Seoul City Architecture Hall 2026: Free Exhibits & Paldo Souvenirs

Passing by Seoul City Hall,

I casually dropped in,

but it turned out to be a surprisingly rich space,

leaving a lasting impression.

I'm talking about the Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture.

Right in front of City Hall Station Exit 3,

located next to Deoksugung Palace.

---

A Gemstone Journey Through Korea's Eight Provinces

Driven by curiosity, I headed downstairs to explore the

'A Gemstone Journey Through Korea's Eight Provinces'

exhibition on B1 first.

It was an exhibition that gathered travel content from all eight provinces across Korea,

all in one place,

and I was so impressed by how each region was curated like a precious gem.

As you journeyed through the eight provinces,

there was a special activity where you could collect a piece of a gem

from three different spaces

to create your own keyring.

The first activity was

a journey to discover the scents of the eight provinces!

My personal favorite was the scent of Gyeongsangbuk-do's bamboo forest path!

It had such a fresh aroma, making you feel like

you were walking through a bamboo forest on a clear summer day

just after the rain.

Next up, you could get hands-on with

distinctive tourist products

from each region firsthand.

The Boryeong Mud Soap and

the Gilt-bronze Incense Burner souvenir

especially caught my eye.

There was even an activity where you could step into

a movie scene inspired by each region!

The second activity was

the Soundscape of Korea's Eight Provinces.

Personally, this was a space I really loved.

With beautiful landscapes and sounds from each region,

it truly felt like I was embarking on an actual journey :)

You could even create your own postcards

using transparent sheets, layering them with your favorite regional themes.

For the grand finale, the third experience allowed you to choose

items you'd want to pack in your bag

and the regions you wished to visit,

then get recommendations for

destinations perfectly suited for you.

I chose books, a smartphone, a notebook,

and Jeju Island,

and it recommended Bijarim Forest

as a place for emotional photography/healing relaxation :)

---

The Paldo Gemstone Shop

Heading up to the first floor,

you'll find The Paldo Gemstone Shop.

The regional content showcased in the exhibition

is connected to actual products,

so you can directly browse authentic regional specialties.

The Goryeo celadon knit bag was absolutely adorable,

and they even had Apple Cider Vinegar

from Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, a region famous for its apples.

---

Navigating Homeownership in Seoul

​

Next, heading down to the basement,

I found the Navigating Homeownership in Seoul display,

also known as the Seoul Housing Policy Communication Center.

It was a space I entered without much expectation,

but it presented Seoul's diverse housing policies

in an easy-to-understand, comprehensive exhibition.

There were introductions to policies like 'Mirinae House' and 'Moa Housing',

and although it wasn't operating when I visited,

there was also a consultation booth.

---

The Seoul Maru Rooftop

​

Finally, climbing the stairs,

I reached the 'Seoul Maru' Rooftop.

While not exceptionally high,

this open space offered

a panoramic view of the Seoul City Hall and Deoksugung Palace area.

It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect

after exploring the exhibition.

Despite being a free public space,

the exhibition was remarkably well-executed,

and the content organization was also

It truly felt substantial.

If you're looking for a free exhibition

you can easily drop by

near Seoul City Hall,

it's definitely worth a visit.

You might even find yourself staying longer than you expected! :)

---

Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture

Wellness Archive Index

A free exhibition near City Hall, perfect for a casual browse.

Before the Trip (Anticipation): ★★

During the Trip (Experience): ★★★

After the Trip (Memory): ★★★

*What is the Wellness Archive Index?