When you land in Seoul, an eSIM, a transport card and the airport train are usually first on the list. This autumn, international visitors have one more thing to check.
Tourist information centers at Incheon and Gimpo airports are offering the Discover Seoul Pass Heritage Edition free, while supplies last.
It’s part of Seoul Welcome Week 2026: Autumn Edition, run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government with the Seoul Tourism Organization and the Seoul Tourism Association.
Is the pass really free?
Yes—but it’s first come, first served.
The giveaway began on September 19. The official notice doesn’t give a fixed end date: distribution ends when the passes run out.
Welcome Week runs until October 11. That doesn’t mean free passes will still be available that day.
The offer is specifically for the Heritage Edition mobile pass, not every version of the standard Discover Seoul Pass sold to tourists.
Where can you pick one up?
The official notice lists four airport tourist information centers for the free Heritage Edition giveaway.
✈️ Four airport counters to check
- Incheon International Airport T1 East tourist information center
- Incheon International Airport T1 West tourist information center
- Incheon International Airport T2 tourist information center
- Gimpo International Airport tourist information center
Before heading straight for the airport train or bus, stop by a tourist information counter.
Tourist information centers in central Seoul also have Welcome Week activities, but the announcement does not list them as pickup points for the free Heritage Edition. If you missed the airport counter, check the official event page before making a trip back.
Before you collect it
The announcement doesn’t spell out every collection requirement, including whether you need to show your passport. Confirm the procedure with staff at the counter.
What does the free Heritage Edition cover?
The Heritage Edition includes free admission to 12 national heritage sites, including Seoul’s four main palaces, Jongmyo Shrine and Joseon royal tombs, plus discounts at more than 110 partner venues.
If Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace is already on your itinerary, it’s worth asking about.
There’s no need to rearrange your trip around the giveaway. Just check whether any passes are left when you arrive at the airport.
No pass? There’s still more to Welcome Week
Myeongdong · October 1–8 — The Seoul Welcome Center near Myeongdong Station Exit 6 will offer tourist information in English, Chinese and Japanese, K-pop performances, lucky draws and interactive activities.
Seoul Culture Lounge — On the 11th floor of Seoul Tourism Plaza. September 19–October 10: traditional culture activities such as dance and making songpyeon, Korean rice cakes. Check individual schedules before visiting.
Han River · 20% off — Seoul Cruise is offering international visitors 20% off cruise tickets during Welcome Week. Check the latest discount terms and performance schedule.
Overall event dates — September 19–October 11. The free pass giveaway has a separate limit: it ends when supplies run out.
Is it worth changing your plans for?
You don’t need to rebuild your Seoul itinerary around Welcome Week.
Think of it this way:
Ask about the free pass at the airport, stop by the Welcome Center on your Myeongdong day, and check the cruise discount if you’re heading to the Han River.
Pick the extras that fit the trip you’ve already planned.
If you’re arriving in Seoul during the event, there’s one useful question to ask before walking past the airport information counter:
“Do you still have any Discover Seoul Pass Heritage Edition passes?”
The free passes could run out before Welcome Week ends.
Dates and benefits were checked against Seoul’s official announcement on September 22, 2026. Passes are first come, first served; availability and programs may change. Check official updates before visiting. The editorial images illustrate the article and do not show the actual event. Live pass availability has not been confirmed.