So if you’re like me than you probably have some sort of budget planned for when you study abroad. I know it will look like other people are going out shopping all of the time and spending freely but not everyone can live that lifestyle. Therefore, I would look for inexpensive or free things to do around my city and they were still very fun and exciting. 

Many of the most popular sites in Seoul are actually free or fairly inexpensive. Below is a compiled list of free places to visit in Seoul. 

'I Seoul U' sign in Yeouido Hangang Park

Source: Korea By Me

The large ‘I Seoul U’ sign in Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul located on the Han River. This park is open 7-days a week to everyone and is free to visit. Yeouido park is very large and is also great for walking around and enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms when they are in season or simply sitting by the Han River and enjoying the views. The ‘I Seoul U’ was selected in 2015 to represent the city's motto of connecting people together. There are actually 29 of these beautiful signs around the city, see the top photo spots on Korea by Me. This is a definite must visit while you are in Seoul.

Address: 85-6 Yeoui-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free

Visiting Hours: 24/7

National Museum of Korea

Source: Korea Tourism Organization

The National Museum of Korea is a great place to visit to learn more about the history of not only Korea but of the other cultural exhibits at the museum. Entry is free for for the Permanent Exhibition Hall, Children's Museum, and Special Free Exhibition - all other special exhibitions will have a fee associated with them. 

Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu

Admission: Free - for the Permanent Exhibition Hall, Children's Museum, and Special Free Exhibition.

All other special exhibitions within the museum will have a fee associated with them. 

Visiting Hours:  

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday/Sunday: 10:00am - 18:00pm (6:00pm)

Wednesday/Saturday: 10:00am - 21:00pm (9:00pm)

Namsan Seoul Tower

Source: Korea Tourism Organization

Namsan Tower has become one of the most iconic spots in Seoul. You probably know of it from the popular “love locks” that have flooded the internet. Couples, families, and friends come from all over the world to seal their love with a lock in hopes of “everlasting love" similar to the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris. There is amazing views and it is a perfect spot to spend the afternoon or a few hours walking around and enjoying the view. There are shops where you can enjoy a meal, get a drink, or purchase a locket and other goodies. The observation deck to view all of the lockets is free to the public. If you wish to go up to the observation deck it will cost around 16,000 won or $13.00.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free for general admission 

To go up to the observation deck it will cost around 16,000 won or around $13.00.

Visiting Hours:

Weekends: 11:00am - 22:00 (10:00pm) 

Weekdays: 12:00pm - 22:00 (10:00pm)

For more information visit their official website. 

Ihwa Mural Village

Source: The Seoul of Seoul

Ihwa Mural is located on Mt. Naksan and is home to one of the most popular mural villages in Korea. The village is known as the moon village or “daldongne” as it is quite a bit of a hike up to see the famous murals. The history of this village is that it was supposed to be demolished but in 2006 the “Art in City Project” decided to add in the murals to revitalize the area.  Murals were curated by 70 artists around the village and therefore began to bring in a good amount of tourists. However, the locals were not too fond of the new foot traffic and decided to protest in 2016 by painting over two of the most famous murals. Even so the mural village remains one of the most popular villages to visit as long as you are being respectful of the villages rules, and makes sure to support local business if you do decide to check out this eclectic area. 

Address: 49 Naksan 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free

Visiting Hours: During the day only, no early mornings or evenings. 

War Memorial of Korea

Source: TripAdvisor

The War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994 and is home to the former army headquarters to memorialize the military history of Korea. The purpose of building this headquarters was in hopes of preventing future wars through representation of the past Korean war and in hopes of a peaceful reunification of both North and South Korea. There are six exhibition rooms within the memorial along with an outdoor exhibition center that focuses on war memorabilia and military equipment from china, South Korea, and the United States. 

Address: 29 Itaewon-ro (Yongsan-dong 1-ga), Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Admission: Free

Purchase may be necessary for some special exhibitions

Visiting Hours: 

Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30am - 18:00pm (6:00pm)

 

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Source Links

Korea By Me:
https://koreabyme.com/the-best-i-seoul-u-sites-to-visit/#:~:text=As%20of%202021%2C%20there%20are,SEOUL%20U%E2%80%9D%20sculptures%20in%20Seoul.
Korea Tourism Organization
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=268137
Korea Tourism Organization - Namsan Seoul Tower
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1197568
The Seoul of Seoul
https://thesoulofseoul.net/2017/04/25/ihwa-mural-village-seoul/
Trip Advisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294197-d554537-Reviews-The_War_Memorial_of_Korea-Seoul.html