Free in Gangnam-gu 48

Library · Samseong Stn. (Line 2), Bongeunsa Stn. (Line 9)

Famous for its 13m-high shelves, this is a photo hotspot inside COEX Mall. Ideal escape from summer heat and winter cold, with plenty of seating.

Stream & walk · Hagyeoul Stn. (Line 3)

An ecological stream in the heart of Gangnam. The shaded deck path under cherry and willow trees is a fine walk, loveliest in spring and early summer. Separate bike and pedestrian lanes.

Historic site · Bongeunsa Stn. (Line 9) Exit 1

A thousand-year-old temple opposite COEX, ringed by Gangnam skyscrapers. The 23m Maitreya Buddha and pine-lined paths make it a downtown healing spot.

Culture space · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Hyundai and Genesis cars and design on display. Open until 21:00, but closed the first Monday of the month; parking costs extra.

Historic site · Seolleung Stn. (Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line)

A favourite walking spot among Joseon royal tombs in the middle of the high-rises. A lunchtime stroll for office workers, with a photogenic pine tree path.

Library · Yangjae Stn. (Line 3, Sinbundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Art gallery · Seolleung Stn. (Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line)

POSCO Art Museum leads the way in putting "art in daily life, daily life in art" into practice.

Art gallery · Apgujeong Stn. (Line 3)

Located on the first basement and second floors of Space C, the Coreana Museum of Art opened in November 2003 to support the arts as a corporation and to connect with the public through art,

Museum · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

The memorial hall displays the life, achievements and personal effects of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, independence activist, visionary and enduring teacher of the Korean people, along with a range of programmes.

Museum · Hakdong Stn. (Line 7)

Opened in August 2000 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Korea Customs Service, the museum preserves the history of customs houses and customs administration and promotes the agency's standing and international image.

Museum · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

The museum honors the scholarship and virtue of the great master Tanheo, who reconciled the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, displaying his personal effects, books and translated works.

Museum · Apgujeong Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Samseong Stn. (Line 2)

The World Golf History Museum

Museum · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Historic site · Seolleung Stn. (Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line)

▷ The story of Seolleung: Seolleung holds the tombs of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, and his third queen, Queen Jeonghyeon of the Yun clan. It is a dongwon igangneung, with one T-shaped shrine serving burial mounds set on two separate hills

Mountain & trail · Irwon Stn. (Line 3)

A gentle 293m hill also known as Guksubong. Its shape was likened to an old woman, so it was called Halmisan until King Taejong's Heolleung tomb was built here and a royal order renamed it Daemosan. According to long-standing local lore

Park · Maebong Stn. (Line 3)

A hillside park bounded by Nonhyeon-ro, Dogok-dong-gil, Eonju-ro and Nambusunhwan-ro, with trails on every side making it easy to reach. Along the paths are badminton courts, a cultural exhibition space, a multipurpose sports field, rest areas and fitness equipment

Park · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Dosan Park opened on November 10, 1973, when the grave of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho was moved here from the Mangwoo-ri cemetery and he was reburied alongside his wife, Lee Hye-ryeon. Memorials to Dosan in the park include a statue and a monument inscribed with his words

Park · Samseongjungang Stn. (Line 9)

Home to Bongeunsa Temple, the park offers plenty of Buddhist experience programmes, and as a historic-site park it holds designated cultural properties including the commentary woodblocks of the Avatamsaka Sutra, the 'Panjeon' plaque written by Chusa Kim Jeong-hui in his later years, and the Seonbuldang hall.

Park · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

Designated around the burial ground of Grand Prince Gwangpyeong, Seoul Tangible Cultural Property No. 48, the park sits on the northeast side of Daemosan. The grounds hold some 70 clan tombs, including those of Grand Prince Gwangpyeong and of Bangbeon, Grand Prince Muan and son of King Taejo

Park · Cheongdam Stn. (Line 7)

Cheongdam Park is a hillside park in Cheongdam-dong, an area packed with high-rise apartments, detached houses and shops, making it an important piece of nature in the city. Step inside and the sound of the brook and of mountain birds makes it feel like deep forest

Park · Bokjeong Stn. (Line 8, Suin-Bundang Line)

In the southeastern part of the Segok District 2 area, the northern section next to the apartment blocks has a wide lawn plaza, a landmark park management building and a reading rest area for relaxed breaks, while the southern section

Sports facility · Hannam Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Free outdoor basketball court inside Jamwon Hangang Park. Four courts, No. 1 to No. 4, open 06:00–20:00. Best to avoid slots booked by teams.

Art gallery · Cheongdam Stn. (Line 7) Exit 8, Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

A free contemporary art space in a triangular building designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Part of the Cheongdam-dong gallery walk.

Culture space · Sinnonhyeon Stn. (Line 9) Exit 6, Gangnam Stn. (Line 2)

A large bookstore in central Gangnam. Well heated and cooled, ideal for killing time before meeting someone, with stationery, music and a cafe.

Library

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Gangnam Stn. (Line 2, Sinbundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Daecheong Stn. (Line 3)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Gangnam-gu Office Stn. (Line 7, Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Hakdong Stn. (Line 7)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Hagyeoul Stn. (Line 3)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Seolleung Stn. (Line 9, Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Guryong Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Gangnam Stn. (Line 2, Sinbundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Irwon Stn. (Line 3)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Daemosan Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Gangnam-gu Office Stn. (Line 7, Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Hanti Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Cheongdam Stn. (Line 7)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Library · Samseong Stn. (Line 2)

Public library in Gangnam-gu. Free entry and reading, with heating and air conditioning.

Sports facility · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

Public indoor pool in Gangnam-gu. Six-lane adult pool plus a children's pool. Open swim is 6,000 won per session. Open swim time slots change monthly, so check before you go.

Sports facility · Hanti Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Public indoor pool in Gangnam-gu, with a 6-lane 25m adult pool and a toddler pool. Open swim costs 10,000 won per session. Open-swim time slots change monthly, so check before you go.

Sports facility · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

Public indoor pool with open swim.

Sports facility · Irwon Stn. (Line 3)

Public indoor pool in Gangnam-gu with a five-lane adult pool and a toddler pool. Open swim costs 6,000 won per session. Open-swim time slots change monthly, so check before you go.

Sports facility · Yeoksam Stn. (Line 2)

Public indoor pool with open swim.

Sports facility

Outdoor badminton courts in Gangnam-gu. 3 courts. Open 24 hours.

Sports facility · Maebong Stn. (Line 3)

Indoor badminton courts in Gangnam-gu. 4 courts.

Sports facility

Outdoor badminton court in Gangnam-gu. 1 court. Open 24 hours.