Introduction
Every traveler planning a trip to Seoul eventually asks the same question: "Does the Discover Seoul Pass (DSP) really pay off?" With so many options ranging from the 72-hour pass to the recently popular 'Pick 3 Pass,' choosing the right attractions can be overwhelming. As a Seoul citizen, I often see tourists rushing from one spot to another just to "get their money's worth." However, the secret to mastering this pass isn't visiting every single location—it's strategically selecting the high-value attractions within each group.
If you want to understand the basics of the pass first, I recommend starting here:
[The Ultimate Guide to Discover Seoul Pass]
In this post, I will cover attractions #30 through #38 in Group C, providing brief introductions, the latest 2026 pricing, and my personal "local's take" on whether they are worth your time.
[Guide to Discover Seoul Pass Group A]
[Guide to Discover Seoul Pass Group B]
[Guide to Discover Seoul Pass Group C Attractions #1-10]
[Guide to Discover Seoul Pass Group C Attractions #11-20]
[Guide to Discover Seoul Pass Group C Attractions #21-30]
1. Changgyeonggung Palace
Originally built as Suganggung by King Sejong for his father, King Taejong, it was expanded and renamed Changgyeonggung by King Seongjong 65 years later for three Dowager Queens. Alongside Changdeokgung, it is known as part of the "Donggwol" (East Palaces) and served as a residential space for the royal family. While it lost much of its original form during the Japanese colonial era (when it was turned into a zoo), extensive restoration after independence has brought it back to its current beauty.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 (Last entry 20:00).
- Standard Price: 1,000 KRW.
2. Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung served as the primary royal residence for 270 years following the Japanese invasions of 1592. While less grand than Gyeongbokgung, it was designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural topography rather than follow an artificial layout. This "most Korean" architectural style led to its UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1997. Note that Nakseonjae Hall was the actual residence for the last of the royal family after independence. The Secret Garden (Huwon) is famous for its landscaping but has restricted entry for preservation.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission to the Palace Buildings (Secret Garden is not included).
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Closing time varies by 30 mins seasonally).
- Standard Price: 3,000 KRW.
3. Taereung Royal Tomb
This is the tomb of the third wife of King Jungjong (11th King of Joseon) and the mother of King Myeongjong (13th King). Since her son's tomb (Gangneung) is located right next to hers, they are collectively referred to as Taegangneung.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission. Your ticket also grants entry to the Joseon Royal Tombs Exhibition Hall.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 09:00 – 18:00.
- Standard Price: 1,000 KRW.
4. Trickeye Museum Seoul
Once a simple 3D optical illusion museum, Trickeye Seoul has innovated by applying patented AR (Augmented Reality) technology to its exhibits. You can experience scenes that flat art couldn't capture—like exploding volcanoes or fire-breathing dragons—enhanced with light and sound effects. The AR technology makes the experience feel incredibly lifelike, providing a unique "Instagrammable" playground for visitors.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission.
- Closed: Open year-round.
- Hours: 09:00 – 22:00.
- Standard Price: 12,000 KRW.
5. Football Faentasium
A rebirth of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup Memorial Hall, this space created by the Korea Football Association is a communication hub for fans and a football-themed park. The current exhibition features works by 49 artists related to the 2002 World Cup.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 10:00 – 18:00.
- Standard Price: 15,000 KRW.
6. Figure Museum W
Known as a sanctuary for "kidults," this museum offers an extraordinary experience with over 1,000 figures on display. While the 5th floor is currently under renovation, the remaining four floors are packed with an incredible array of themes and rare collectibles. It is hard to believe this started as a private collection. For an additional fee (10,000 KRW), you can even participate in a customized figure-making experience.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 13:00 – 17:00 (Weekends 11:00 – 18:00).
- Standard Price: 15,000 KRW.
7. Heolleung and Inneung Royal Tombs
Heolleung is the tomb of King Taejong (3rd King of Joseon) and his wife, while Inneung houses King Sunjo (23rd King) and his wife.
- DSP Benefit: Free Admission.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Hours: 09:00 – 18:00.
- Standard Price: 1,000 KRW.
8. SK Telecom SIM Card
Note: This option is not available for those choosing the 72-hour or 120-hour Mobile Pass. However, it is available for users of the "Pick 3" product (including Mobile Pass users). It is a 1-day SIM card with unlimited data (speed is throttled after the first 1GB). This is a "Data Only" product; while you get a phone number to receive texts and calls, you cannot make outgoing calls or send texts.
- Standard Price (1-Day Data Only): 6,500 KRW.
9. Local Recommendations: What to Visit and What to Skip
As a Seoul local, I will be blunt:
- Royal Tombs: I do not recommend visiting the tombs of Joseon kings. While I appreciate your love for Korea, these are essentially cemeteries and not primary tourist destinations for those with limited time.
- SK Telecom SIM: I do not recommend this for your DSP selection.
- Changdeokgung: I highly recommend visiting the palace, but I do not recommend using your DSP pass for it, as the entry fee is quite low (3,000 KRW). Save your pass for more expensive entries.
- Figure Museum W: If you are a hardcore fan of sci-fi movies or animation, this is a strong recommendation.
- Trickeye Museum: If you plan to visit Hongdae, definitely stop by. It’s a great place for unique photos.
- Football Faentasium: I suggest skipping this. The content is overall lacking and mostly meaningful only to Koreans; you will likely be disappointed.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Is the Discover Seoul Pass recommended for visiting Royal Tombs?
A. As a local, I don't primarily recommend the royal tombs for short-term tourists as they are essentially cemeteries and not primary tourist destinations compared to the grand palaces.
Q2. Which attraction(of 30~38) is best for high-value pass usage?
A. Figure Museum W and Trickeye Museum offer higher entry fees (12,000-15,000 KRW), making them excellent choices to maximize your pass value.
Q3. Can I get the SK Telecom SIM card with any Discover Seoul Pass?
A. No, it is not available for 72-hour or 120-hour Mobile Pass users. However, it is available for 'Pick 3' product users.
Image Source: Seoul Tourism Organization Archive, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center