Seoul City Hall

Seoul City Hall
Seoul City Hall
Seoul City Hall
Seoul City Hall
Seoul City Hall


Along with a world-record vertical garden, this unique attraction is also a seat of government. Experience the creative components this building offers. 

Not many city halls can claim to include contemporary art, but Seoul City Hall is a reflection of what this metropolis wants to portray to the world. Painting itself as a forward-thinking city, Seoul has a principal government building that stands out. Its tinted glass exterior is modeled on the rooflines of traditional Korean homes. Stand in front of the building and you may think it’s an art gallery.

Notice the older traditional building that was previously the original city hall, but is now the Seoul Metropolitan Library. The newer eco-friendly building was completed in 2012 and was designed to be a place for welcoming citizens as well as conducting municipal affairs.

Inside the building are 70,000 plants from 14 species on a 7-story wall about the size of a soccer field. Seoul City Hall has the claim in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the world’s largest vertical garden.

A towering creation of white forms, titled Meta Epic: SeoBeol, represents Seoul’s history over 2,000 years as interpreted by Korean artist Jeon Su-cheon.

During construction of the building, a military weapons depot from the Joseon Dynasty was unearthed. View the ancient armaments in the Gungisi Relics Exhibition Hall.

Find out if a gift was made from your city to Seoul the Story of the Mayor’s Office includes tokens of friendship and cooperation from around the world.

To fully represent the urban community, Citizens’ Hall in the lower part of the building is available for local events including weddings and concerts. This is also where you’ll find shops featuring goods from small businesses, fair trade and a café. Enjoy your drink and a snack in the hall or go outside to the history-making and convivial Seoul Plaza.

Register online for a tour of city hall, known as the Tong-Tong Tour, which takes visitors to parts of the building not open to others. Accessible tours can also be arranged online. Alternatively pick up a pamphlet for a self-guided excursion.

Find Seoul City Hall on Sejong-daero in the Jung-gu district. Admission is free.

Plan a trip to see Seoul City Hall

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Things to do near Seoul City Hall

Near Seoul City Hall, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including shopping in vibrant local markets and exploring nearby attractions. Admission tickets for various experiences are readily available, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the rich culture and lively atmosphere of the area. Don't miss the chance to savour the delightful local cuisine and partake in the bustling nightlife that encapsulates the essence of Seoul.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Namdaemun Market, just 805m from Seoul City Hall, offering a vibrant atmosphere for unique souvenirs. Lotte Outlets Seoul Station, 1.4km away, features family-friendly entertainment. For a wider selection, Shinsegae Shopping Center is a mere 644m away.

Recreation

At Supsok Hanbang Land, indulge in traditional Korean spa treatments and rejuvenate your body amidst serene surroundings, just 3.2km from Seoul City Hall. For a more active experience, visit Seoul World Cup Stadium, 6.4km away, where you can enjoy the energetic atmosphere of local sports events.

For a peaceful escape, Nanji Hangang Park, located 9.7km from Seoul City Hall, offers scenic views and tranquil walking paths, perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature.

Adventure

Take an exhilarating ride on the Namsan Cable Car for stunning views of the city, located 1.3km from Seoul City Hall. For water fun, visit SeaLaLa Spa & Water Park, 8.0km away, offering thrilling slides and family entertainment. Experience the adrenaline at Misari Motorboat Racing Park, 20.9km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Seoul City Hall by visiting Myeongdong Nanta Theatre for a cultural show just 644m away. For a fun evening, try your luck at Kokkiri Bowlingjang, located 1.3km away, or enjoy thrilling games at Taehwa Bowling Center, 4.8km from the city centre.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Seoul City Hall

Seoul City Hall is a vibrant hub for culture and history, offering a variety of attractions such as museums, urban parks, and historic palaces. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the city while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Whether you're seeking cultural insights or leisurely strolls in the park, there's something for everyone in this dynamic area, making it a must-visit destination for tourists in Seoul.

  • Myeongdong Street: A vibrant shopping precinct, Myeongdong Street buzzes with energy, offering a mix of street food, cosmetics, and fashion boutiques. It's a fantastic spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts to soak in the lively atmosphere while sampling delightful local snacks.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: As the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Visitors can experience traditional Korean culture, including the changing of the guard ceremony, and explore the beautiful gardens that surround this iconic landmark.
  • Bukchon Hanok Village: This historic village features traditional Korean hanok houses, providing a glimpse into Seoul's past. Strolling through the narrow alleys, visitors can admire the unique architecture and enjoy the serene atmosphere, making it a cultural gem in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to Seoul City Hall

The best time to visit Seoul City Hall can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Seoul City Hall falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. The coolest average temperature around Seoul City Hall falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.3°F (-2.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February32.5°F (0.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.4°F (25.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December30.7°F (-0.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seoul City Hall

To save money during your visit to Seoul City Hall, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, ideally on a Wednesday to avoid higher Saturday prices. Use Expedia to find deals by sorting hotel prices from lowest to highest and refine your search for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the city to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seoul City Hall are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Seoul City Hall about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Seoul City Hall is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Seoul City Hall is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Seoul City Hall with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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