Introduction

If you are planning a trip to Seoul, one question likely stands out: "Is the Discover Seoul Pass (DSP) truly worth the money?" With options ranging from the 72-hour pass to the trendy "Pick 3 Pass," the choices can be overwhelming. As a Seoul local, I often see travelers rushing from one spot to another just to "break even." However, the secret to mastering this pass isn't visiting every single location—it's strategically selecting the high-value attractions found in "Group A."

Before diving into the specifics, if you are new to the pass, I highly recommend reading my introductory guide: [Introduction to the Discover Seoul Pass]

In this post, we provide the 2026 latest pricing, detailed information on Group A’s major attractions, and my personal recommendations to ensure your Seoul journey is nothing short of perfect.

(Discover Seoul Pass in four different colorful card designs, providing access to major attractions and tourist benefits across Seoul.)

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Table of Contents

1. Golden Blue Marina (Kayak Experience)
2. Nami Island (Ferry Entry)
3. Daejeon O-World
4. Théâtre des Lumières
5. Seoul City Tour Bus (Yellow Balloon)
6. Seoul City Tour Bus (Tiger Bus)
7. SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium
8. Zoolung Zoolung (Times Square Branch)
9. Airport Limousine Bus
10. N Seoul Tower (Observatory)
11. Korean Folk Village
12. Expert Local Recommendations for Group A

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1. Golden Blue Marina

(Solo kayaking on the Han River at sunset, featuring a silhouette of a paddler against a golden orange sky and city bridges in Seoul.)

Located at Sevitseom (Some Sevit) on the Han River, Golden Blue Marina is the world’s first floating cultural space. It offers premium yachting and kayaking experiences with panoramic views of the river.

• DSP Benefit: Includes a 1-hour rental for a 1-person kayak (Sunset Kayak is excluded).
• Operating Hours: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Last entry for DSP holders is 3:00 PM).
• Seasonality: Closed from December to March due to low temperatures.
• Regular Price: Weekdays (Mon-Thu) 25,000 KRW / Weekends (Fri-Sun) 30,000 KRW.

2. Nami Island

(Nami Island in autumn with vibrant fall foliage, captured in a drone shot showing a ferry transporting visitors across the river.)

Nami Island, located in Chuncheon, is a cultural and artistic oasis and Korea’s largest private garden. Known for its beautiful landscapes and year-round arts festivals, it is a top destination for nature lovers.

• DSP Benefit: Includes the round-trip ferry fare to the island. (No separate entrance fee is required once the ferry is paid).
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
• Seasonality: Open year-round.
• Regular Price: 19,000 KRW (Entry only; additional activities are extra).

3. Daejeon O-World

(Daejeon O-World carousel at night, brightly illuminated with golden lights creating a magical atmosphere in the amusement park.)

The largest theme park south of the central region, O-World combines a Zoo Land (92 species, 739 animals), Flower Land, Joy Land (19 rides including Flume Ride and Giant Drop), Bird Land, and Night Universe (digital media art).

• DSP Benefit: Includes 1-person admission. (Rides require a separate ticket).
• Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Saturdays until 10:00 PM; Last entry at 5:00 PM).
• Seasonality: Open year-round.
• Regular Price: 17,000 KRW.

4. Théâtre des Lumières

(Gustav Klimt exhibition at Theatre des Lumieres in Seoul, showcasing immersive digital art projections of golden masterpieces across the gallery.)

Housed in the former Walkerhill Theater, this space utilizes high-definition projectors and speakers to reimagine classic masterpieces as immersive art. Shows typically consist of a "Long Show" and a "Short Show" totaling 55 minutes.

• Note: As of March 2026, there are no current or upcoming exhibitions scheduled. Please check the official website for updates.
• DSP Benefit: Includes 1-person admission.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:10 PM (Last entry at 6:15 PM).
• Seasonality: Subject to exhibition schedule.
• Regular Price: 29,000 KRW.

5. Seoul City Tour Bus (Yellow Balloon)

(Yellow Balloon City Tour Bus driving through downtown Seoul at night, surrounded by vibrant city lights and glowing street views.)

This hop-on-hop-off bus covers Seoul's major landmarks. It offers a Day Course (Traditional Culture) and a Night Course.

• Note: As of March 2026, the Han River/Jamsil Course is not operating.
• DSP Benefit: Includes one ticket for either the Day Traditional Culture Course or the Night Course.
• Operating Hours: Day (9:30 AM – 5:00 PM) / Night (7:00 PM).
• Seasonality: Open year-round.
• Regular Price: Day 27,000 KRW / Night 22,000 KRW.

6. Seoul City Tour Bus (Tiger Bus)

(Tiger City Tour Bus passing Gyeongbokgung Palace, featuring an open-top double-decker design for sightseeing under a clear daylight sky.)

Similar to the Yellow Balloon, the Tiger Bus circles major spots. The Day Course covers "Downtown, Palaces, and Namsan," while the Night Course covers "Downtown and Namsan" (changing to "Han River and Namsan" starting April 21).

• DSP Benefit: Includes one ticket for either the Day or Night Course.
• Operating Hours: Day (9:20 AM – 4:50 PM) / Night (7:00 PM, 7:30 PM from May-Aug).
• Seasonality: Closed every Monday.
• Regular Price: Day 27,000 KRW / Night 25,000 KRW.

7. SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium

(Large shark tank at COEX Aquarium in Seoul, featuring multiple sharks swimming in a massive blue underwater exhibit.)

Opened in 2000, this is Korea’s oldest and most iconic aquarium, housing over 50,000 creatures across 650 species. It is famous for having the most sharks in Korea, with sand tiger sharks and sea turtles as star attractions.

• DSP Benefit: 1-person free admission and a 10% discount coupon for the gift shop.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:00 PM).
• Seasonality: Open daily.
• Regular Price: 35,000 KRW (Online booking: 28,000 KRW).

8. Zoolung Zoolung (Times Square Branch)

(Animal feeding experience at Zoolung Zoolung indoor zoo, featuring a visitor interacting closely with small animals in a cozy indoor environment.)

Korea's first indoor animal theme park. It focuses on "fenceless" interaction to foster a connection with animals, providing a healing experience in the heart of the city.

• DSP Benefit: Includes 1-person admission.
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 6:20 PM).
• Seasonality: Closed twice a month (1st and 3rd Mondays).
• Regular Price: 35,000 KRW (Online booking: 28,000 KRW).

9. Airport Limousine Bus

(Airport limousine bus at the terminal, picking up passengers for travel between Seoul and Incheon International Airport.)

The DSP currently supports specific K-Limousine routes connecting Incheon International Airport to Seoul.

• DSP Benefit: Includes a one-way ticket for routes 6701, 6702, 6703, or 6705A.
• Operating Hours: 5:15 AM – 10:05 PM (Based on T2).
• Seasonality: Open daily.
• Regular Price: 18,000 KRW.

10. N Seoul Tower

(N Seoul Tower at night, glowing with vibrant lights in a low-angle shot against the dark city sky, serving as a major landmark of Seoul.)

As a cultural landmark visible from anywhere in Seoul, N Seoul Tower is a must-visit. It has gained global fame as a filming location for various Hallyu dramas and variety shows.

• DSP Benefit: Includes 1-person free admission to the Observatory.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Weekends until 11:00 PM; Last entry 30 mins before closing).
• Seasonality: Open daily.
• Regular Price: 26,000 KRW.

11. Korean Folk Village

(Korean Folk Village street view, featuring traditional Joseon dynasty architecture and authentic historical atmosphere in Yongin.)

A premier traditional theme park, the Korean Folk Village features actual houses relocated from various provinces to recreate life in the Joseon Dynasty. It offers outdoor exhibitions, traditional crafts, and seasonal customs.

• DSP Benefit: Includes 1-person admission.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Night opening schedules vary; check the website).
• Seasonality: Open daily.
• Regular Price: 19,000 KRW.

12. Expert Local Recommendations for Group A

Among the 11 attractions in Group A, some are located outside of Seoul. Nami Island, Daejeon O-World, and the Korean Folk Village require significant travel time. If you are on a short trip, I do not recommend these (though the Korean Folk Village is worth a visit if your schedule is flexible).

Regarding the Seoul City Tour Bus, while the Day Pass offers unlimited rides, it is often cheaper and more efficient to use a standard transit card (Climate card). Similarly, I don't highly recommend the Golden Blue Marina Kayak as 1 hour is quite short; the Han River is just as beautiful viewed from the bank.

My Top Picks:

• Théâtre des Lumières: Highly recommended if an exhibition aligns with your dates.
• Zoolung Zoolung: A must if you enjoy close interaction with animals.
• N Seoul Tower: While a global landmark (recently famous for K-Pop Demon Hunters), the observatory itself is optional in my view.
• COEX Aquarium: A great "filler" activity if you have a gap in your schedule, though not uniquely "Seoul."

Image Source: Official websites of each attraction & Seoul Tourism Organization Archive