FreePhoto: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Seoul Museum of History
서울역사박물관
Museum · Jongno-gu
A free museum on Seoul's transformation from the Joseon era to the present. The old Tram No. 381 outside is a photo favourite.
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Source: museum.seoul.go.kr
Nearby in Jongno-gu
Gyeonghuigung Palace
FreeHistoric site · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
A designated historic site, Gyeonghuigung served as a secondary palace in the late Joseon period.
Donuimun Museum
FreeMuseum · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
A restaurant turned museum.
Donuimun Museum Village
FreeMuseum · Seodaemun Stn. / Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)
A modern-era alley village recreating the old Saemunan neighbourhood. Free entry to retro tearooms, comic book rooms and a cinema, and a great spot for vintage photos.
Gyeongagjang
FreeCulture space · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
Where Kim Gu worked and was assassinated. Restored to its original form inside Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, free to visit.
National Weather Museum
FreeMuseum · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)
Joseon-era rain gauges and more than a century of Seoul weather records. Far more rewarding if you book the free guided tour.
Hong Nan-pa House
FreeHistoric site · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
Located in Hongpa-dong, Jongno-gu, this house is where composer Hong Nan-pa, who left behind beloved Korean art songs and children's songs, spent his final years, living here for six years from 1935.
Other museums in Seoul
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.
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.
Korean Film Museum
FreeMapo-gu · Digital Media City Stn. (Line 6, Airport Railroad, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
Free museum covering 100 years of Korean cinema. The on-site film archive library screens classics at no charge.
