Children’s Day is a national holiday that just passed in Seoul but no matter when in the year, there’s something for all families to enjoy in the capital.
Particularly favorite venues of children are amusement parks of which Seoul and the surrounding region hosts three of. “L” World in the eastern Jamsil area is popular for its many rides in its indoor and outdoor park but it also houses a popular indoor ice skating rink, shops, arcade, and more. Just southeast of Seoul, in the city of Yongin, “E” Land is another major amusement park whose thrill rides are especially well known and more suitable for older children. They also house a popular water park in the summer seasons worth checking out. In the south, “S” Land is an older and smaller amusement park but it is located within the enormous Seoul Grand Park complex. This enormous park not only has plenty of green space, hills, and hiking trails but it is also home to the Seoul Grand Park Zoo that should amuse children of all ages. Also nearby are the Gwacheon National Science Museum and the National Museum of Contemporary Art which older kids will enjoy.

Aquariums are another top choice for many children and there’s a well-known one within the Coex Mall that hosts a variety of sea animals with daily feeding and explanation programs. Another aquarium is the Lotte World Aquarium within the new, soaring Lotte World Tower. The enormous aquarium features Korea’s longest aqua tunnel and is home to beluga whales, sea lions, sea turtles, and some 650 different species with various experience and educational programs. Both Coex and the Lotte World Tower also house restaurants, shops, movie theaters and other attractions that the entire family can enjoy with their aquatic visit. Kids who love animals can check out the zoo at Children’s Grand Park or at Seoul Grand Park. Both feature a range of animals and activities such as animal feeding shows, and more. Another option for animal-loving kids are the numerous dog or cat cafes around the city where kids can enjoy some time with some friendly critters.

A visit to the movies is an exciting treat for the whole family but why not upgrade the experience by watching a 4DX film where the seats move and jolt to the action on screen? There are numerous 4D screens around Seoul, just be sure to check ahead to see if the family movie is dubbed or subtitled.
The Seoul Children’s Museum located within the Children’s Grand Park has a range of exhibitions ranging in topics like space, nature, art, and more that should appeal to kids of all ages. Another options is the Children’s Museum located within the National Museum of Korea offering kids a chance to experience a bit of life in Korea’s past. One can look inside a model of an ancient house for example, try on traditional Korean clothes, learn about different utensils and tools used in the past, and more. Older kids will enjoy the Korean War Memorial to learn not only about this major conflict in Korean history but learn about the events leading to it and the gravity and extreme costs of war.

Namsangol Hanok Village is another great way to learn about life in the past with its recreated Korean village and numerous activities planned on the weekends. Kids will also enjoy a ride up to the N Seoul Tower via the Namsan Cable Car as well as the views from the observatory atop the tower. Myeongdong and Insadong are popular places for shopping and street food that the whole family can enjoy.

A unique but very Korean family experience you can try is visiting a Korean jjimjilbang. Usually consisting of a large common room for lounging around, watching tv, eating snacks and drinks, you can also enjoy the different heated rooms and even ice rooms that are common in most jjimjilbangs before enjoying the gender-separated baths for a relaxing time.