20 fabulous free things to do in Seoul- exploring Korea's capital on a budget

Think Seoul requires a huge travel fund? Think again. This dynamic city, where Joseon Dynasty history meets hyper-modern cool, offers some of its very best experiences without costing a single won. From the serene, colourful temples of Jogyesa and Bongeunsa to the spectacle of the Gyeongbokgung Palace Guard Changing, we're covering 20 essential, free-to-wander sights, saving your cash for the street food.

Seoul is one of Asia's best kept secrets. With K-culture exploding through the western world (a cultural phenomenon known as Hallyu) thanks to Squid Game, Parasite, BTS, Bibimbap and Beauty of Joseon, there has never been a better time to visit this brilliantly underrated and dynamic destination.

Seoul is a city where 600-year-old Royal Palaces and serene Buddhist Temples sit in the shadows of futuristic skyscrapers; where traditional Korean wooden homes are beautifully preserved, to house Instagrammable cafes or artisan shops; where Michelin-starred chefs elevate traditional street food classics.

With walkable, safe districts and a fantastic, clean, efficient public transport system, Seoul is really easy to get around. And even easier to visit on a budget! While many capital cities require expensive entry fees for their key cultural highlights, Seoul offers an incredible array of world-class historical and modern attractions that you can enjoy completely free of charge. From hiking Namsan Mountain for panoramic views and watching the Royal Guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, to wandering through the traditional Hanok villages and exploring the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, this city proves that enjoying its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere doesn't have to cost a penny.

Here are our top 20 free things to do in Seoul:

Jogyesa Temple:

Step away from the buzz of central Seoul and find a colourful oasis of peaceful Buddhist tradition at Jogyesa. Sitting right in the city centre, yet feeling a world apart, the temple grounds are famous for their magnificent colours, from the ancient trees to the vibrant, decorative paper lanterns that often create a brilliant 'sky' over the main hall.

Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace:

Catching the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a classic Seoul experience that doesn't require a palace ticket. Head to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where guards in brightly coloured traditional uniforms perform a precise and historical drill, complete with Joseon Dynasty traditional instruments and weaponry.

Starfield Library:

Tucked inside the vast COEX Mall in Gangnam, this is perhaps the world's most Instagrammed library, and for good reason. It’s less about quiet study and more about sheer architectural spectacle, featuring three towering bookshelves that stretch 13 metres high, with tall escalators running alongside them.

K Star Road:

Find your fix of K-Pop culture by strolling down K Star Road in the Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong areas. The street is lined with 1.7-metre-tall, brightly coloured teddy bears called "GangnamDol" (Gangnam Idol) figures, each representing a famous K-Pop group like BTS, EXO, and Girls' Generation.

Bongeunsa Temple:

Located south of the river in the heart of the super modern Gangnam district, Bongeunsa offers a beautiful contrast between old and new Seoul. Just a few steps away from the normous COEX shopping mall, you can walk through its tranquil halls and courtyards, where the traditional architecture is dramatically framed by the towering skyscrapers of one of the city's most affluent neighbourhoods. Don't miss the colossal, 23-metre-tall statue of the Buddha Maitreya.

War Memorial of Korea:

An essential, albeit sobering, visit for anyone interested in modern Korean history, this museum offers an incredibly detailed and respectful exploration of the 1950-1953 Korean War, featuring engaging exhibits that cover the conflict's origins and aftermath. Outside, you can walk through the vast collection of aircraft, tanks, and artillery and the surrounding memorial statues and peace plaza provide a beautiful space for quiet reflection.

Insa-dong Culture Street:

While it's easy to spend money on souvenirs here, wandering Insa-dong is completely free and a wonderful way to soak up traditional Korean culture. This pedestrian-friendly street is famous for its concentration of traditional tea houses, antique shops, art galleries and stores selling traditional crafts and hanji (paper). It's a busy, colourful and atmospheric district that is perfect for window shopping and watching the world

go by.

Museum of Contemporary History (plus viewing platform):

For a deep dive into South Korea's unbelievable transformation from Japanese occupation to post war devastation to present day economic and cultural powerhouse, this museum is a must for your Seoul itinerary. The real hidden gem, however, is the free viewing platform on the rooftop, which provides an unexpected and fantastic panoramic view across Gyeongbokgung Palace’s rooftops and grounds, set against the backdrop of the mountains.

Seokchon Lake (and Lotte Tower Views):

Take a peaceful circuit around this lovely man-made lake in the Songpa District. The pushchair friendly walking paths around the lake offer great views of Lotte World's Magic Castle and the incredible modern architecture of the enormous Lotte World Tower (currently the 6th tallest building in the world at 555 meters (1,819 feet) and the tallest building in South Korea), which reflects beautifully in the water. It’s an easy, flat walk that’s especially photogenic during the spring cherry blossom season and autumnal foliage.

Namsan Park and Old City Wall:

Escape the city streets with a climb up Namsan Mountain. While the space needle style N Seoul Tower has an entry fee, the gorgeous park itself and the path along the ancient Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) are completely free and offer spectacular views of the city. The trail is particularly lovely in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold: a perfect, calming hike that delivers big on scenery.

Heunginjimun Gate and Old Wall:

Known informally as Dongdaemun, this gate is one of Seoul’s four major ancient gateways and offers a different feel from the more tourist-packed palace areas. The gate and the nearby preserved sections of the City Wall are best viewed in the evening when the traditional structure is dramatically lit up, creating a glowing historical contrast in the heart of the busy, modern Dongdaemun shopping district.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP):

The DDP is one of Seoul’s most striking pieces of architecture. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, its flowing, silver, spaceship-like facade is a photographer's dream, especially at night when the building is illuminated. It serves as a major hub for fashion, design and art exhibitions, and simply walking around and through this massive, futuristic structure is an experience in itself.

Seoullo 7017 Skygarden:

Seoul’s answer to Paris's Promenade Plantee or NYC's Highline, this elevated park was created from a disused 1970s highway overpass in 2017. Stretching for just over a kilometre, it's a beautifully maintained pedestrian green space featuring over 24,000 plants. Take a relaxing stroll along the repurposed road, which offers unique, eye-level views of the old Seoul Station building and the majestic Sungnyemun Gate below.

Cheonggyecheon Stream:

This urban renewal project is an absolute delight: a ribbon of nature right through the city centre. Start at its source near Cheonggye Plaza, where you can find miniature waterfalls, stepping stones, bridges, fish and wading birds. The stream is equally charming during the day for a relaxing walk or at night, when the walkways are beautifully lit.

Bukchon Hanok Village:

Nestled between the grand palaces, this historical neighbourhood is an immersive, free-to-wander museum of traditional Korean architecture. Walk the sloping, narrow streets to admire hundreds of perfectly preserved hanok (traditional homes) with their distinctive tiled roofs. It's a beautiful spot, but remember to be quiet and respectful, people actually live here! Tourists are not neighborhood to enter the area before 10am and this is strictly enforced by uniformed security. This was also one of the busiest places we visited on our entire trip, not unlike Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka in Kyoto, which did rather take away from the historic serenity.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village:

Unlike its more polished cousin, Bukchon, Ikseon-dong has a charming, bohemian feel. This smaller, less tourist-heavy village of traditional homes has been adapted into a maze of trendy cafés, independent boutiques, hidden restaurants, and small galleries. Wandering its tight alleyways feels like a blend of old-world charm with contemporary cool.

Gangnam Style Statue:

Who remembers this 2012 banger?? For a lighthearted, modern cultural hit, head to the COEX area in Gangnam to find the larger-than-life Gangnam Style statue. Located just outside COEX Mall, the massive bronze sculpture depicts the iconic crossed hand dance move from Psy's global phenomenon and is a fun, free spot for a quick, silly photo op and a nod to the song that put the district, and KPOP, on the global map.

Sungnyemun Gate:

Also known as Namdaemun, this gate is designated as Korea's National Treasure No. 1. Standing proudly in the middle of a major traffic intersection, its impressive two-story pavilion and stone walls are a striking historical landmark right in the centre of the city. During opening hours you can walk through it, allowing you to appreciate its scale and history from a closer angle, and you'll also find more colourfully dressed guards here.

Love Locks and Viewing Platform at N Seoul Tower:

Head to the base of the N Seoul Tower, where you’ll find a massive outdoor terrace and the famous fences covered in thousands of colourful 'love locks' left by couples. The best part? The sweeping, unobstructed views of the Seoul skyline and mountains from the base platform are completely free and easily accessible via the Namsan Park trails.

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain (Seasonal): For a spectacular experience, head to Banpo Hangang Park on the Han River in the evening during the warmer months. Banpo Bridge is home to the world’s longest bridge fountain, which shoots jets of water high into the air, illuminated by colourful LED lights to create a rainbow that dances to music. It’s a stunning, free light and water show that offers the perfect end to an evening in the city (check the schedule as it doesn't run year-round).

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