The thought of traveling to a sprawling city of skyscrapers like Seoul with children in tow can seem daunting. It may come as a surprise, but Seoul is actually a very kid-friendly city. South Koreans love children and families can find things to do in every neighborhood. What’s better, many of these attractions are both tied in with nature and incredibly affordable, making Seoul a budget-friendly choice, especially compared to some other Asian capitals.
Lotte World
The center of Seoul is teeming with skyscrapers and five lanes of traffic, which makes it an unlikely location for a theme park. But Lotte World is tucked away in Jamsil, it is a South Korean take on Disneyland, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
It may have a small footprint but there is a lot packed in here to keep your little ones busy. In fact, it is the world’s largest indoor amusement park. The main event is the fairytale castle which is very reminiscent of Disney’s iconic one. There are lots of rides arranged over several floors, including a goblin world in the basement.
It’s not all fun and games here. There is a worthwhile folk museum, as well as a range of shops and restaurants to make it a well-rounded day out. There is even an ice rink!
Everland
Not all activities have to be educational, sometimes you just want a fun day out and Everland is just that. Located just outside Seoul, it has more space to play with than Lotte World so feels less compact.
Everland, Seoul’s biggest theme park, is a fantastical place with whimsical buildings, and spectacular parades, and there are nightly fireworks. The rides range from small children-friendly to rollercoasters to keep children and parents happy. There is a zoo and seasonal gardens if rides aren’t necessarily your thing, as well as lots of daily entertainment to suit all ages.
If you go in the summer, there is an adjoining water park, Carribean Bay. Although there are both indoor and outdoor areas it is best enjoyed on one of the endless hot Korean summer days. There is a lot on offer here so it is worth considering staying overnight in one of the log cabins or hotel there.
Han River Parks
Seoul has long, humid summers that are generally very hot. Anyone with kids is too aware of how heat can have them bouncing off the walls, something not improved by being in a metropolis. Most of Seoul’s parents agree, and the answer is water. Along the Han River are several water parks which all make excellent things to do with children (and also serve the purpose of letting them run and blow off some steam!)
There are actually 7 outdoor pools along the river, so there is a lot to explore. They are meticulously managed so the water is clean and child-friendly. One popular option is Nanji Hangang Water Park. Here you will find an impressive infinity pool with spectacular views of the river. It is located in a wetlands area which is a fun place to wander and explore with little ones. Yeouido Han River Swimming Park is the biggest in Seoul and has a capacity of a staggering 3,600 people!
If you are on a budget, these are ideal as they are so cheap. Children under 5 are free, children over 5 are 1000 won and adults are 3000 won. You can take your own food and drink to keep costs down (just make sure you don’t take any glass as it isn’t allowed for safety reasons.)
Seoul Children’s Museum
Visiting Seoul with children is made easier by the selection of museums aimed entirely at children, and one of the best is Seoul’s Children’s Museum which is located in North-east Seoul. Here, children of all ages can use their imagination and creative play skills.
The museum houses a range of exhibits, with all ages catered for. Toddlers and young children can explore the aesthetically pleasing wooden climbing frames and play with the toys. Older children can go on a camping trip adventure with tents and caravans. They can even buy and choose pretend food to take and pack their little backpacks to help teach planning skills. Science lovers are not forgotten here. The science exhibit lets children explore interactive water experiments and windchimes. There are lots of other things on offer at this museum, as well as workshops running most weekends.
This museum is a fun-packed day and very reasonably priced. Tickets for anyone 3 years and over is 4000 won.
Seoul Children’s Grand Park
Seoul’s Children’s Grand Park is also in the east of the city and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Opened in 1975, this 530,000 sqm park has ample attractions to keep everyone happy and entertained. The park is in the foothills of the mountains and is arranged around a large lake, making you feel a million miles away from the city.
There is a range of hiking and walking trails to suit little legs, as well as a botanical garden to enjoy some fresh air.
One of the main attractions here is the Theme Garden. Here you can find stunning floral displays, fruit gardens, and a healing garden showcasing herbs. There is also a children’s zoo where children can see alpacas, sheep, donkeys, and squirrels.
You will also find Seoul Land, a large theme park with rollercoasters and rides arranged in five themed areas. This can easily take a whole day as there are over 40 rides here to enjoy. This one is on the pricier side, with an adult ticket setting you back 49,000 won.
Anyang Art Park
Once an amusement park, Anyang Art Park is now dedicated to art and nature. Located just outside Seoul, it is a large area of woodland and parks. Dotted around are more than 50 large art installations. With so many to explore, you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here. Some of the highlights to look out for are ‘Le Cube,’ two large metal cubes, ‘Dimensional Mirror Labyrinth’, an arrangement of shard-like mirrors, and ‘Paper Snake’, a wooden tower kids will love to climb.
As well as art, there are also a number of hiking trails here that run between the installations. Hunting for the art using the map is a fun and energetic way to keep kids entertained. Kids can collect stamps on their maps from all the landmarks they find. There are also several traditional temples dotted around which give a glimpse of Korean culture.
Entry to Anyany Art Park is free and open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, but some installations are locked at night. You will also find lots of cafes along the trails to keep you fueled for your art hunting.
COEX Aquarium
COEX Mall is a shopping mecca, in the buzzing area of Gangnam. Here you can find most high-street brands, as well as some more high-end brands in the adjoining Parasis Mall and Department Store. Tucked inside this mall is Seoul’s largest aquarium, a perfect thing to do especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.
All ages are catered for at COEX Aquarium with a number of interactive exhibitions to keep even the most curious children busy. They house a range of animals including seals, sharks, and every fish you can imagine. Events and feedings take place throughout the day so it’s worth checking the website before you go. You might even catch the mermaid show!
If you make a trip to COEX, make sure you check out the Starfield Library. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves tower the foyer with a coffee shop and study tables dotted around. There is also a good-sized cinema to keep you occupied.
Thanks Nature Cafe
Seoul loves a themed cafe and you can find pretty much anything to accompany your coffee. Want to wear a wedding dress while you sip a latte? No Problem. Want to solve a puzzle? Again, this is your city.
One of the most popular and fun cafes is Thanks Nature Cafe in the buzzing student neighborhood of Hongdae. Here you can sip your coffee in the company of sheep. Yes, you read that correctly. A novelty even for most adults, most kids will go mad for this!
Other popular cafes are Meerkat Friends which is exactly as it sounds. You will find numerous cat and dog cafes, as well as a parrot cafe!
Although Seoul has a buzzing night and restaurant scene, it is definitely geared toward families if you know where to look. Travelling to Seoul with children is relatively easy as food is affordable and most of the big Western chains can be found here for any picky eaters. This is just a small snapshot of what is on offer in this fun and easy city.
