Seoul can be very expensive, mainly because there are so many things to buy: little cute stickers, clothes, more stationery, K-pop albums, souvenirs, beauty products, and more. That’s why you need to know what to do if you don’t want to spend more money in Seoul but still see different things that are worth a visit, just in a more budget-friendly way.

These are the cheap things to do in Seoul:

• DDP: This hyper-modern building is completely free to visit and offers a unique place to chill, relax, explore, and take photos. You will be amazed by this crazy building, which often has different pop-ups and things to do while visiting.

• Gyeongbok Palace: This is probably the most famous palace in Seoul, and it is free if you enter wearing a hanbok, which does cost something, but is worth every penny if you consider walking around a palace in stunning traditional clothes. It’s not just the palace but also the garden that is included in the entrance, with many possibilities for amazing photos.

• Seoul Forest: I love this area so much. This is probably the biggest park in Seoul and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is what it says—a forest where you can enjoy your time. The nearby city area is also worth a visit because of its many themed cafés and cute shops, not far from my building.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-visit if you’re in Seoul. The rich history and the little traditional houses are so charming. Walking around the alleyways is just mesmerizing, but be aware of the many steps and steep walks—the view will be worth it.

• Namsan Tower: If you’re up for a hike with a great view, then you should definitely go up this park to get a panoramic view of Seoul. You can also decide whether to go up Namsan Tower, but honestly the view from below is also really pretty, especially at night, as shown in many dramas and TV shows. There’s even a 7-Eleven up there for a quick snack while enjoying the view.

• Cheonggyecheon Stream: One of my favorite places in Seoul is the little river flowing through the city. Perfect for a walk, especially in summer. I loved walking along it, it’s so unique to have this kind of stream running below street level with platforms and green areas where you can relax.

• Gyeongui Line Forest Park: Also a cute little park, perfect for a relaxing walk!

• Convenience Stores: You’ve probably seen many food vlogs from 7-Eleven in Japan or South Korea. The food is inexpensive, and stopping there often is so much cheaper than anywhere else. Plus, it’s a great experience, whether you prepare ramen right there or grab a sweet treat. It’s so fun to try all the different things we don’t have at home.

• Free K-pop Dance Classes: Around Seoul, you’ll find a few free K-pop dance classes. Of course, not from the famous One Million Studio, but if you just want to do it for fun or don’t care who’s teaching, this is perfect.

• Karaoke: Not completely free, but very inexpensive compared to many other activities. Going for a karaoke night with friends is always fun, you just sing your lungs out. There are cheap and more expensive options, but some are really budget-friendly.

• PC Bangs: Surprisingly inexpensive in Seoul. PC Bangs let you play computer games for as long as you want. They even deliver food to your seat while you’re gaming! I loved the concept so much. Back in my study days, we went there too, but we didn’t actually know how to play much, lol. At least the ramen were amazing though.

• Museums (National Museum, War Memorial, etc.): Not many travel vlogs talk about the museums in Seoul, but I really enjoyed the National Museum, it’s free! I learned so much more about Korean history, which I think is really important when visiting.

• Hangang River: Enjoy a good day along the Han River and in the surrounding parks. Get some food, rent a bike, and soak in the vibes (and the many couples everywhere, lol).

• Museum of Art in Seoul: This museum was also free. We went there just for fun and ended up seeing some impressive works. It wasn’t the best modern art museum I’ve been to, but if you’re interested in modern art, it’s worth visiting.

• Naksanpark and Seoul City Wall Trail: Famous from many K-dramas, this skywalk is very romantic in the evening and a great spot to relax away from the chaos of the city. You can watch city life from there and just enjoy a nice chat.

• Street of Pop Art K-pop Figures: A must for K-pop fans, especially of older groups. Along this street near Apgujeong, there are big bear-like figures designed for different K-pop groups where you can take photos and guess which group they belong to.

• Coex Mall Library: Highly recommend visiting Coex Mall for shopping and stopping by this library for photos. It looks super cool, though you can’t actually reach the highest books. Still, it’s free and very impressive in person.

• Gangnam Style Statue & Handprints outside Coex Mall: Right outside Coex Mall you’ll find a huge golden Gangnam Style statue, which even plays the song really loud if you want! Very funny. Nearby are also many handprints of famous Korean stars to take pictures with.

• Free Walking Tours: Seoul also offers great free walking tours. Perfect if you want to learn more background and niche facts about the city.

• Photobooths: This also falls into the category not free but more on the cheaper side is to go into photobooths with your friends. You can pose and take many cool photos together as an memorie of this amazing time. I loved this so much and Seoul has so many different themes of those as well.

Isn’t this the coolest thing ever? I first did some photobooths in Seoul and now everywhere when I see one somewhere else, I just have to take pictures there. I love it and I also now have all my friends obsessed as well!

Extra Budget Tips

• T-money Card: You can also tap in and out with your bank card, but it saves a lot of money if you buy a T-money card at 7-Eleven (and they come in cute designs). Some people even collect them, like the famous shirtless Jungkook ones you might need to order on Etsy before arriving. You just reload the card from time to time, and it works out cheaper than using your own bank card.

• Tax Refund: This is super helpful. In South Korea the minimum spending amount for tax refund is low (about 28,000 won). I didn’t take it too seriously at first and sometimes missed it by just a bit, like spending 27,000 won instead. Make sure to reach the minimum! Also, if possible, get your tax refund immediately at the store, because if you wait until the airport, you’ll usually get it in Korean won rather than refunded to your bank account.

I hope you enjoyed this little guide of free or budget-friendly things to do in Seoul. Let me know which ones you liked most and which you didn’t.

Live a life to remember in Seoul!