Discover Seoul Pass 48-Hour Review – Exploring Seoul

Hi everyone!

Today, I’d like to share my actual experience using the Discover Seoul Pass, which I previously introduced just as information.

The Discover Seoul Pass is a tourist pass that can only be purchased and used by foreigners.
One thing I confirmed on this trip is that foreign permanent residents are also eligible to use it!

You can check the list of attractions included with the pass on the website below—and there are more good spots than you might expect!
▶ https://www.discoverseoulpass.com/app/spot/index/list?page=2&subFilter=free

I purchased the 48-hour mobile pass for ₩70,000 (about $44).
Since I’ve lived in Seoul before, it was really convenient to use. I do regret not being able to fully utilize the pass due to some last-minute changes in our itinerary.

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🗓 Actual Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday

10:00 AM: COEX Aquarium (Pass activated)
We used the mobile pass by showing our individual QR codes at the ticket counter—entry was quick and easy.
It was a great place to visit with our 28-month-old and we spent about an hour there.

12:00 PM: Lotte World
To use the pass, you need to verify your passport/permanent resident card at the ticket booth next to the “Wild Tour” entrance.
Children under 36 months can enter for free. We purchased an additional ride pass for kids’ attractions for ₩16,000.

It was a bit crowded since it was Friday, but still better than the weekend.
Our child had a blast on the kiddie rides. Unfortunately, the outdoor monorail was not operating, and we couldn’t stay for the laser show in the evening because of dinner plans.

➡️ Just by visiting COEX Aquarium and Lotte World, we already got our money’s worth!
Highly recommend this itinerary for families with young kids.

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Day 2 – Saturday

We originally had a tight schedule, but had to cancel our Gwanghwamun plans after hearing about a major event taking place there 😢

10:30 AM: Lunch followed by "Jureong Jureong" in Yeongdeungpo (Used pass)
Just show the QR code to get your ticket.
Instead of the ticket counter, buying snacks from the vending machines near the entrance might be more fun for kids.
Although the space was a bit small and had a slight odor, being able to see animals up close made it worth it.
⚠️ If you or your child has animal hair allergies, you might want to skip this one.

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Walked around Hongdae and had dinner in Sindorim

7:00 PM: Han River Cruise in Yeouido (Used pass)
Fill out a boarding form at the ticket booth and show your QR code to receive your ticket.
Since my husband is a permanent resident, they checked his Korean driver’s license.
There was live piano music on the first floor, and we enjoyed the night view and breeze on the upper deck.
It really made us feel like we were on a vacation!

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Even though our plans changed a bit, we had a great time thanks to the pass.
With good planning, 48 hours is definitely enough to enjoy several attractions.
If you're planning to visit both Lotte World and Seoul Land, I recommend the 72-hour pass.
If Seoul Land isn’t in your plan, the 48-hour pass is the most cost-effective, in my opinion.

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🔖 Recommended Itinerary

(What I’d like to try next time)

Here’s a suggested 48-hour itinerary for families with kindergarten-aged kids.
Just make sure to check for any closures before visiting!

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Day 1

2:00 PM – Rent hanbok at “Hanboknam” (Changdeokgung branch) → Visit Changdeokgung Palace
7:00 – 9:00 PM – Enjoy night view at Namsan Tower

Changdeokgung is beautifully landscaped and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Hanbok rental is included with the pass, so wearing traditional clothing while exploring the palace would make for a unique experience.
After dinner, you can conveniently take the Seoul City Tour Bus (Haechi Bus) to Namsan Tower.

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Day 2

10:00 AM – Sillala Spa (Only sauna use is included in the pass)
12:00 PM – Visit Jureong Jureong in Yeongdeungpo
Then shop and check out pop-up stores at Times Square Mall
7:00 PM – Take the E-Cruise in Yeouido

I really wanted to go to a Korean sauna during this trip!
Note: Only the sauna is covered by the pass—additional fees apply for the jjimjilbang (Korean spa) or water park areas.
After shopping at Times Square, ending the day with a Han River night cruise is a perfect way to wrap up the itinerary.

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Day 3

10:00 AM – Visit COEX Aquarium (Catch the 11:30 AM Mermaid Show!)
12:30 PM – Head to Lotte World & wrap up the pass

Kids love aquariums, so starting your day early here (open-run style!) is ideal.
Don’t miss the Mermaid Show! After that, head to Lotte World before the 48-hour time limit ends for one last fun stop.

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This is the itinerary I plan to try the next time we visit Korea.
Hope it helps others planning their trip too!

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions—I’d be happy to help 😊