Seoul City Hall Tours and Activities

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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Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Urban Place Gangnam
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Top Seoul City Hall Hotel & Accommodation Deals

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
The Westin Josun Seoul

The Westin Josun Seoul

5 out of 5
106, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The Westin Josun Seoul
New Seoul Hotel

New Seoul Hotel

3 out of 5
16, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
New Seoul Hotel
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

Step Inn Myeongdong 1

3 out of 5
15F, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul

Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul

4 out of 5
58, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul
Crown Park Hotel

Crown Park Hotel

3.5 out of 5
19, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Crown Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Seoul City Hall

When visiting Seoul City Hall, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by taking a Seoul City Bus Tour, which showcases key attractions. Don't miss out on the excellent shopping opportunities nearby, where you can find a variety of unique goods and souvenirs. Whether you're exploring the city on foot or enjoying a guided tour, there's plenty to see and do in this bustling area.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant Namdaemun Market, only 805m from Seoul City Hall, offering a bustling atmosphere for unique gifts. The Lotte Outlets Seoul Station, 1.4km away, combines shopping with entertainment. For luxury, visit Shinsegae Shopping Center, just 644m from the city centre.

Recreation

Seoul World Cup Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, only 6.4km from City Hall. For relaxation, visit Supsok Hanbang Land, a rejuvenating spa just 3.2km away. Alternatively, Kukkiwon, located 8.0km away, provides a tranquil environment for wellness and relaxation activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Namsan Cable Car, located 1.3km from Seoul City Hall, offering breathtaking views. For water fun, head to Caribbean Bay, a vibrant waterpark 35.4km away. If you're keen on skiing, visit Ski World at Konjiam Resort, 37.0km away, for an exciting winter adventure.

Nightlife

In Seoul City Hall, the vibrant nightlife includes the Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, only 644m away, offering a unique cultural experience. Just 3.2km from City Hall, the National Theater of Korea showcases captivating performances, while Kokkiri Bowlingjang, 1.3km away, provides a fun, casual entertainment option.

*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 surrounded by a rich blend of cultural attractions, including museums, urban parks, and historic gate arches. Must-visit sites nearby encompass the stunning Deoksugung Palace, the elegant Seokjojeon Hall, and the insightful Seoul Museum. These locations offer a fantastic opportunity for families and culture enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant city experience that Seoul has to offer.

  • Myeongdong Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong Street, just 805m from Seoul City Hall. This bustling precinct is a shopper's paradise, featuring trendy boutiques, street food stalls, and lively outdoor vibes that are perfect for families and tourists alike.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: Explore the rich culture and history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, located 1.4km away. This grand historic palace offers stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and the chance to witness the changing of the guard ceremony, providing a glimpse into Korea's royal past.
  • Gwanghwamun: Discover Gwanghwamun, the iconic historic gate arch situated 1.1km from the city hall. This majestic structure serves as a brilliant introduction to Korea's heritage and is surrounded by cultural landmarks, making it an ideal spot for photos and reflection.

Best time to go to Seoul City Hall

The best time to visit Seoul City Hall is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.3°F (-2.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February32.5°F (0.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seoul City Hall

For a budget-friendly visit to Seoul City Hall, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for a Wednesday stay to save more. Use Expedia to find last-minute hotel deals marked by a green banner, and explore package options combining flights and activities for additional savings. With public transport being affordable, you can easily access free attractions around the city, maximising your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Seoul City Hall about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 lets you choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Seoul City Hall with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.