your itinerary. It’s where you’ll be able to buy exclusive merch, LP’s, and more from YG Entertainment artists. Pick from the Insadong or Myeongdong stores, both of which opened in 2024.

theSameE Insa

Address: 6-3, Heewoojeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +82 6954-2891 | the SameE Insa Instagram

theSameE Myeongdong

Address: 4F, 60 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10.30am-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: +82 2 318 5102 | the SameE Myeongdong Instagram

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14. Rock out to live indie music at Hongdae

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Image credit: @rockstar_sjy via Instagram

There’s more to Korean music than the world gives credit for – if K-pop and its synchronised dancing isn’t your thang, head to Hongdae, home to rows of cafes and bars hosting live music gigs. From funk to jazz and even heavy metal, there are indie bands and singers of all genres taking the stage.

So grab a soju, and enjoy your night rockin’ out – sans exorbitant ticket fees and the pushing and shoving from crazy fangirls.

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15. Get lost in Seongsu-dong, Seoul’s hippest neighbourhood

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Image credit: @_smn_tt via Instagram

Once a modest shoe-manufacturing district, Seongsu-dong has transformed into a creative hub often compared to Brooklyn, and is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in the capital these days.

It’s a pop-up paradise where almost every street corner has some form of warehouse or industrial unit transformed into a temporary fashion store. For K-beauty fans, Amore Seongsu offers free product testing and samples, and Olive Young N Seongsu – the largest Olive Young in Korea – is a few blocks away.

The damage your wallet might sustain here can be pretty intense, but window shopping is free, right?

Getting there: Seongsu Station, Line 2, Exit 3

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16. Hang out at Seoul Forest

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Image credit: @justinhanguk via Instagram

Not too far away from Seongsu-dong is Seoul Forest Park, another free-to-enter park which is a sight to behold whatever the season. Come in spring, and the paths are lined with cherry blossom trees; autumn sees the park drenched in reds and golds.

There are 5 themed sections in the park, including an Eco Forest with a deer enclosure, a seasonal butterfly garden, a ginkgo tree trail, and lakeside walking paths that bring you to the Han River.

While you’re at the deer enclosure, grab some deer food from the vending machine for just ₩1,000 (~S$0.86). The park is open 24 hours, though specific facilities like the butterfly garden run from 10am–5pm (May–October) and are closed Mondays.

Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Getting there: Approx. 2-min walk from Seoul Forest Station, Suin-Bundang Line, Exit 4, or approx. 10-min walk from Ttukseom Station, Line 2

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17. Catch free cultural events & street performances all year round

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Image credit: @korea.in.focus via Instagram

Here’s one last pro tip before you head off on your trip: check out the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official events calendar for all the free performances, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals that have been lined up.

We’re talking cherry blossom festivals in March and April, the Seoul Outdoor Library at Seoul Plaza, Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Hangang River Light Show, and so on.

While Gwanghwamun Square has a roster of free performances that you can catch, you could also head to Hongdae, near Hongik University Station, on Friday and Saturday evenings. This is where you’ll find dance cover crews performing full idol choreography – no tickets or scalping necessary.

Alternatively, Insadong on Sundays is an absolute must, with its car-free streets and buskers taking the district to a new level of cool. Keep an eye out for the street art and alleyway murals here too.

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Visit South Korea on a budget with these free things to do in Seoul

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Travelling on a budget needn’t be painful. There are plenty of free and fun things to do in Seoul if you look for them. With cheap flights to Korea, and hotels to suit every budget, you can save your dime for the things that you really want.

For more content:

• Get a free transit card on your next trip to Korea
• Places from Kpop Demon Hunters that you can visit IRL in Korea
• A Paramount theme park is opening in 2030, 45 minutes from Seoul

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Cover image adapted from: @markyu.photography via Instagram, @jo_traveladventure via Instagram, @korea.in.focus via Instagram, Korea Tourism Organization India via Facebook

Original article published on 5th December 2016. Last updated by Michelle P on 30th April 2026.
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