Seoul, South Korea is such a dynamic city to explore. One of the best things about Seoul is its varied landscape and architecture. It is situated in dramatically mountainous terrain and boasts both towering modern high-rise apartments and charming traditional villages. There are truly countless places in Seoul to get lost staring at a picturesque view of the scenery. While you can find some of the highest views from skyscrapers like Lotte Tower for an entrance fee, here I want to focus on where you can find amazing views in Seoul for free!

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National Museum of Contemporary Korean History

One of the greatest landmarks in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung: the historic royal palace. This gorgeous palace is a huge complex of numerous buildings surrounded by mountains. You can find perhaps the best view of Gyeongbokgung at the nearby National Museum of Contemporary Korean History. The entrance to this museum is free and you can enjoy some fascinating history of South Korea before heading to the top floor where you are greeted by this stunning view.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Not far from Gyeongbokgung is another one of Seoul’s top tourist attractions: Bukchon Hanok Village. Hanok villages are neighborhoods of preserved or reconstructed traditional Korean homes or hanoks. There are a number of these unique villages in Seoul worth visiting. Bukchon Hanok Village’s position on rather hilly terrain means you can find many vistas for a beautiful view.

Soooo Many Mountains

Just take a look around virtually anywhere in Korea and it’s no wonder why hiking is one of the nation’s favorite pastimes. It should also be no surprise that the countless peaks and vistas are some of the best views in South Korea! Some of the major mountains in Seoul include Ingwansan, Bukhansan, Achasan, and Gwanaksan.

As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe hiking any trail alone, even in the evening hours. It should be noted that whether you’re climbing a mountain, or just exploring downtown, you’ll likely be walking a lot. So when packing for South Korea, be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Naksan Park and the Fortress Wall

Along with stunning views, the mountains hold all sorts of little treasures to discover like ornate pavilions and Buddhist temples. Perhaps most notably, Seoul’s historic Fortress Wall snakes through the mountains and recalls Korea’s ancient Joseon dynasty. The accompanying trail along the Fortress Wall makes for a fantastic walk around the city with endless beautiful views. It is also well lit at night, creating a beautiful golden line tracing the city’s edge.

The Hyundai Music Library

After seeing the glorious city from a distance, you must delve into it’s charming inner neighborhoods again for some unique views right from the heart of Seoul. One of my favorite neighborhoods to explore is Itaewon for it’s raucous party atmosphere and gritty old architecture.

There is an amazing vantage point to see these narrow old alleys and colorful jumbled roofs at the Hyundai Music Library. From this cool cube like building, you can get a great view over this old side of Seoul.

Express Bus Terminal

A very cool and lesser known viewpoint of Seoul is at the top of the Express Bus Terminal. Search this bustling public transportation hub for an elevator that goes all the way to the top floor and you will find an outdoor patio area with a small garden.

As the directions to this area were not well marked (it was a little challenging to find), it feels a bit like a secret location far from the usual tourist spots. There you can enjoy the view of the glittery modern apartments of the Gangnam district.

Han River Bridges

The Express Bus Terminal is not far from one of the many parks lining the majestic Han River which divides the city. You’re able to walk across a number of the bridges going over the Han River, all of which provide a tranquil view of the water and the beautiful city.

A walk across the Han River is a wonderful way to experience the sunset in Seoul. You can also enjoy the colorful yachts and cruise ships that sometimes pass by.

Haneul Park

Another great vantage point over the Han River and the South of Seoul is Haneul Park or Sky Park. This plateau at the top of a small mountain near the World Cup Stadium is known for it’s romantic fields of tall wispy grass and flowers that make for a wonderful photo-op.

It’s such an ethereal and peaceful place to gaze out over the city.

Namsan Tower

I end my list with one of the most famous icons in all of South Korea, the scepter of Seoul’s skyline: Namsan Tower.

A day at Namsan Tower is one of my favorite free things to do in Seoul. You can pay a fee to go to the top of the observation tower but, in my humble opinion, there’s really no need if you’re on a tight budget. The surrounding park and free observation decks provide such amazing views of Seoul.

The city is a gorgeous sight day or night but the scenery gets especially magical when the sun goes down. With the amazing city lights visible on all sides, this is one of the best night views of Seoul.

Seoul is an amazing city to be in, whether you’re savoring the amazing cuisine or learning about the traditional culture, but one of the best parts of this city is the simple joy of getting lost and exploring. Amidst South Korea’s wonderfully mountainous landscape, there are so many places where you can find amazing views in Seoul for free!