The South Korean capital of Seoul is a destination that has been growing in popularity over the last decade. Understandable since the city offers thousands of activities and keeps travelers entertained for days, weeks, or months.

While the activities in the city range on a large scale, there are plenty of things to do for families traveling with kids. With its many areas, lights, culture, food, and noise, the buzzing energy of Seoul is fun for anyone interested in experiencing something truly unique and extraordinary. 

 

Seoul is a massive metropolis that houses more than 25 million people over 600km2. However, the city is highly organized and efficient, which makes it easy to visit and move around. On top, Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world, which only makes family travel more enjoyable and relaxing. 

Here are the best activities to do in Seoul as a family traveling with kids. Making sure that everyone of all ages will be entertained and have a good time while visiting this fantastic place. 

 

VISIT SEOUL’S ANCIENT PALACES

The history of South Korea is as impressive and fascinating as the capital itself. Here times of war, emperors, assassinations, and innovation, have all shaped South Korea into the country it is today. All this is best experienced at ancient palaces in Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung Palace are located in the old part of Seoul. They are placed within walking distance of each other and have been carefully preserved to stand as perfectly as they did centuries ago.

The palaces are great places to learn about the ancient history, culture, traditional clothing, and architecture of South Korea. Learn how emperors and empresses lived and moved around the magnificent champers and enjoy the colorful surroundings and gowns. Finally, Changgyeonggung Palace even has a secret garden that is particularly beautiful during spring and autumn. 

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HANOK VILLAGE 

Seoul and South Korea are often associated with modern technology and skyscrapers. However, South Korea is a land of tradition and culture still well preserved and cherished by the locals. 

The beautiful Hanok Village located between the two main palaces in the old part of Seoul is worth any traveler’s time. This traditional village is a lovely contrast to the buzzing and vibrant city, and it teleports you back to old Asia.

Enjoy the little shops, traditional foods, and tiny tea houses. If interested, booking charming and traditional accommodation here is possible. 

Commonly women walk around the old Hanok Village in traditional gowns to take pictures, and tourists can rent similar clothes in the area. The Hanok Village is also great for souvenir shopping or enjoying the more peaceful streets compared to some of the more modern parts of Seoul. 

 

EAT SOME STREET FOOD MARKET

Seoul is a food lover’s dream, and nothing is more fun than exploring the city’s thousands of dishes and tastes. The absolute best and most affordable way to do so is by visiting the many street food markets around the city.

The biggest and most traditional is Gwangjang Market which sits in a large warehouse in the northeastern town. This market offers everything from kimbap, noodle soups, Korean fried pancakes, and much more. For the genuinely daring, you can even get a serving of moving octopus in some restaurants. 

Another excellent street food alternative is to visit the Tonkin Market, where visitors can assemble their own lunch box at a very affordable price. Here people get to scan the many booths for their favorites and fill up their boxes as often as they like.

A final note on food in South Korea is that everything tends to be spicy. Ask the vendors and try to avoid anything in very red color if you are not chili lovers.

 

LOTTE WORLD 

 

The citizens of Seoul love colorful, vibrant, and fun things. Therefore, the theme park Lotte World is a popular spot amongst locals of all ages, especially kids!

The theme park is placed on one of the two lakes in the trendy Jamsil area. The theme park is small and intense with its rides, sounds, and crowds. Try some rides here, enjoy the workers’ costumes and energy, and try some sugary Korean treats. 

Both Jamsil lakes are surrounded by cherry trees. If you are fortunate enough to be in Seoul during spring, take a walk under the pink ceiling.  

LOTTE WORLD TOWER

In the same area of Jamsil, you find the tallest building in Seoul. The Lotte World Tower is an architectural wonder and a popular hang-out location amongst South Koreans. Each floor is dedicated to a different purpose, and the view of the city is like no other.

This extremely modern building represents everything South Korean, and you get a good understanding of how far the country is in many fields. You find almost anything you might want in Lotte World Tower, and it’s easy to spend hours here.

If you are visiting with teenagers be sure to visit the floor dedicated to games and VR. You won’t find anything more developed or innovative in video games.  

 

VISIT A KARAOKE BAR

To experience authentic Korean culture and nightlife, you must visit a Karaoke bar. South Koreans love these places, packed with young crowds all night of the week.

The unique part about the karaoke bars in Seoul is the setting. Singing guests are provided a private room where they are in full charge of the party. It’s even possible to order drinks and snacks into your private karaoke bar.

Note that the karaoke bars in Seoul are not always visited for partying and drinking. These can also be enjoyed in the afternoons and without alcoholic beverages. That makes them great for families.

The best places are in the Hongdae District, an area full of neon lights, street performers, restaurants, and bars. The site gets very busy on weekend nights when large party crowds visit.

 

CHECK OUT AN ANIMAL CAFE

South Koreans love themes and cafés with a theme are huge in Seoul. Naturally, this means that even the cafes have unique designs, and some come with particularly fluffy friends.

Visiting a dog or cat café is a common thing in Seoul and is a popular activity. Here guests pay a little more than the standard for a beverage and, in return, get to hang out with the animals that live in the café. There are many dog and cat cafés all over the city, but most are in the Hongdae area. 

 

VISIT THE ALIVE MUSEUM

This digital art museum is a fun and creative space. In terms of digital things, Seoul goes all in like no other.

The Alive Museum is where visitors can immerse themselves in the exhibitions and gasp at the technology and art. These creative surroundings provide great fun for an afternoon. They include some entertaining photo opportunities to take back home with you. 

 

THE WAR MEMORIAL OF KOREA

The War Memorial of Korea is one of the best museums in South Korea. For anyone interested in the dramatic war history of the country, planes, cars, and weapons, this museum provides an extraordinary display. The building itself is imposing with its grand architecture and powerful expression. 

 

HANGANG PARK AND BICYCLES

Seoul is divided into two parts, separated by the massive Han River. Along the whole waterfront, you have a green area that serves as a park.

A popular activity amongst locals and foreigners is to head to the park and rent bicycles. Here you can ride along the river bay and enjoy some of the open areas of the city.

Another great activity is to grab some ramen and enjoy it as a picnic in the park. For a pretty sight, head to Banpo Bridge to enjoy the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. 

 

MYEONGONG NANTA THEATER

South Koreans know how to put together a show, and a highly entertaining one is at the Nanta Theater in the Myengong area. This Burlesque performance includes a crazy kitchen show and acrobatics.

There is no need to know Korean, and all ages can enjoy the show. Finally, the Myeongong area is an entertaining area to visit at night. Full of lights, costumes, shops, and even a street food alley will keep anyone entertained for the evening. 

 

BUKHANSAN MOUNTAIN HIKE

If you are a nature lover and enjoy a good hike, visiting Bukhansan Mountain is a great and beautiful day activity. The mountain is reached in one hour by public transportation, and the trek itself is fairly challenging.

Make sure to have a good time and bring a good lunch for the hike. The views at the top are extraordinary, and it is a truly unique experience to have while visiting South Korea. 

IN CONCLUSION

Seoul is an amazing city with endless things to do for families.

Guest post author

Josephine Remo is a former flight attendant of seven years whose biggest passion is traveling. For the past ten years, Josephine has dedicated all her spare time to travel and is currently living as a digital nomad. Having lived in four different countries before the age of 25, she knows all the tips and tricks for experiencing new cultures. Josephine writes travel guides and travel tips from places she has visited all over the world on her blog, josephineremo.com. 

You can follow Josephine and her journey on Pinterest and Instagram.