Seoul history and modern architecture walks 167

Museum · 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.

Museum · 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.

Museum · 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.

Museum · 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.

Museum · 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.

Museum · Mapo-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.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Ewha Womans University Stn. (Line 2) Exit 2

Free university museum of ceramics, paintings and more. Easily combined with a look at the campus landmark ECC.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Yongdu Stn. / Sindap Stn. (Line 2 branch)

Free museum on the history and restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Pairs well with the neighbouring Shanty Town Experience Hall and a walk along the stream.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3) Exit 5

Joseon's foremost royal palace. Free on the last Wednesday of the month or in hanbok. The changing of the guard ceremony (10:00 and 14:00) is always free.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 3

A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for autumn foliage. Free entry applies to the main palace only; the Secret Garden requires a separate booking.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4) Exit 4

A palace with a Grand Greenhouse and the Chundangji pond. Linked internally to Changdeokgung, and beautifully lit during night openings.

Historic site · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2) Exit 2

A downtown palace where Seokjojeon sits alongside traditional halls. Open until 9pm, it's popular for evening strolls and the stone wall road; the changing of the guard is free.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5) Exit 11

A World Heritage shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, with a meditative path through dense woods. Self-guided visits on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are the most relaxed.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 6, Jonggak Stn. (Line 1) Exit 2

Head temple of the Jogye Order in the heart of the city. Shade from centuries-old scholar trees, seasonal lanterns and chrysanthemum displays. A quiet place to rest, close to Insadong.

Historic site · Jung-gu · Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4) Exit 8, Euljiro 1-ga Stn. (Line 2) Exit 5

The Gothic cathedral that symbolises Korean Catholicism. The heated and cooled sanctuary is a good break from Myeongdong shopping, and the basement 1898 arcade has cafes and restaurants.

Historic site · Gangnam-gu · 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.

Historic site · Mapo-gu · Hapjeong Stn. (Lines 2, 6) Exit 7

A Catholic martyrdom shrine on a hill overlooking the Han River. River views from the quiet garden and sculpture walk, close to Hapjeong and Hongdae.

Historic site · Gangbuk-gu · Hwagye Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

A mountain temple within the city, founded in the early Joseon era. Look around the grounds for free and combine it with a Bukhansan hike.

Museum · Gangseo-gu · Gayang Stn. (Line 9)

A Gangseo-gu district museum on the life of Heo Jun, author of the Donguibogam, and on Korean medicine. Visit on a free day and it costs nothing.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Mongchontoseong Stn. (Line 8)

A museum of Baekje history beside Mongchontoseong Fortress in Olympic Park. Free exhibitions with heating and air conditioning make it ideal with kids.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

Joseon royal treasures displayed at the entrance to Gyeongbokgung. Free and indoors, it pairs well with the palace on a rainy day.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

The 1912 Renaissance-style former bank building, a listed heritage site, is a sight in itself. Easiest to reach by subway.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

A small free museum in the basement of Woori Bank's head office. Open weekdays only, so a lunchtime visit works best.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Free museum inside Jeongdok Public Library. Traces education history from the Joseon era to today; pairs well with a Bukchon walk.

Historic site · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The Hyegok Choi Sunu Memorial House is the old home where Choi Sunu, celebrated author of "Leaning on the Entasis Pillar of Muryangsujeon," lived from 1976 until his death in 1984. In 2002

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

A 1920s Western-style house with a story tied to Korea's independence movement. A 400-year-old ginkgo tree stands beside it.

Culture space · Eunpyeong-gu · Bulgwang Stn. (Lines 3, 6)

A free exhibition hall with a lawn garden at the foot of Bukhansan. See the indoor exhibits, then head to the back garden; rarely crowded.

Historic site · Songpa-gu · Cheonho Stn. (Lines 5, 8)

A historic site believed to be a Baekje royal capital from 2,000 years ago. Walk the earthen rampart trail and imagine Baekje history, free of charge.

Historic site · Songpa-gu · Jamsil Stn. (Lines 2, 8)

A historic site marking the painful history of the Manchu invasion of 1636. Combine it with a walk around Seokchon Lake and a look at Lotte Tower.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sinyongsan Stn. (Line 4)

The exhibition floor traces Yongsan's urban transformation and the Yongsan disaster through material collected on the Yongsan base

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

Museum · Seocho-gu

Museum · Gwangjin-gu · Konkuk Univ. Stn. (Lines 2, 7)

Founded in March 1963 as one of the university's basic cultural institutions, it collects, preserves and exhibits historical artifacts bearing the spirit of our ancestors, serving the university's faculty and staff

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Ichon Stn. (Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

※ Closed for one year for renovation.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongdaemun Stn. (Lines 1, 4)

Set in Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park, the Seoul City Wall Museum covers the history and culture of the city wall from the Joseon period to today, with permanent and special exhibition halls, an archive and a study room. The Seoul City Wall

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A museum devoted to farming, where traditional tools and the history of Korea's agricultural culture can be seen at a glance.

Museum · Jung-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)

Founded by Shinhan Bank in 1997, Korea's first museum devoted to financial history offers an overview of the country's banking development and helps the general public and students understand it.

Museum · Eunpyeong-gu · Gupabal Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Hanyang Univ. Stn. (Line 2), Exit 2, 2-min walk

Since its founding in 1978, Hanyang University Museum has continuously excavated, collected, preserved and researched valuable cultural heritage.

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

The memorial hall displays the life, achievements and personal effects of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, independence activist, visionary and enduring teacher of the Korean people, along with a range of programmes.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

Established to honour the spirit and will of Ahn Jung-geun, who gave his life fighting for Korea's independence under Japanese rule, and managed by the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Association. Built in 1970, the hall opened in 1971.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Daeheung Stn. (Line 6)

Total floor area of 99.194 sq m, with a collection of some 1,500 objects. Opened on 2 February 1974.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Yangjae Stn. (Line 3, Sinbundang Line)

A systematic record of more than 100 years of Korean electricity history, preserving it and conveying the value of electric power.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Founded in May 1989 to foster a correct understanding and transmission of Korean traditional thought and to redefine the historical mission of the Catholic Church in Korea.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The Seonjamdan altar site, Historic Site No. 83, is where Lady Seoreung was honoured as the goddess of sericulture and rites were held during the Joseon dynasty.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies Stn. (Line 1)

Open since 1978, the museum addresses the distance from nature created by industrialisation and urbanisation.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sookmyung Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Opened on 10 June 1971 around some 300 artefacts collected and held by Sookmyung Women's University, the museum covers culture, art and antiquities.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Korea's first natural history museum, with a total floor area of 1,980 sq m and a collection of about 57,000 specimens.

Museum · Nowon-gu · Bonghwasan Stn. (Line 6)

Korea's only museum specialising in military history, devoted to collecting, preserving, exhibiting and researching military cultural heritage.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Jegi-dong Stn. (Line 1)

Located on the site of Bojewon, a Joseon-era relief and medical institution, in Korea's largest herbal medicine distribution district, this district-run museum of Dongdaemun-gu displays traditional Korean medicine artefacts and medicinal herbs.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Yonsei University Museum, with its long history and tradition, opened in 1924.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sookmyung Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Dedicated to raising appreciation and awareness of embroidery and textile art, the museum has exhibition halls, a library, a dyeing conservation lab, classrooms and an information centre for display, education and research.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

The Buddhist Art Museum's inaugural special exhibition is the first in the Three Jewels series on Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, built around the theme of 'Buddha' and the idea that anyone can become one.

Museum · Jongno-gu

The collection brings together relics gathered by founder Dr. Bae Sang-myung, donations from Kim Dae-hwan, Fukuda Eiko and other supporters, and finds from excavations and site surveys.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Officially opened on 28 March 2019.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A museum where you can see and hear the regional folk songs that carry the sentiment of the Korean people.

Museum · Dobong-gu · Ssangmun Stn. (Line 4)

Museum · Jongno-gu · 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 · Gangseo-gu · Gayang Stn. (Line 9)

Museum · Dongjak-gu · Nodeul Stn. (Line 9)

A space honoring the loyalty of the Six Martyred Ministers and other subjects who gave their lives to restore Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon. The first floor has a screening room showing a documentary drawn from their records, plus an educational area.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2)

The museum holds Lee Han-yeol's personal effects along with materials from the June 1987 Democracy Movement.

Museum · Gangbuk-gu · 4.19 Democratic Cemetery Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sangwolgok Stn. (Line 6)

Culture space · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4)

A small theater that is comfortable for artists and safe for audiences.

Museum · Guro-gu · Guro Digital Complex Stn. (Line 2)

The museum traces the area's story from the old Guro Industrial Complex to today's Seoul Digital Industrial Complex.

Museum · Gwangjin-gu · Children's Grand Park Stn. (Line 7)

When the school was reorganized as Sejong University in 1979, the museum was renamed the Sejong Museum.

Museum · Jongno-gu

The museum organizes and preserves source materials on Korean contemporary art, provides art information, and tracks currents in the art world based on accurate records.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Since opening in 1955, the museum has centered on archaeology, history and folklore.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Hangangjin Stn. (Line 6)

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The former residence of the Seoul mayor in Hyehwa-dong, remodelled and reopened as an exhibition and information center on the Hanyang City Wall.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)

Personal effects and records of Lee Jong-kun, founder of Chong Kun Dang.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

Founded by the Jogye Order, Korea's leading Buddhist order, and opened in 2007. It sits near Jogyesa, the central temple of Korean Buddhism, and the Joseon-era palaces Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A designated historic site, Gyeonghuigung served as a secondary palace in the late Joseon period.

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Stn. (Lines 2, 4, 5)

In October 1925, Gyeongseong Stadium first opened on the eastern side of the Hanyang City Wall.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Bukchon Hanok Cheong is a public hanok on the hillside at 11 Gahoe-dong, a rare sight in Bukchon.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 2002, the museum collects and exhibits minhwa folk paintings that capture the lives and wishes of ordinary people.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum displays materials tracing the history of Korean medicine, helping students of the field deepen their specialist knowledge.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Nakseonjae stands on the boundary between Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. The large Nakseonjae sits at the far left, with Seokbokheon and Sugangjae adjoining to its right, and flower beds behind them.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2)

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Hakdong Stn. (Line 7)

Opened in August 2000 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Korea Customs Service, the museum preserves the history of customs houses and customs administration and promotes the agency's standing and international image.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

A specialist institution for collecting, preserving and providing access to arts records, the ARKO Arts Archive gathers, conserves and makes available key documents tracing the course of modern and contemporary Korean art history.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Historic site · Mapo-gu · Mangwon Stn. (Line 6)

National Registered Cultural Heritage No. 413 / Built in 1972.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

Sujeongjeon stands west of Geunjeongjeon, with Gyeonghoeru Pavilion to its north.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Bukhansan Bogungmun Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Welcome to the Garden of Tea.

Museum · Gwanak-gu · Gwanaksan Stn. (Sillim Line)

Excavated artefacts from major sites including Jeongok-ri in Yeoncheon, Osan-ri in Yangyang, Heunam-ri in Yeoju, the Goguryeo fortresses around Achasan, and the Seokchon-dong Tombs and Mongchontoseong Fortress in Seoul, along with the Geunyeokhwahwi albums compiled by Oh Se-chang.

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)

An exhibition space in the heart of Gwanghwamun where history comes alive, devoted to King Sejong, the 4th king of Joseon, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Imjin War, the two figures Koreans most respect and take pride in.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4)

The royal edict establishing Daehan Hospital; early 20th-century medical instruments, medicines and books; the clock from the Daehan Hospital clock tower, and more.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Designated a Treasure on January 21, 1963.

Museum · Yeongdeungpo-gu · Saetgang Stn. (Line 9, Sillim Line)

Museum · Dongjak-gu · Soongsil Univ. Stn. (Line 7)

Holdings include National Treasure No. 141, a fine-lined bronze mirror with knobs; National Treasure No. 231, a set of Bronze Age casting moulds; and Treasure No. 569, the calligraphy of patriot Ahn Jung-geun.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Jamsil Stn. (Lines 2, 8)

Culture space · Mapo-gu · 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.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 1995, this is Korea's only museum devoted to traditional Korean music, displaying a wide range of gugak artifacts and instruments.

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

The museum honors the scholarship and virtue of the great master Tanheo, who reconciled the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, displaying his personal effects, books and translated works.

Museum · Dobong-gu · Solbat Park Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Devoted to Kim Soo-young, Korea's leading poet of freedom, in the area where he wrote during his lifetime.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · 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.

Historic site · Jung-gu · Sindang Stn. (Lines 2, 6)

National Registered Cultural Heritage No. 412.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Hongik Univ. Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum's collection spans archaeological artifacts to modern and contemporary painting, sculpture and ceramics, with a focus on exhibitions, research and education.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Displays 45 structural remains of the Joseon-era Gungisi military armory and modern buildings unearthed during construction of Seoul City Hall, along with some 143 related artifacts including the Joseon cannon Bullanggi Japo (Treasure No. 861-2).

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Historic site · Dobong-gu · Bukhansan Ui Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sinyongsan Stn. (Line 4)

Housed in the former Yongsan Railway Hospital, a century-old modern building preserved as intact as possible, the museum was reborn as a local museum telling the urban history and cultural diversity of Yongsan.

Museum · Jung-gu · Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4)

The museum collects and studies the belongings and records of sisters who devoted their lives to spreading the Christian message in new cultures, conveying Christian culture through the visual language of exhibition.

Historic site · Gangbuk-gu · Bukhansan Ui Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Bonghwanggak stands in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul.

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Stn. (Lines 2, 4, 5)

The museum presents finds excavated during the creation of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Museum · Jung-gu · 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.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum surveys, collects, preserves and exhibits materials on Korean and international history, archaeology, folklore and art, as well as cultural properties related to the history of Seoul.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sungshin Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4, Ui-Sinseol Line)

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongguk Univ. Stn. (Line 3)

Dongguk University Museum opened on 1 September 1963, with the late Dr. Hwang Su-yong as its first director.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Korea Univ. Stn. (Line 6)

The first university museum in Korea, this general museum holds some 100,000 items spanning history, archaeology, folklore and art.

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Korea refused to be defeated by the ruin and poverty left by the Korean War and achieved economic growth that astonished the world. The hall traces how the country's land and infrastructure changed and grew after the war.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Yangjae Citizen's Forest Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

Notice of closure for exhibition hall renovation work.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A restaurant turned museum.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sangwolgok Stn. (Line 6)

The university museum opened on 27 May 1977.

Museum · Dobong-gu · 4.19 Democratic Cemetery Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Established in May 1971, the museum began as a small exhibition room of about 40 pyeong on the 7th floor of Building D on the Unni-dong campus.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

History

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states that the nation 'upholds the legacy of the Provisional Government born of the March First Independence Movement.' This memorial hall embodies that constitutional spirit.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Namyeong Stn. (Line 1)

The new Democracy Movement Memorial Hall (37 Hangang-daero 71-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) occupies a former state torture facility.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Hyochang Park Stn. (Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Closed for exhibition hall renovation: 21 October - 31 December 2024 (scheduled).

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Home to Hwaam Hall, a performance venue.

Museum · Eunpyeong-gu · Bulgwang Stn. (Lines 3, 6)

A new kind of literary venue open to all, the hall honours the literary legacy of writer Lee Ho-cheol and serves as a cultural complex where literature and the arts come together.

Library · Yongsan-gu · Samgakji Stn. (Lines 4, 6)

A reading room on the second floor of the War Memorial of Korea, known for window seats looking out to Namsan, with a specialist archive on the Korean War.

Culture space · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

An exhibition hall in front of Cheong Wa Dae, with free permanent and special exhibitions on Korea's past presidents and Korean culture.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

A memorial to the poet Yun Dong-ju on the slopes of Inwangsan, converted from the former Cheongun water pressure station. The adjoining Poet's Hill offers views over Seoul.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

A literature museum devoted to writers who lived or stayed in Seongbuk and to the area's literary history. Easy to pair with the Seongbuk-dong arts and culture walking route.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 1, 1-min walk

Korea's first public craft museum, free to visit. Right by Anguk Station, with a large courtyard and a children's museum.

Museum · Jongno-gu · 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.

Park · Jung-gu · Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4)

A forested park at the heart of the city. The loop trail is well shaded, with drinking fountains and toilets along the way, and the summit offers sweeping views of Seoul.

Museum · Nowon-gu · Taereung Stn. (Lines 6, 7)

A free museum recreating Seoul household life from the 1960s to the 1980s. The old classroom, barbershop and "my car" era displays are favourites.

Historic site · Gangseo-gu · Gaehwasan Stn. (Line 5)

A city temple on Gaehwasan that Gyeomjae Jeong Seon once painted. See the stone pagoda and Buddha, then walk Gaehwasan, all free.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Jangji Stn. (Line 8)

A free museum devoted to books. Popular for indoor outings thanks to the Bookium children's activity space and reading lounge.

Park · Seocho-gu · Seocho Stn. (Line 2)

A thickly wooded free trail in the heart of Seocho. Cross Nuedari Bridge for a 3km walk through to Montmartre Park.

Historic site · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

A 1,600-year-old temple said to date from the reign of King Chimnyu of Baekje. A quiet, free retreat on the slopes of Umyeonsan.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Samgakji Stn. (Lines 4, 6)

The free outdoor display of tanks, fighter jets and warships is a huge hit with children. The indoor permanent galleries are free too.

Museum · Jongno-gu · 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.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

Hands-on exhibits like trying on uniforms and mock investigations make it a hit with kids. A 5-minute walk from Dilkusha.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Free museum in the 1916 red-brick East Hall, Korea's first modern school. Combine with a stroll along Jeongdong-gil and Deoksugung.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Yongdap Stn. (Line 2)

Built atop a working sewage treatment plant, with views of the underground facilities. A good rainy-day outing for kids.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Seoul Forest Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Free museum at Korea's first modern water purification plant, the 1908 Ttukdo pumping station. The red-brick pump house is a heritage site; near Seoul Forest.

Mountain & trail · Gwangjin-gu · Achasan Stn. (Line 5)

A celebrated peak where Goguryeo outpost ruins line the ridge. A 1.5-hour round trip with superb Han River views.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

The Bukchon hanok where Korean painter Jedang Bae Ryeom lived. A registered cultural heritage site with its main and guest quarters open to visitors, easy to combine with a walk along Gyedong-gil.

Culture space · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4)

Inside Marronnier Park, a modern-era building used by the Arts Council Korea as a multipurpose cultural space. The lounge and cafe are good spots for a break.

Viewpoint · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

A free viewing and rest deck on the roof of the former Cecil Theater, now Jeongdong Theater Cecil. It faces the Romanesque roof of Seoul Anglican Cathedral at eye level, making it a favorite photo spot, and pairs well with a walk along Deoksugung and Jeongdong-gil. Just climb the stairs; open to all at no charge.

Historic site · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

The private residence of Heungseon Daewongun, where King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong held their wedding ceremony. Admission free, right outside Anguk Station Exit 4.

Historic site · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The hanok Han Yong-un built facing north so as to turn his back on the Japanese Government-General. A small historic site that pairs well with a walk up the Seongbuk-dong hills.

Park · Jungnang-gu · Yangwon Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

A cemetery park where modern figures such as Han Yong-un and Bang Jeong-hwan are buried. The 5.2 km circular Path of Contemplation is especially good in autumn.

Historic site · Songpa-gu · Mongchontoseong Stn. (Line 8)

An earthen fortress of Hanseong Baekje inside Olympic Park. A 2.7 km dirt path runs along the grassy ridge, and the famous Lone Tree photo spot is here.

Museum · Jongno-gu · 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.

Museum · Jung-gu · Chungjeongno Stn. (Line 2)

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.

Culture space · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A hanok in the heart of Bukchon offering traditional culture classes. Free even if you just look around the courtyard, and a good starting point for a Bukchon walk.

Historic site · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

National Treasure No. 1 and the south gate of the Seoul City Wall. Open free of charge up onto the wall, with a changing of the guard ceremony on weekdays.

Park · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

A broad lawn plaza at the foot of Namsan. It connects directly to a stretch of the Seoul City Wall and can be reached on foot from Myeong-dong.

Culture space · Jongno-gu

A traditional culture space in Buam-dong. Built using materials from the old Ojinam hanok, with the courtyard and exhibitions free to look around.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

An exhibition hall devoted to Korean archery, next to Hwanghakjeong. See how bows and arrows are made, then watch actual shooting at the archery range alongside.

Stream & walk · Seongdong-gu · Ttukseom Stn. (Line 2)

A walking path at the confluence of the Jungnangcheon and Cheonggyecheon streams. Salgoji Bridge, the longest stone bridge of the Joseon era, sits midway along.

Stream & walk · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

The Inwangsan valley that appears in Jeong Seon's paintings. Open free of charge since its restoration, 10 minutes from the lanes of Seochon.

Park · Yongsan-gu · Seobinggo Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The first section opened from the returned US military base. You can walk through the former officers' housing Complex 5 just as it was.

Culture space · Jungnang-gu · Yangwon Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

An exhibition and archive space at the entrance to Mangu History and Culture Park. Worth reading up on the figures buried here before walking the grounds.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Mongchontoseong Stn. (Line 8)

A hands-on children's museum about the Hanseong Baekje era. Opened in 2024, inside Olympic Park.

Culture space · Jongno-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Where Kim Gu worked and was assassinated. Restored to its original form inside Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, free to visit.

Library · Jongno-gu · Sinseol-dong Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

A hanok library built reusing some 3,000 roof tiles salvaged from the Donuimun New Town demolition, tucked into a Sungin-dong alley near Sinseol-dong Station.

Library · Guro-gu · Oryu-dong Stn. (Line 1)

A Guro-gu municipal children's library in a hanok, with traditional culture programs that make it a good outing with kids.