If you plan to visit Seoul, consider taking a free walking tour to learn more about the city. In addition to all the pay-what-you-wish options, this post will cover some paid sightseeing tours.
Overview
Free walking tours are guided tours offered in many cities around the world, where the guide charges no upfront cost. Instead, participants pay what they feel the time was worth at the end, usually as a tip to the guide.
In Seoul, South Korea, these free walking tours provide a rich and affordable way to explore the city's vibrant culture and history.
Lasting typically 2 to 3 hours, these tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories about Seoul's past and present.
Tipping the guide, usually around $10-$20, is customary as per your satisfaction with the tour. There are many tours to choose from, each with a unique focus.
For instance, history tours delve into Seoul's past; food and pub crawls introduce you to local cuisine and nightlife; ghost tours reveal eerie tales, and evening tours showcase the city's beauty after dark.
Each tour offers a unique lens to experience the multifaceted charm of Seoul.
Why trust us?
Free Tours by Foot has been an authority on name your own price tours and budget travel for more than a decade. Team member and tour guide, Canden Arciniega, lived in Seoul for a year teaching English at PSA in Bundang.
An avid traveller, she spend weekends and holidays exploring the South Korean capital's hiking trails, temples, and festivals.
She lived off dakkochi (popular street chicken skewers) and spend a lot of time shopping in Myeong-dong.
Seoul History Tours
Seoul history tours offer a captivating journey through time, tracing the city's evolution from its origins as a 14th-century capital to the bustling metropolis we see today.
It's an enlightening experience that allows you to see Seoul through a historical lens, making your visit all the more enriching.
Notable attractions often included on these tours are the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, and the bustling Insadong Street, each telling a unique story of Seoul's vibrant history.
These tours provide a deeper appreciation of the city beyond its bustling modern facade.
Mark’s Tours
Mark’s tour is an immersive journey through Seoul's rich history. This tour covers several major attractions and provides a comprehensive understanding of Seoul's past.
The attractions covered on this tour are:
- Gwanghwamun Square
- Statue of King Sejong the Great
- Jogyesa Temple
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Insadong, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu
- Ikseondong Hanok Village
- Unhyeongung Royal Residence
The tour guide also shares personal recommendations for nightlife, restaurants, and other activities in Seoul.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Starting time: 9:30 A.M. or 1:30 P.M.
- Availability: Friday and Saturday
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MORTOURS
MORTOURS immerses you in the city's vibrant blend of traditional and modern culture.
The tour explores the Gwanghwamun and Jongno-gu area, featuring highlights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogye-sa Temple, and the hipster neighborhood of Sik Mool.
It is a free payment tour, meaning you can decide how much to tip the guide at the end. The meeting point is next to the Gyeongbokgung main gate.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Availability: Daily
- Starting time: 10:30 A.M.
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Seoul Free Tour
The "Seoul Free Tour" offered by Civitatis is an ideal way to discover the city's most prominent sights.
This tour starts at 11:30 am from the City Hall subway station and takes you on a journey through Seoul's history, visiting several notable landmarks along the way.
It lasts approximately 2 hours and ends at the residential palace of Changdeokgung.
Note: You need to make reservations up to 24 hours in advance.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Starting time: 11:30 PM
- Availability: Daily
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Seoul Food Tours and Pub Crawls
Seoul food tours and pub crawls are a fun way to try the city's wide range of tasty foods. These tours are a must for food lovers. They let you try traditional Korean cuisine, including Bibimbap, Kimchi, and Korean BBQ.
At the same time, pub crawls introduce visitors to the vibrant nightlife and popular local drinks like Soju and Makgeolli. These experiences not only satisfy your taste buds but also offer insights into Seoul's food culture and history.
NOTE: Unfortunately, there are not currently any free pub crawls or food tours in Seoul.
Seoul Pub Crawl
The "Seoul Pub Crawl" is a lively and safe way to experience Seoul's vibrant nightlife. It takes you to four different bars and clubs in the popular areas of Itaewon and Hongdae.
Participants receive free entry to all venues and three or more free shots. It's an excellent opportunity to socialize, dance, and enjoy the city's party scene with locals and fellow travelers.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Starting time: 8:00 PM
- Price: US$ 25 per person
- Age limit: 19-45
- Availability: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
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Secret Food Tour
The "Secret Food Tour Seoul" is a 3-hour guided walking tour that lets you savor the city's culinary delights.
This tour takes you through one of Seoul's oldest and largest food markets, where you can sample a variety of dishes, including Mung Bean Pancakes, Korean Dumplings, Ttteokkbokki, and a special secret dish.
The tour also includes a stroll around a traditional Hanok village and ends with a serene tea experience in a hidden teahouse.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Starting time: 10:00 A.M.
- Availability: Daily
- Price:
- US$ 93 for Adults (Aged 14-99)
- US$ 80.26 for Children (Aged 3-13)
- US$ 0 for Infants (Aged 2 and younger)
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Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour
The "Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour" is a 2.5-hour culinary adventure through Seoul's largest traditional market.
This tour allows you to taste four types of street food: Noodle Soup, Dumplings, twisted bread sticks, and Skewered fish cake.
Walking through the bustling market, you'll learn about the importance of food in Korean culture and explore the market's famous Food Alley and Accessory Alley.
The tour begins at Haehyeon Station's exit 5 and does not include transportation or hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Starting time: 2:00 PM
- Availability: Daily except Sundays
- Price: US$ 51.62 per person
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Seoul Evening and Ghost Tours
Seoul's evening and ghost tours offer a unique perspective on the city, revealing its hidden stories and lesser-known aspects after sunset.
These tours are perfect for those seeking a thrilling exploration of Seoul's mysterious side, with ghost tours delving into eerie tales and legends that linger in the city's ancient alleys.
On the other hand, evening tours showcase Seoul's lively nightlife and stunning illuminated landmarks, offering a different kind of beauty and charm that can only be experienced after dark.
NOTE: At the moment, there are not any free evening or ghost tours offered in Seoul.
Nighttime Hidden Gems
The "Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour" is a 2-hour guided exploration of Seoul's vibrant streets under the moonlight.
A local historian leads this tour, taking you to unique spots like Seoul National University, Naksan Park, and the Hanyang City Wall.
The tour offers a unique perspective on Korean society and culture. It ends with an optional Korean food and drink session (not included in the tour price).
Note: This tour involves walking up a hill, so it may not suit those with mobility problems.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Availability: Not available on Saturdays and Sundays
- Starting time: 8:00 PM
- Price: US$ 23.82 per person
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Palace, Temple, and Market Night Tour
This is a 3-hour exploration of Seoul's iconic landmarks under the starry sky.
It takes you to the illuminated Changgyeonggung Palace, the tranquil Jogyesa Temple adorned with enchanting lanterns, and the bustling Gwangjang Market, where you can savor traditional Korean food and Makgeolli (rice liquor).
The tour also includes visits to the vibrant arts and culture hub of Daehangno and the picturesque Ikseon-dong Hanok Street. The meeting point is at Hyehwa Station Exit 4.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Starting time: 8:00 PM
- Price: US$ 35.74 per person
- Availability: Daily except Mondays
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Seoul Ghost Stories Tour
This tour is a 1.5 to 2.5-hour journey into the eerie side of Seoul. It takes you through dark alleys and iconic landmarks, where you'll hear paranormal experiences, true crime stories, and dark tales from South Korea's history.
A historian leads the tour and includes encounters with places where bloody massacres occurred and a bridge with a sinister secret.
Please note that participants must be at least 16 years old due to the violent and sexual content of some stories. The meeting point may differ based on the option booked.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Starting time: 8:00 PM
- Price: US$ 39 per person
- Availability: Not available on Mondays and Thursdays
- Book Your Tour or Learn More