손기정기념관
Museum · Jung-gu
A memorial museum housed in the former Yangjeong High School building. The actual Berlin laurel wreath is on display, and the museum connects to the forest trail in Sohn Kee-chung Sports Park.
Official hours and feesOpen in a map app
Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul)
Sohn Kee-chung Culture Library
FreeLibrary · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)
Public library in Jung-gu. Free entry and reading, fully heated and air-conditioned.
Sohn Kee-chung Sports Park
FreePark · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)
Sohn Kee-chung Sports Park was created on the former site of Yangjeong Middle and High School, his alma mater, after the school moved, in honour of his marathon gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It opened in September 1987, and in 202...
Seoullo 7017
FreePark · Seoul Station Stn. (Lines 1, 4, Airport Railroad, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
An elevated garden walkway converted from an old overpass, with planters, benches, a foot bath and drinking fountains. Lovely at night, so an evening stroll beats midday.

Culture Station Seoul 284
FreeCulture space · Seoul Stn. (Lines 1, 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line) Exit 2
A cultural complex in the restored old Seoul Station building. The Renaissance-style architecture is a sight in itself, with free special exhibitions year-round. In front of Seoul Station.
Seosomun Shrine History Museum
FreeMuseum · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)
Opened in June 2019, this public museum in Jung-gu, Seoul stands at the crossroads outside Seosomun Gate, the official state execution ground of the Joseon dynasty. Late Joseon period.
Seosomun History Park
FreePark · Seoul Stn. (Lines 1, 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
Once the execution ground at the crossroads outside Seosomun Gate, where Catholics, Donghak Peasant Revolution leaders, soldiers and other reformist figures were put to death from the 1801 Sinyu Persecution to the 1866 Byeongin Persecution
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.