Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Government (KOGL)
홍익대학교 박물관
Museum · Mapo-gu
The museum's collection spans archaeological artifacts to modern and contemporary painting, sculpture and ceramics, with a focus on exhibitions, research and education.
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Source: museum.hongik.ac.kr
Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Mapo Lifelong Learning Center
FreeLibrary · Hongik Univ. Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
Public library in Mapo-gu. Free entry and reading, fully heated and air-conditioned.
Wausan Neighborhood Park
FreePark · Gwangheungchang Stn. (Line 6)
Wausan, one of the Eight Views of Mapo (Usan mokjeok: the faint sound of herders' flutes drifting over Wausan), is shaped like a reclining cow. By geomantic lore, a great cow once shed its packsaddle at Muak and its bridle at Bukahyeon-dong 1
Wawusan Badminton Courts
FreeSports facility · Sogang Univ. Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
Outdoor badminton courts in Mapo-gu, with 9 courts.
Gwangheungdang Hall
FreeCulture space · Gwangheungchang Stn. (Line 6)
A hanok cultural space just right of the Shrine of King Gongmin, Gwangheungdang runs a range of programs to highlight the value of traditional culture, along with local historical research and exhibitions and youth activities.
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
FreePark · Hongik Univ. Stn. (Line 2, Airport Railroad, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
A 6.3 km linear park on a former railway. The Yeonnam-dong stretch, nicknamed Yeontral Park, strings together shade, lawns and cafes. Few drinking fountains, so bring water.
Seoul Living Culture Center Seogyo
FreeCulture space · Hapjeong Stn. (Line 2)
A hub for young artists near Hongdae, with dance and music practice rooms and multipurpose spaces available to borrow for free.
National Museum of Korea
Partly freeYongsan-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.
National Folk Museum of Korea
FreeJongno-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.
Seoul Museum of History
FreeJongno-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.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
FreeJongno-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.
Postage Stamp Museum
FreeJung-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.