1. Gwanghwamun axis
Start with Gwanghwamun Square and the surrounding civic axis. It is a clear introduction to central Seoul.
Free Seoul walk
Free Jongno walking route: old Seoul without a big budget
You can understand a lot of Jongno without paying for every stop. This route focuses on public spaces, historic streets, stream walks, and hanok-edge alleys that are easy to combine with optional paid museums or palace visits.
Route outline
2. Songhyeon and stream
Move through Open Songhyeon Green Plaza, then use Cheonggyecheon for a relaxed waterside walk.
3. Old alley finish
End around Tapgol Park, Ikseon-dong edges, or Seosulla-gil depending on your energy and dinner plan.
Budget tips
- Use public plazas and stream walks as the main route, then add one paid palace or museum only if it matters to your day.
- Carry water in hot weather and keep the route short when humidity is high.
- For food, compare Ikseon-dong and Seosulla-gil before sitting down; prices and wait times vary by alley.