Seoul is surprisingly cheap to explore, and right now it's even cheaper: from October 29 to November 15, 2026, general admission to the four royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and the Joseon royal tombs is free during the Korea Grand Festival. Add free national museums, hanok neighborhoods, city walls and river parks, and you can fill several days for 0 won. Here are 10 places, with the closed days that trip people up.
The big one: palaces free until November 15
From October 29 to November 15, 2026, the Korea Heritage Service waives the general admission fee at:
| Place | Regular closed day | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | Tuesday | The largest palace; start here |
| Changdeokgung | Monday | Secret Garden tour is still paid |
| Changgyeonggung | Monday | Quiet, good in autumn |
| Deoksugung | Monday | Right by City Hall |
| Jongmyo Shrine | Tuesday | No reservation needed during this period (normally timed guided tours) |
Special tours, night openings and other paid reservation programs are not included. Regular closed days still apply, so don't plan Gyeongbokgung for a Tuesday.
After November 15: regular fees return (adults: Gyeongbokgung 3,000 won; Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung 1,000 won). You can still get in free if you wear a hanbok, if you're 18 or under or 65+, or on Culture Day — the last Wednesday of every month (official Royal Palaces and Tombs Center rules). For hanbok, both traditional and modern styles count, but you need both a top (jeogori) and a bottom (skirt or pants), with ties or buttons fastened. Half a hanbok — a jeogori with jeans, or a hanbok skirt with a T-shirt — doesn't count.
Free museums
6. National Museum of Korea
The permanent galleries are free (special exhibitions cost extra). It's huge, so pick a few halls. It stays open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and closes on January 1, Lunar New Year's Day and Chuseok, plus a few Mondays a year for maintenance.
Korean media reported in September 2026 that the government plans to start charging admission next year, so enjoy it free while you can.
Free neighborhoods and walks
7. Bukchon Hanok Village
Tiled-roof houses on sloping lanes between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. It's free, but it's a residential area: the busiest lanes are open to tourists 10:00–17:00 only, and visiting outside those hours can be fined.
8. Naksan Park and the Seoul City Wall
A free walk along the old city wall, beautiful at sunset and after dark. From Hyehwa Station it's an uphill walk of about 15–20 minutes. KPop Demon Hunters fans will recognize it; see our KPop Demon Hunters locations guide.
9. Cheonggyecheon Stream
A stream walk through central Seoul, right below street level. Easy to combine with Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and Myeongdong.
10. Han River parks
Picnic lawns, bike paths and city views along the river. Bring convenience-store snacks and stay for sunset.
A free day, put together
| Time | Place | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | Gyeongbokgung (not Tuesday) | Free until Nov 15 / free in hanbok |
| 12:00 | Bukchon lanes | Free (before 17:00) |
| 14:00 | Changdeokgung or Jongmyo | Free until Nov 15 |
| 16:30 | Cheonggyecheon walk | Free |
| 18:30 | Naksan Park city wall at sunset | Free |
Your only cost is transport. If you'll ride a lot, the Climate Card tourist pass gives unlimited subway and bus rides from 5,000 won a day.
When paying is worth it
Free days are great, but some top sights aren't free: theme parks, observatories and aquariums. If those are on your list, check whether the Discover Seoul Pass saves you money.
FAQ
Do I need to book the palaces during the free period?
No booking is needed for general admission. Jongmyo switches to free self-guided visits without reservations during this period. Paid programs like the Changdeokgung Secret Garden still need tickets.
Can I wear rented hanbok for free entry after November 15?
Yes. The official guideline gives free entry to anyone in a full hanbok (top and bottom, traditional or modern). Rental shops near Gyeongbokgung are common.
Are the palaces open every day?
No. Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo close on Tuesdays; Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung close on Mondays.
Final word
If you're in Seoul between October 29 and November 15, 2026, make the palaces and Jongmyo your first stop: they're free. Any other time, wear hanbok for free palace entry, then fill your days with free museums, hanok lanes, city walls and the Han River.