Korea Bonsai Museum

Mountain & trail · Cheonggyesan Ipgu Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

The mountain is named for Inreung, the tomb of King Sunjo lying to the north, of which it is recorded as the ancestral mountain. Stretching east to west across Seocho-gu in Seoul and Seongnam in Gyeonggi-do, it rises 327 m and remains much as nature made it

Historic site · Cheonggyesan Ipgu Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

The tombs of King Taejong and King Sunjo. An ecological forest trail away from the city centre, lovely for walking to birdsong.

Museum · Cheonggyesan Ipgu Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

The world's first audio museum, from Edison's phonograph to 20th-century vintage audio, seen on a 90-minute docent tour that includes actual listening sessions. The building was designed by Kengo Kuma. Free, but all seats must be booked in advance and competition is fierce.

Library · Cheonggyesan Ipgu Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

Public library in Seocho-gu. Free entry and reading, fully heated and air-conditioned.

Mountain & trail · 내곡동

Guryongsan shares a single ridge with Daemosan and straddles the boundary of Seocho-gu and Gangnam-gu; since 1971 the two have been designated and managed as Daemosan Urban Nature Park. At 306 m, it is neither high nor rugged, so

Sports facility · 양재2동

Public indoor pool in Seocho-gu with a six-lane 25m adult pool and a toddler pool. Open swim costs 5,500 won per session, and there is a gym on site. Open-swim time slots change monthly, so check before you go.

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.