If you're looking for awesome adventures around the world on a tight budget, you've come to the right place. So, let's get started, My goal is to show you 10 amazing things to do in Seoul on a tight budget.
National Museum of History
The National Museum of History is the perfect place to start your trip to South Korea. There you can learn the history of the country and escape from the vagaries of the weather. Plus, entry is free and you'll get a free audio guide in exchange for your passport or ID. I highly recommend visiting this museum at the beginning of your stay in South Korea to better understand the history of this region. It's amazing how many times Seoul has been rebuilt over the years, and each time it has gotten better. What an incredible city! I can't wait to move on to the next stop.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Walking a few steps from the museum, we arrive at our second stop. You can guess where we are by looking at the ancient walls around us. Behind me is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which has been a royal residence at various times over the centuries. Entrance costs only 1,000 Won, which is very affordable. This palace is unique in its combination of traditional Korean, neoclassical and colonial architecture. The combination of different architectural styles reflects the cultural and historical changes that shaped Korea in different eras. It's definitely an interesting place to visit, and well worth it despite the entrance fee.
Namdaemun Market
After admiring the history and historical buildings of the palace, we can leave the site and head to Namdaemun Market. This market is one of the oldest in Seoul, having existed since 1905. It offers many snacks, dishes, street food stalls, small restaurants and other shops. You will find everything in this lively market. Treat yourself by tasting local specialties and strolling through the aisles. The best time to enjoy the cuisine offered by this market is brunch or lunch. Don't miss this experience if you visit Seoul, it's truly a must-do.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Let's continue our visit with the Hanok Village of Bukchon, famous for its traditional atmosphere and its well-preserved narrow streets. Entrance is free, and it's a place you should definitely visit if you like shopping in quaint boutiques and wandering old streets. This place offers a true immersion into Korea's traditional past. Add it to your visit list.
Gwangjang Market
Our next stop is Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest markets in Seoul having been in existence since 1905. There you will find many stalls selling snacks, meals, street food, small restaurants and many other shops . This market is very busy, but it is worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to take a tour and taste the local specialties.
Seoul City Wall Trail
One of the best things to do in Seoul is to hike the City Wall Trail. I usually do it around sunset to enjoy incredible views. This trail isn't very well marked, but you just follow the city walls back to the starting point and return to the same spot to complete the loop. This will take approximately 3-4 hours. You won't get a panoramic view of the entire city, but you will still be able to see beautiful views at certain points along the trail.
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park is one of the few national parks located so close to a capital city, and that is why it is one of the most visited parks in the world. Entrance is free, and it offers numerous hiking trails. Today we climb to the fourth highest peak, Mount Ansan. It's amazing to find yourself here after a short train ride. If you are in a hurry during your trip to South Korea and have to choose between visiting this park or spending an extra day exploring temples, markets and quaint villages, I recommend coming here. This is truly an essential stop.
The demilitarized zone (DMZ)
Here we are now at the heart of Korean history, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates North Korea from South Korea. This place is full of history, and I can't wait to show it to you. Our first stop is the Liberty Bridge, where prisoners of war were transferred at the end of the war between the North and the South. Once you crossed the bridge from North Korea, you were prohibited from going back, and vice versa for both countries. This train once connected North and South Korea and passed through the Freedom Bridge.
Another interesting view of the area is from the Freedom Bridge Observatory where you can see both the South Korean and North Korean sides of the Demilitarized Zone. You will also be able to see the fake propaganda village in North Korea, as well as the third largest city in the country. There are also two flagpoles where each of the countries builds and rebuilds their flag to make it bigger. Currently, North Korea holds the largest flag with a height of 160 meters.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is our next stop. This palace was built in 1395, it is one of the oldest and most traditional in all of South Korea. It is essential to visit it during a trip to South Korea. The palace grounds are huge, it will take you at least an hour to walk around it, take selfies and learn more about its history. There are so many buildings, walls and things to see. It is truly a magnificent palace to add to your itinerary.
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