First American soldiers captured in Korean War standing outside City Hall of Seoul July 1950

Seoul City Hall

Seoul City Hall Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Seoul City Hall’s Historical and Cultural Significance

Seoul City Hall stands as a powerful emblem of the city’s administrative history, architectural innovation, and civic identity. Originally constructed in 1926 during the Japanese colonial era, the building has evolved from a colonial administrative center to a vibrant hub of Korean self-governance and civic participation. Today, Seoul City Hall is a celebrated convergence of preserved neoclassical architecture—the former city hall, now the Seoul Metropolitan Library—and a striking, eco-friendly glass structure completed in 2012. This fusion symbolizes the city’s commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing sustainable, transparent, and democratic values (visitseoul.net, ArchDaily).

Located in the Jung-gu district at the heart of Seoul, City Hall is adjacent to Seoul Plaza and within walking distance of Deoksugung Palace, placing it at the center of the city’s cultural, historical, and civic life. The area is a focal point for festivals, demonstrations, and public gatherings, reflecting Seoul’s dynamic urban spirit (klook.com, english.seoul.go.kr).

This guide presents a comprehensive overview of Seoul City Hall, including visiting hours, ticketing, architectural highlights, cultural context, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips to help you plan an enriching visit.

Origins and Transformation
Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
Architectural Highlights & Sustainability
Civic and Cultural Roles
Nearby Attractions & Travel Advice
Accessibility & Visitor Services
Seasonal Events & Public Programs
Practical FAQs
Summary & Key Contacts

Seoul City Hall building in South Korea during the day

Aerial view of Seoul cityscape with high-rise buildings and mountains in the background

Seoul City Hall building with modern architecture and glass facade

Seoul Spring Festa at Seoul Plaza with giant character balloons Hechi & Soul Friends

Sewol Ferry disaster memorial ribbons at Seoul Plaza with messages of apology and remembrance

Syngman Rhee funeral at Capital Hall Seoul

Origins and Transformation

The original Seoul City Hall, built in 1926, first served as the administrative headquarters during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation in 1945, the building was repurposed as the seat of Seoul’s municipal government—a pivotal shift that paralleled the nation’s journey toward autonomy and modernization. Over decades, it became synonymous with significant moments in Korean history, including the Korean War, rapid urbanization, and democratization movements (openkorea.org).

As Seoul’s population and administrative demands expanded, the need for a modernized city hall became clear. A global design competition led to the selection of Yoo Kerl’s innovative plan, and in 2012, the new City Hall opened, enveloping the old structure with a glass wave, symbolizing both continuity and forward-thinking urbanism.

Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

Main Building & Metropolitan Library:
Open to the public from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some departments or exhibition areas may operate with adjusted hours—check ahead for details.
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (some spaces may differ).
Seoul Plaza:
Open 24 hours, year-round, hosting outdoor events and public gatherings.
Admission:
General admission to both the City Hall building and Seoul Metropolitan Library is free.
Special exhibitions or guided tours may require advance booking; fees are minimal or free (The Seoul Guide).
Guided Tours:
Free tours are available in Korean and English. Advance online reservation is recommended for individuals or groups (Visit Seoul).

Architectural Highlights & Sustainability

Fusion of Old and New

Seoul City Hall’s design masterfully integrates the neoclassical 1926 stone building—now the Seoul Metropolitan Library—with the modern glass-and-steel structure completed in 2012 (ArchDaily). The new façade, inspired by the eaves of a traditional hanok, creates a sweeping, wave-like form that symbolizes openness and protection, while providing practical shading for the plaza below (Visit Seoul).

Eco-Friendly Innovations

Double-Skin Glass Façade: Improves insulation and energy efficiency.
Green Wall: Vertical garden spanning seven floors, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest vertical garden (Lonely Planet).
Renewable Energy: About 28% of the building’s energy comes from solar, geothermal, and solar thermal sources (Seoul Metropolitan Government).
Natural Lighting & Ventilation: Maximizes daylight and air quality throughout public spaces.

Public Spaces and Art

Sky Plaza Gallery (8th Floor): Rotating art exhibitions.
Citizens Hall (Basement): Venue for performances, exhibitions, and civic activities (under renovation until late 2025).
Metaseosa Seobeol: Balloon-like suspended sculpture symbolizing hope and the city’s layered history (Lonely Planet).

Civic and Cultural Roles

Seoul City Hall is more than an administrative headquarters—it is the beating heart of Seoul’s civic life. The adjacent Seoul Citizens Hall functions as a space for performances, exhibitions, and civic engagement (sfac.or.kr). Seoul Plaza, in front of City Hall, regularly hosts concerts, sports celebrations, seasonal festivals, and peaceful demonstrations (english.seoul.go.kr).

The site is also central to national commemorations, such as the annual Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony and Memorial Day observances (travel-stained.com).

Nearby Attractions & Travel Advice

Deoksugung Palace:
A blend of Korean and Western architecture, located across the street (Visit Seoul Official Site).
Seoul Museum of Art:
Offers rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
Cheonggyecheon Stream:
A revitalized urban waterway for walking and relaxation (inmykorea.com).
Myeongdong:
Bustling shopping and dining district within walking distance (Visit Seoul Official Site).

Travel Tips:

Best Time: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and colorful scenery.
Getting There: City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 & 2, Exits 5 or 6) offers direct access. Multiple bus routes and pedestrian pathways connect to nearby districts.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, lockers, restrooms, and information desks with multilingual staff.

Accessibility & Visitor Services

Wheelchair Access: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout.
Family-Friendly: Stroller access and baby-changing stations available.
Assistance: Staff can support visitors with mobility needs; guide dogs are permitted.
Lockers: Coin-operated lockers for storage at City Hall and subway stations.
Safety: Seoul is very safe; in emergencies, dial 112 (police) or 119 (fire/medical).

Seasonal Events & Public Programs

Winter: Outdoor ice rink at Seoul Plaza.
Spring/Summer: Open-air concerts, art festivals, and cultural performances.
Guided Tours: Thematic tours focusing on architecture, history, and sustainability (Visit Seoul).

Check the event calendar for updates on ongoing and upcoming activities.

Practical FAQs

Q: What are Seoul City Hall’s visiting hours?
A: Typically 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday; closed weekends and public holidays for some areas. Seoul Plaza is open 24/7.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: General admission is free; some special exhibitions or guided tours may require advance booking.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, full accessibility is provided throughout the complex.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Free tours are available in Korean and English with advance reservation.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Museum of Art, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Myeongdong shopping district.

Q: Are there on-site dining options?
A: Several cafés and snack bars are available; nearby areas offer a wide range of restaurants.

Summary & Key Contacts

Seoul City Hall epitomizes the city’s journey from colonial occupation to a leading smart city, merging historical preservation with sustainable urban design. Visitors benefit from free access, guided tours, and the proximity of major cultural landmarks. The district’s events, public art, and vibrant plaza make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Seoul’s past, present, and future (sfac.or.kr, visitseoul.net, openkorea.org).