THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Seoul
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Seoul
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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201 results sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Jung-gu
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Open now
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Gwanghwamun / Jongno
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Insadong
Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Samcheongdong / Bukchon
Bodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas
Gwanghwamun / Jongno
Libraries
Samseongdong / COEX
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Dongdaemun / Sindangdong
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
Gwanghwamun / Jongno
Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues
Gwanghwamun / Jongno
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Jongno-gu
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Gwanghwamun / Jongno
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Myeongdong
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Showing results 1-30 of 201
What travellers are saying
- 3DMatrixLondon, UK757 contributionsWe stopped by Gyeongbokgung Palace as part of our city tour with Jessie at MySeoulTrip, primarily to watch the royal guard changing ceremony. It turned out to be one of the more memorable stops of the day and is definitely worth visiting if you're in Seoul.
We were informed that Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most significant of Seoul’s palaces, once serving as the main residence of the Joseon dynasty. If you’re planning to visit only one palace, this is the one to see. It’s centrally located with plenty to see.
We saw a lot of visitors wearing hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire. I can imagine that renting a hanbok enhances the experience and has the added benefit of waiving the entrance fee. It all adds to the palace’s charm and perhaps gives a glimpse of what it might have felt like centuries ago.
The guard changing ceremony is not to be missed. I'm a huge fan of tradition and long standing traditional rituals; watching the change of the guards was quite something.
For those visiting during the intense August humidity like we did, the on-site museums—the Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum—are air-conditioned, free to enter and offer a reprieve from the humidity.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking.
Gyeongbokgung Palace offers history, culture, and a sense of serenity. We enjoyed our visit and I believe most visitors will.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cam B1 contributionWe had a great time exploring Myeongdong Shopping Street! The lively atmosphere, colorful shops, and street food stalls made it so much fun. From beauty products to trendy clothes, there was so much to see and buy. The delicious tteokbokki and hotteok were a highlight. Highly recommended!Written 14 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- missjojo2018Sydney, Australia401 contributionsWe took the Namsan cable car up to the area. We took time walking around the area as it has amazing views of the city. There are no crowds or queue to go up to the Seoul Tower. We were lucky that it was a clear day and the views are amazing.Written 17 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben KingLondon, UK342 contributionsThis is a really cool spot. At first you notice the big statues, which are inspiring alone, then you see this huge square covered in flags from all over the world. Each flag is a testament to the specific countries that aided South Korea in the Korean War. As you move further along the memorial you can see dozens of real life war machines that were used during this conflict. Planes, tanks, and there’s even a ship you can walk through and explore. It’s a cool spot to seeWritten 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ChrisMartinez, CA523 contributionsLocated right off of one of the busiest streets here, Yulgok, the palace entrance can be found on this road, but there is also a back entrance as well, but that’s quite a bit away as this area is huge.
The place was definitely more accessible than most places I’ve been to in other countries where you really couldn’t get super close to most places to see the insides of the buildings as they’re lined off and such, or there’s a net or something to obstruct the view. Here, no such issue, albeit, you still can’t really go inside these places, but still, quite up and personal for the majority of the buildings.
It is a bit confusing as there’s several places to visit in this park, but each place needs a separate ticket to get in. If your plan is to go through all of the places, or go from one end of this very large area to the other, you’ll have to at least enter both the palace area halves, though, these are both the cheaper tickets. The Secret Garden ticket alone costs more than both combined.
All 3 areas have their appeals. I will reference them according to Joseon Kdramas as the measuring stick.
The side where you enter in from Yulgok is the area mostly where you see military training areas, but courtyards, etc. The other side is where all the palaces for where royalty stay are and also those huge gardens where the king will walk through usually. The secret garden has a lot of the secret meeting places, by lakes, in random tea areas to discuss strategies, or something to that effect.
Overall, especially if you like Kdramas of the Joseon era, this is quite the accessible place to get your nerd on. If you just want to sight see an appreciate history, this is also a great place for that.Written 31 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fionaalfaBelfast, UK72 contributionsOutstanding place of beauty and great walks too. I was on a guided tour and the walk wasn’t too long (about 3 hours) and terrain varied but not too difficult - very achievable in a day. I was in a tour bus and defo would not want to take a car as roads and car parks all very busy. Nice range of cafes and good amenities too - queues tend to move quickly.Written 25 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 3DMatrixLondon, UK757 contributionsInsadong was one of the most interesting areas we explored. The main street, Insadong-gil, is lined with shops selling traditional crafts, tea houses, art galleries, and restaurants, while the smaller alleys hold the real gems—from modern galleries to cozy tea shops.
Historically, it was Korea’s largest market for antiques and artwork. Elements of its past are clearly still retained through its modernization, with its cultural charm shining through. Exploring the backstreets with our local tour guide felt far more authentic and gave us a glimpse of the “real” Insadong.
With its eclectic mix of venues, styles, and price ranges, Insadong has something for everyone. It’s a great place to stroll, discover, and soak up Korean culture—trendy yet full of character, and well worth a visit.Written 14 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Phui HIpoh, Malaysia69 contributionsThis is a top tier museum. We visited the permanent exhibition and learnt so much about SK and the previous dynasty. When we arrived, we were dumbfounded by the architecture of the building. The entry framed the Namsan Tower. It was magnificent view on a clear day. As we enter the building there are more architecture structure we can observe apart from history items. We spent a few hours here. Sadly, we need to move on to other places so we skipped the Children Museum.Written 7 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carla5 contributionsYou should try to find a cafe uphill, and stay in there. The crowd outside makes the place difficult to enjoy. Avoid late afternoons. I would suggest the cafe situated on 35-35 Samcheong-dong, Jongno District, Seoul.Written 20 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 3DMatrixLondon, UK757 contributionsWe visited Cheonggyecheon Stream as part of our walking tour with Jessie at MySeoulTrip. The stream is picturesque and we found it perfect for walking and relaxing. It provided a much-needed reprieve from the intense humidity of the day as we sat by the water with our feet dipped in.
With its gentle, babbling flow, waterfalls, painted murals, and plenty of trees, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a peaceful urban retreat. There are stepping stones for crossing the stream, frequent stairways, and elevators at some entrances that make it easily accessible. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding—whether you’re alone with a book, catching up with friends, or taking a quiet stroll.
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a simple yet thoughtful space and a great example of urban renewal done right.Written 14 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ben KingLondon, UK342 contributionsA must do if you’re in Seoul but you have to walk it!! It only takes 45 minutes (one way) and it’s not too steep. As you get higher and higher, you’ll be stunned with amazing views of the city and beautiful autumn trees. Head for the cable car entrance and turn right, there’s a big brick wall called the Seoul city limit which you can follow all the way up to the top of the mountain and to the tower. A really nice way to spend a couple of hours as the afternoon turns into the eveningWritten 24 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NatariAlmaty, Kazakhstan40 contributionsThis place is for you if…if you want to drown into peace and spend some time with yourself. I recommend going to this place on your own, as it’s quite sacred and doesn’t require rush. The hidden pearl of this temple is a huge Buddha statue.
By the way, don’t forget to pay a visit to a nice little store with special souvenirs at the entrance of the templeWritten 16 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - thisgirl_GrayLos Angeles, CA2,632 contributionsLocated inside the COEX Mall in Gangnam, Starfield Library is a large public bookstore where anyone can come to sit down, take a break, read, and/or buy books. They offer a wide selection of books and magazines in various genres so you should be able to find something of interest. Many people come just to take pictures, although I came for children's books and they did not have what I was looking for but it was a good experience.Written 28 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brian MWatford, UK10 contributionsBeautiful layout particular with the Christmas decorations.So many books in a relatively small space. Variety of books from different countries, didn’t explore how you take a book out. Plenty of shops and restaurants around to make a day of visit.Written 16 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ed_UyeshimaSan Francisco, CA2,975 contributionsIf historical royal palaces and claustrophobic street markets are not your thing, you may want to explore this stylish, neo-futuristic design plaza. Open since 2014, the undulating architecture reminded me of Frank Gehry’s work, but it was designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid who won a design contest several years earlier to replace a stadium with a public park. Made of concrete, aluminum, steel, and stone, the main building looks like a floating mushroom with curving forms that transition into walkways, bridges, and tunnels. There are upscale shops and popular eateries within the complex as well as walkable parks on top of the buildings. A very cool space, quite Instagrammable.Written 12 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
