Introduction
Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, is a playground of history, modern innovation, and unforgettable food — and it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Whether your kids are curious explorers, creative minds, or simply eager for street snacks, Seoul delivers with experiences that are both fun and enriching. From royal palaces to interactive malls, here are the top things to do in Seoul with kids that parents will enjoy just as much.
Things to Do in Seoul with Kids 1-5
🏯 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace: Travel Back in Time
No trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, and it’s a perfect starting point for young adventurers. Kids can dress in traditional hanbok attire (which grants you free entry!) and witness the colorful changing of the royal guard ceremony, a spectacle of drums, flags, and pageantry.
Inside, they can explore wide courtyards, peek into the throne hall, and even visit the National Folk Museum, which has exhibits made just for children.
🏘️ 2. Bukchon Hanok Village: A Living Museum
Just a short walk from the palace is Bukchon Hanok Village, a hillside neighborhood of preserved traditional Korean homes called hanok. While it may look like a museum, people still live here, and that’s part of the charm!
Kids can spot tiled roofs, wooden doors, and winding alleys. You can also pop into craft workshops where families can try their hand at making paper fans, masks, or even their own mini hanok models.
🌳 3. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden: Nature Meets Royalty
While Gyeongbokgung is grand, Changdeokgung Palace is enchanting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Huwon (Secret Garden), a beautiful, sprawling forest oasis with ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees.
Children will love the feeling of being in a storybook setting, and guided tours make the experience come alive with tales of kings and scholars. It’s a peaceful way to balance your city adventure with a dose of nature.
🛍️ 4. Myeongdong & Namdaemun Market: Shop, Snack, Repeat
Seoul’s markets are sensory wonderlands, and Myeongdong is the heart of it all. Teenagers will go wild for the endless cosmetics shops, K-pop merch stands, and flashy street food stalls. Try kid-approved snacks like:
- Korean corn dogs with mozzarella
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Honeycomb ice cream
Nearby, Namdaemun Market offers a more traditional experience. It’s one of Korea’s oldest markets, and a great place for souvenir shopping, affordable kids’ clothes, and street eats. Don’t miss the toy and stationery stalls!
🛸 5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A Futuristic Playground
For a taste of tomorrow, head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This spaceship-like structure is not just for architecture lovers, it’s also great for families. The LED rose garden outside is magical at night, and seasonal exhibitions and pop-ups inside often cater to kids (think: interactive art, design workshops, and even VR experiences).
We were treated to the Riot Valorant and Christian Dior exhibits when we went!
Things to Do in Seoul with Kids 6-10
📚 6. COEX Mall & Starfield Library: Shopping with a Twist
When the weather turns or your kids need some indoor fun, COEX Mall is your answer. This enormous underground shopping complex houses:
- Starfield Library: a giant public library with towering bookshelves and space to relax or read with your child
- COEX Aquarium: a crowd-pleaser for all ages with sharks, penguins, and touch pools
There’s also a food court with options for picky eaters and international favorites.
🎨 7. Exploring Hongdae: Street Art, Cafés, and K-Culture
Hongdae (short for Hongik University area) is youth central, and surprisingly fun for families too. During the day, the area is buzzing with street performers, buskers, and dance crews — many of whom draw huge crowds (and kids love joining in).
Family-friendly highlights include:
- Trick Eye Museum & Ice Museum (for quirky photo ops)
- Themed cafés (like cat cafés or even raccoon cafés)
- K-pop dance covers and bubble shows in the street
🦕 8. Seoul Children’s Museum & Children’s Grand Park: Play + Nature Combo
If you’re traveling with younger kids (ages 2–10), Seoul Children’s Museum is a hands-on haven. Located inside Children’s Grand Park, the museum features interactive exhibits about science, art, and everyday life, all designed at child height and comprehension.
Outside, Children’s Grand Park itself is a gem. It includes:
- A free zoo
- Kid-sized amusement rides
- Open green spaces for running around
- A small botanical garden
Perfect for a half-day outing where kids can explore and parents can relax in the shade.
🎡 9. Lotte World: Indoor Amusement Park Fun
Lotte World is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, making it a rainy-day lifesaver and an unforgettable treat for kids of all ages.
Highlights include:
- Fantasy parades and fairytale rides for younger children
- Roller coasters and VR attractions for older kids and teens
- An ice skating rink, aquarium, and folk museum all on-site
It’s located in Jamsil, and easily accessible via subway. Pro tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip long lines.
🚆 10. Seoul Railway Museum & Themed Trains
A hidden gem for transportation-obsessed kids! Located in Uiwang (an easy subway ride), the Seoul Railway Museum showcases:
- Real vintage trains and subways
- Hands-on activities like a train simulator
- Exhibits on how Korea’s train systems evolved
You can also ride the “Thomas the Train”–themed loop in nearby Wolmido or Eungbong depending on the season.
👨👩👧👦 Final Tips for Exploring Seoul with Kids
- Transport is easy: Get a T-money card for quick subway access, most stations have elevators.
- Safety is excellent: Seoul is one of the safest cities in Asia, even for night strolls.
- Korean kids are out late: Don’t be surprised to see families exploring until 9–10 PM, it’s part of the culture.
✨ Wrapping Up
Whether you’re looking for royal palaces, interactive museums, markets bursting with flavors, or just a place where your kids can learn and laugh, Seoul offers it all — with a side of history and heart. From toddlers to teens, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Seoul with kids.
So pack your walking shoes and your sense of wonder — your family adventure in Seoul awaits!
