Korea Army Museum

Park · Hwarangdae Stn. (Line 6, Gyeongchun Line)

A free railway-themed park with the old whistle-stop station, a narrow-gauge train and a tram on display. The evening light garden is the highlight.

Historic site · Hwarangdae Stn. (Line 6)

Taereung, tomb of Queen Munjeong, and Gangneung, tomb of King Myeongjong. Beautiful pine forest paths plus the Joseon Royal Tombs Exhibition Hall.

Library · Hwarangdae Stn. (Line 6)

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

Sports facility · Hwarangdae Stn. (Line 6)

Public indoor sports facility (swimming, gym, table tennis and more).

Park · Hwarangdae Stn. (Line 6)

Gongneung-dong's best-known forest path, built on a disused railway. Old Hwarangdae Station trains and a cafe street, with the Street of Light lit up in the evening.

Museum · Taereung Stn. (Lines 6, 7)

A free museum recreating Seoul household life from the 1960s to the 1980s. The old classroom, barbershop and "my car" era displays are favourites.

Yongsan-gu · Ichon Stn. (Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Korea's largest museum, with all permanent galleries free. The spacious lobby and Reflecting Pond garden are good for a rest, and Wednesday and Saturday evening openings are quieter.

Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. / Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A free museum of Korean daily life. The outdoor Memory Street and children's museum make it great for families.

Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. / Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A free museum on Seoul's transformation from the Joseon era to the present. The old Tram No. 381 outside is a photo favourite.

Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5) Exit 2

A free modern history museum facing Gwanghwamun Square. Insider tip: the rooftop viewpoint takes in Gyeongbokgung and the square at a glance.

Jung-gu · Euljiro 1-ga Stn. (Line 2) Exit 6, Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4) Exit 5

A compact free museum on the history of stamps. In the middle of Myeong-dong, so it's a handy escape from the heat or cold.