It can be expensive to live in a city with a lot of things to do. Credit card damage can be caused by visiting famous observation decks and getting premium cuts of Korean barbecue.
The best things to do in the capital of South Korea might be free if you don't stick to the usual to-do list. You can fill your hours with these scenic walks, visit the city's most poetic sites and experience views that can't be found in a bank account.
The museum was built in honor of a beloved Korean poet. The design of the indoor space and the moods it instills are the main highlights of the museum. If you take a stroll behind the museum on Poet's Hill, you can see N Korea Tower from a distance.
The Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine remembers the many Roman Catholics who were killed here. You can learn about the history of the shrine by visiting the gallery and museum. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the candles are still.
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.The SeMA is one of the few free art museums in the city. The permanent exhibition at the museum is free and can be overlooked. There is a collection of works by the renowned Korean artist that highlight her global influences.
The atmosphere of Joseon-dynasty Korea is recreated by the hundreds of traditional Korean homes in the village. The verdict on the charm of the small alleyways and incredible views is unanimous, even though the authenticity of the neighborhood is debated.
The Oil Tank Culture Park is a cultural center made out of oil tanks. When there is nothing going on, you can spend a few hours exploring the space's hidden amphitheater or watching musicians practice outside. It is a favorite among photographers.
One of the prettiest libraries in Korea is at the foot of Mt Inwang. The lower level has an average collection of books but the reading rooms are located on the 2nd level. It is a Bibliophile's dream come true.
There are a lot of best things to do in South Korea.
The Gyeongui Line Forest Park is located on the train tracks that once led to North Korea. The park runs through several trendy neighborhoods, and on summer nights, you will see a lot of picnickers having drinks or buskers with their guitars. In good weather, pianos are placed outside to be used for musical performances.
The National Museum of Korea in South Korea has more than 12,000 artifacts. After browsing through the free permanent collection, you won't want to leave. The 10-story pagoda is located at the museum's center.
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The park along the Han River is one of the most well-known free sites in the city. The view from the Mangwon-dong neighborhood is arguably one of the best and a local favorite. The Hangang River Festival is part of the park's many free events. The screenings are great.
There is a time when to go to South Korea.
Special exhibitions are usually free at the popular museum. An exhibition hall of donated items on the 1st floor makes the strongest impression, with everything from old computers, cassette tapes, T-shirts and other household goods used by ordinary citizens on display. During local holidays, there are many free events showcasing Korean culture.
If you're looking for a place to take a selfies, the Ihwa Mural Village is a good choice. More than 70 local artists have painted murals on the alleyways in an attempt to improve the neighborhood. Angel Wings and fish swimming upstream are popular murals.
Ask an avid hiker for the best in the area and you will most likely be sent packing. Climbers who reach the mountain's tallest peak will be rewarded with heavenly views, and even some makgeolli from a friendly fellow climber. Hikers sharing drinks with tourists at the top of the mountain.
Hikers can take a history lesson at Ingwangsan, which is less demanding than the other ones. There is a trail that leads to a series of ancient fortress walls. There are two shamanist shrines on your way up.
You can make a reservation three days in advance for the free walking tour program. Volunteer guides lead the tours. The tours are free and offer a wide range of themes, from exploring local markets and historic sites to finding traces of the artists and writers who used to live in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. The tours are limited to 10 people each, and reservations are required in advance.
Large grocery stores in South Korea tend to give out generous samples, but few are as kind as the Lottemart inside the station. Sample-givers usually speak basic English, Japanese and Chinese and are willing to give you time. It's possible to skip dinner if you try the instant noodles at 6pm on a weekday.
There are a lot of best places to eat in South Korea.
Gilsang-sa, located off the beaten path in Seongbuk-dong, is one of the prettiest temples in the city. The Gilsang-sa temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or just looking for a place to get away.
Bongeun-sa is a temple that dates back to the time of the Silla kingdom and is located south of the Han river. The original site of the temple was destroyed by a fire in 1939, but the temple's air of tranquility, woodblock carvings of the sutra and Buddhist scriptures make it worth a visit.
The Dongmyo Flea Market is more about browsing and less about buying than any of the other markets in the city. On pleasant-weather weekends, there is a random assortment of everything from electronic massagers to old Korean coins. There is a park located near it.
The High Line in New York City is often compared to the sky garden in South Korea. More than 20,000 plants and fine city views can be found at the park, which was converted from a highway overpass. The brave can look down at the cars from the overpass.
The most beautiful church in the capital is the Seoul Anglican Cathedral. The Romanesque Revival style building was designed by an English architect and is a sight to behold. Regular English-language services are held in the crypt chapel on Sundays at 9:30am.
The Cheong-gye-cheon is a man-made stream that runs through the center of the city. During the Lantern Festival in November, walking along the pathways lined with greenery along the water is a great way to relax after a long day at work. If you want to learn more about the site's history, the museum is free.
This green island in the middle of the city is the first park of its kind in the country. The gardens and green spaces are great for picnicking or sunbathing.
The city wall was built in the 13th century and is a great place to hike. It's a great date spot for locals. You can take a stroll along the portion of the wall in Naksan Park at night, as the warm glow of the ancient fortress's lights and panoramic city views will make you want to go back.
One of the greatest works of an architect is the multifunctionalDongdaemun Design Plaza. There are many exhibitions, fashion shows and other events held on a regular basis. The edifice is free to walk around and in, but not all of them are free.
People come to the Han River Park to see the water show in the fall. The fountain has a show soundtracked by everything from classical to pop and rock. The fountain's schedule can be checked by calling the Korea Travel Hotline.
Performance centers, museums and cultural sites are open for free on the last Wednesday of every month. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is one of the venues that the city government collaborated with to create a list of free things to do. On Culture Day, movie theaters can offer discounts.
The article was first published about a month ago.