Seoul is a student city at its heart. It's vibrant, fast-paced, and full of energy. The best part is, you can tap into that energy without a huge budget. Here are some ideas.
1. Hang out by the Han River (Yeouido Park)
The classic student move. Grab some fried chicken and beer (chimaek!) from a nearby shop, rent a picnic mat, and chill by the river. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening.
2. Explore Hongdae's Streets
The area around Hongik University is buzzing with life. Watch street dance performances, browse cheap and trendy clothing stores, and grab affordable bites like tteokbokki or tornado potatoes.
3. Visit a Board Game Cafe
A super fun and cheap way to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day. For a small hourly fee, you get access to hundreds of games. Most also serve drinks and snacks. Great for breaking the ice.
4. Wander Through Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
While the cafes here can be pricey, it costs nothing to walk through the beautiful, maze-like alleyways of this modernized traditional village. It's a great blend of old and new Korea.
5. Go to a Noraebang (Karaoke)
A quintessential Korean experience. You rent a private room by the hour with your friends and sing your hearts out. Look for 'coin noraebangs' for an even cheaper option where you pay per song.
6. Hike a Mountain (Inwangsan or Ansan)
Seoul is surrounded by mountains that are surprisingly accessible by subway. Inwangsan offers incredible views of the city and the old fortress wall. It's a great way to get some exercise and epic photos for free.