Is the Discover Seoul Pass Worth It? Strategic Guide to Group C Attractions(31-38) (2026 Latest Info)

TH Jeong
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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.

Discover Seoul Pass main design, showcasing four different card styles for visitors to choose from.
(Main selection of Discover Seoul Pass designs, offering four unique card options for tourists.)

[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.

Changgyeonggung Palace drone view, showcasing colorful autumn foliage and the simple structural layout of the royal residence.
(A stunning aerial drone shot of Changgyeonggung Palace surrounded by vibrant autumn colors.)
  • 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.

Changdeokgung Palace drone view, featuring a dense complex of royal office and meeting buildings as the former main palace.
(The majestic and dense architecture of Changdeokgung Palace captured from a drone's perspective.)
  • 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.

Taereung Royal Tomb scenery, highlighting the large burial mound and giant stone statues of military and civil officials.
(The grand Taereung Royal Tomb guarded by large stone sculptures of Joseon dynasty officials.)
  • 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.

Trickeye Museum Hongdae information board, providing English descriptions for various exhibition zones and activities.
(English language guide and activity descriptions on the Trickeye Museum Hongdae information board.)
  • 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.

Football Faentasium entrance in Seoul, featuring a striking black and red facade reflecting the identity of FC Seoul.
(The powerful black and red entrance design of Football Faentasium at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.)
  • 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.

Star Wars figures exhibition, showing a neat arrangement of collectible action figures inside a transparent acrylic booth.
(A collection of iconic Star Wars figures perfectly displayed in an acrylic booth at the exhibition.)
  • 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.

Heonilleung Royal Tomb sculptures, displaying a lineup of stone officials and animals guarding the ritual building.
(Traditional stone statues of animals and officials lined up at the historic Heonilleung Royal Tomb.)
  • 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

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