World Golf History Museum

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.

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.

Library · Samseong Stn. (Line 2)

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

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.

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.

Library · Hanti Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

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

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.