Seoul is a fantastic family destination if you’re visiting South Korea with kids, filled with a variety of exciting activities and attractions suitable for all ages. From traditional Korean cultural experiences like visiting ancient palaces and trying on traditional Korean costumes to modern theme parks, shopping, and delicious cuisine, there are plenty of things to do in Seoul with kids.
Things to Do in Seoul With Kids
There are many kid-friendly attractions and activities to choose from, including:
- Theme parks: Seoul has two major theme parks: Lotte World and Everland. Both parks offer a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and shows.
- Museums: Seoul has a number of museums that are perfect for kids, such as the National Museum of Korea, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the Children’s Museum of Korea. These museums offer interactive exhibits and activities that will teach kids about Korean history, culture, and art.
- Parks: Seoul has many beautiful parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Some of the most popular parks include Seoul Forest, Yeouido Hangang Park, and Namsan Park.
- Zoos: Seoul has two zoos: the Seoul Grand Park Zoo and the Seoul Zoo. Both zoos offer a variety of animals to see, from lions and tigers to monkeys and elephants.
- Temples and palaces: Seoul is home to many temples and palaces, which offer a glimpse into Korean history and culture. Some of the most popular temples and palaces include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine.
- Shopping: Seoul is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from traditional markets to high-end department stores. Some of the most popular shopping areas include Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Itaewon.
- Food: Seoul is a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Some of the most popular Korean dishes include bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi.
Where to Stay in Seoul With Kids
Here are some of the best places to stay in Seoul with kids:
- Lotte Hotel World: This hotel is located right next to Lotte World theme park, so it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re planning on visiting the park. The hotel also has its own indoor water park, a bowling alley, and a movie theater.
- Grand Hyatt Seoul: This hotel is located in the heart of Seoul, close to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Insadong. The hotel has a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
- The Shilla Seoul: This luxury hotel is located in the Gangnam district of Seoul. The hotel has a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. It is also close to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including COEX Aquarium and Lotte World Tower.
- JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul: This hotel is located in the Dongdaemun district of Seoul, close to many of the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts. The hotel has a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
- The Westin Chosun Seoul: This hotel is located in the city center of Seoul, close to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Myeongdong shopping district. The hotel has a kids’ club, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Where to Eat in Seoul With Kids
Seoul is a great city for foodies, and there are many kid-friendly restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Bibimbap Nara: This restaurant serves up delicious bibimbap, a Korean dish of rice topped with vegetables, meat, and an egg. The portions are large, and the prices are reasonable.
- Myeongdong Kyoja: This restaurant is known for its delicious chicken. The chicken is fried to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Wangbijib: This restaurant serves up traditional Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and bulgogi (marinated beef). The portions are large, and the prices are reasonable.
- Ninja Castle: This restaurant is a fun and unique experience for kids. The food is served in a castle-like setting, and there are also games and activities for kids to enjoy.
- Pororo Park Cafe: This cafe is based on the popular Korean cartoon Pororo. The cafe has a fun and kid-friendly atmosphere, and the food is delicious.
When to Go to Seoul With Kids
The best time to visit Seoul with kids is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summer can be very hot and humid, and the winter can be cold and snowy. However, if you do decide to visit during the summer or winter, there are still plenty of things to do with kids in Seoul.
Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:
- Weather: The best time to visit Seoul with kids is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The average temperature in Seoul during these months is between 10-20 degrees Celsius (50-68 degrees Fahrenheit).
- School holidays: If you are traveling with school-aged children, be sure to check the school calendar to avoid visiting during the peak travel times. The summer vacation in South Korea is from July to August, and the winter vacation is from December to January.
- Events: There are many festivals and events held in Seoul throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Seoul Lantern Festival (February), the Seoul International Fireworks Festival (August), and the Seoul Christmas Festival (December).
- Budget: Seoul is a relatively expensive city, but there are ways to save money. One way to save money is to eat at local restaurants instead of tourist traps. Another way to save money is to use public transportation instead of taxis.
How Long to Stay in Seoul With Kids
The ideal length of stay in Seoul with kids would be around 5 to 7 days, as it allows enough time to explore the city’s top attractions, visit family-friendly places like amusement parks and museums, experience Korean culture, and still have some downtime to relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
5-Day Seoul Itinerary With Family
Here is a possible itinerary for a 5-day trip to Seoul with kids:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Seoul and check into your hotel.
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
- Have dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant.
Day 2:
- Visit Changdeokgung Palace, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seoul.
- Visit the National Museum of Korea.
- Have dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
Day 3:
- Visit Seoul Forest, a large park with a variety of gardens, trails, and a playground.
- Visit Namsan Park, a hilltop park with views of the city, a cable car, and a playground.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in Myeongdong, a popular shopping district.
Day 4:
- Visit the Lotte World theme park, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in Itaewon, a popular multicultural district.
Day 5:
- Visit the Everland Zoo, one of the largest zoos in South Korea.
- Depart from Seoul.
How to Get Around Seoul
Seoul is a very easy city to get around. The public transportation system is very efficient and affordable. You can get around Seoul by using the following:
- Subway: The Seoul Subway is the most popular way to get around Seoul. It is efficient, affordable, and clean. The subway has 23 lines and over 600 stations, so it can take you almost anywhere in the city.
- Bus: The Seoul Bus system is also a good way to get around the city. There are over 16,000 buses in Seoul, so you can find a bus that goes almost anywhere you want to go.
- Taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Seoul, but they can be expensive. Taxis are metered, and the fare starts at 3,000 won (about $2.50).
- Walking: Seoul is a very walkable city. Many of the major tourist attractions are located within walking distance of each other.
- Biking: Seoul has a growing network of bicycle lanes. Biking is a great way to see the city and get some exercise.
If you are planning on using public transportation in Seoul, I recommend purchasing a T-money card. A T-money card is a prepaid card that can be used on the subway, bus, and some taxis. T-money cards can be purchased at most convenience stores and subway stations.