Seoul · South Korea · Things to do
5 things to do in Seoul with kids
The five best things to do in Seoul with kids are Gyeongbokgung Palace, the old lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, an evening of street food at a night market, the view from N Seoul Tower, and the spring cherry blossoms. All are reachable by subway, and none needs more than half a day, so they fit easily around a family schedule.
What to do, in order
- 1
See Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395 and rebuilt after wars and occupation. The changing of the guard ceremony happens at the main gate, Gwanghwamun, with drums, costumes and flags, and children enjoy it. Check the schedule, because the palace closes one day a week and the ceremony times are fixed. Visitors wearing a hanbok, the traditional dress, get in free, and rental shops nearby offer children's sizes. Go in the morning.
- 2
Wander Bukchon village
Bukchon is a hillside of traditional wooden houses, called hanok, between two palaces. People live here, so signs ask visitors to keep their voices low, and there are limits on visiting hours in the busiest lanes. Check the current rules before you go. Walk uphill from the Anguk station side and enjoy the views over the roofs towards the city. Nearby tea rooms and craft shops make a good rest stop, and the lanes are steep, so they are tiring with a stroller.
- 3
Eat through a night market
Seoul is full of street food, and Gwangjang Market is the classic place to eat it, with stalls selling mung bean pancakes, tteokbokki rice cakes and small rolls of gimbap. Myeongdong is the busiest street food district in the evening and has a lot of tourists. Go with a plan to share, because portions are small. Children usually find rice cakes, fish cakes and skewers easy, and most stalls have bench seating, though it can be crowded at dinner time.
- 4
Go up N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower stands at the top of Namsan, the hill in the middle of the city, with a view across the whole of Seoul. You can take a cable car from the base, or walk up through the park, which is a fair climb of around twenty to thirty minutes. Sunset is the best time, because you see the city by day and then the lights come on. The terrace is covered in padlocks left by couples. Expect a queue for the lift.
- 5
Catch the cherry blossoms
Cherry blossom in Seoul usually peaks in late March to early April and lasts about a week, so it is a bonus more than a reason to fix your dates. The tree-lined road along Yeouido, by the National Assembly, and the paths around Seokchon Lake are the best known and get very crowded. For a calmer visit, go on a weekday morning. Outside spring, the same parks are good places for children to run.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to May and late September to October are mild and clear, with the blossom in spring and autumn leaves in October. July and August are hot and humid with a rainy spell, and winters are cold and dry.
- How long
- Four days is a comfortable first visit, giving one day each for the palace area, a hillside walk, a food evening and a slower day for a theme park or museum.
- Getting around
- The subway is clean, simple and covers almost everything. Buy a rechargeable T-money card. Naver Map and Kakao Map give better walking and transit directions than Google Maps in Korea. Taxis are plentiful, and trains reach the airport.
Good to know
- Rest on at least one afternoon. Seoul days are long, and the winter cold and summer humidity both tire children.
- Carry some cash for market stalls. Many small vendors prefer cash or local payment apps.
- Avoid the subway in the morning rush if you can. Trains fill quickly between about 7.30 and 9, which is hard with a stroller.
Frequently asked
Is Seoul good for kids? +
Yes. It is safe, clean and has excellent public transport, plus many parks, palaces, museums and indoor play spaces for bad weather. Food is easy for most children if they like rice, noodles and grilled meat, though many dishes are spicy.
How many days do you need in Seoul with kids? +
Four to five days is a good first visit. That covers the palace and Bukchon, a night market, Namsan, a park and one slower or indoor day, with a half day to recover from travel.
When is cherry blossom season in Seoul? +
Usually late March to early April, with full bloom lasting about a week. The timing shifts each year with the weather, so check the forecast closer to your trip before fixing any dates.
Can you get into Gyeongbokgung Palace for free? +
Visitors who wear a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, are usually admitted free, and rental shops are near the palace. Check current rules, because policies change, and the palace has a weekly closing day.