Chunwondang Museum of Korean Medicine

Park · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5)

Historic Site No. 354 and Seoul's first modern park. Built as Wongaksa Temple in the 13th year of King Sejo of Joseon, the site was turned into a park in 1897, the 34th year of King Gojong, by Brown, the British adviser to the finance ministry, and opened as a park in 1920

Culture space · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Line 5)

A music-focused community space beneath the Nakwon Musical Instrument Arcade. It runs an instrument lending scheme for the public and offers free practice rooms.

Museum · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5)

Between Changdeokgung Palace and Jongno 3-ga Station, the Korea Saekdong Museum opened on March 5, 2014, based on some 30 years of research into saekdong striped fabric and the collection amassed by researcher Kim Ok-hyun

Museum · Euljiro 3-ga Stn. (Lines 2, 3)

The Beautiful Youth Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall is a multipurpose labor facility built by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to revisit the historical significance of Jeon Tae-il, a turning point in the history of Korea's labor movement.

Museum · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5)

■ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30).

Museum · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

A museum devoted to tea, set in a hanok in Insa-dong. The exhibition space is free, and you can rest at the tea house inside.

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.