As I was prepping my Seoul with Kids post, I realized just how much there is to know before visiting South Korea as a family. While none of these things are strictly necessary (except visa info, of course), they are the kinds of tips that make a trip smoother.
Having gone a little blind ourselves on our maiden trip in July 2025, we learned plenty the hard way. Hopefully, these will save you some of those headaches as you plan your next family trip to South Korea with kids.
South Korea marked country #51 for us, and we are not new to traveling with kids. However, each country has its quirks (including our now home country of Portugal) and a little information can go a long way in preparing for a new place.
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One of the best surprises? South Korea is wonderfully family-friendly. I felt a lot more welcome here with kids than I did in Japan (although we still love you, Japan!). We found the culture to be a bit more relaxed and western while still maintaining strong roots.
While the country’s birth rate is famously low, kids are loved and welcomed. From food stalls to subway rides, we consistently felt warmth and patience toward our children.
Our kids dove right into Korean food. We quickly joked that KFC definitely shouldn’t mean Kentucky Fried Chicken here — it should be Korean Fried Chicken!
Fried chicken dominates markets and casual eateries, and it is unbelievably good.
Other kid-approved favorites included fluffy soufflé pancakes, kimchi pork rolls, candied fruit skewers and saucy breaded chicken from the Myeongdong night market.
Pro Tip: Korean food can be spicy, but you can ask for mild:
👉 Anjeo maepge (안 매운 거 주세요) = “Please make it not spicy.”
Family-friendly accommodations exist in Seoul and other big cities, but don’t expect sprawling space. Like much of Asia, hotel rooms and apartments can be small.
We stayed at the Koreana Hotel downtown. The building is a bit older, but the location was excellent, and the rooms were more spacious than many others we saw. We booked two adjoining rooms, each with two queen beds, a desk and a roomy bathroom — a win for a family of seven.
Other good places to consider with a family:
Jamsil is a favorite for families, thanks to the incredible Lotte World complex with its indoor theme park, massive shopping mall and one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Balance the thrills with a relaxing stroll or boat ride around scenic Seokchon Lake, making Jamsil the perfect mix of excitement and calm.
Myeongdon is a must for families with teens who love fashion, beauty, and food. The bustling streets are packed with cosmetic shops, trendy boutiques, and endless street food stalls. It’s a lively district where shopping sprees and snack-hopping go hand in hand.
Dongdaemun For older kids and adventurous families, Dongdaemun offers a one-of-a-kind, high-energy experience. Famous for its late-night shopping scene and the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) This district comes alive after dark, making it an unforgettable stop on your Seoul adventure.
When we landed in Seoul, we discovered the Airport Limousine Buses — luxury coaches that whisk you directly from the airport to downtown hotels.
After a long flight, sinking into a spacious seat instead of wrangling taxis was a gift. We also used them to get back to the airport — stress-free and affordable.
Tip: Book your round-trip ticket when you arrive in Seoul. I only booked the ticket to our hotel, not knowing really what we were getting into. Thankfully, our hotel offered the tickets at their counter (I found it impossible to figure out online), but they only had adult tickets, so we paid more than we should have.
Seoul’s subway system is safe, efficient and affordable. Sidewalks are wide and stroller-friendly, although be aware that many subway entrances require stairs. A lightweight, foldable stroller works best.
Pro Tip: Can’t find an ATM that works? I had the same problem.
Try the ATMs in the train stations!
These T-Mondey cards are essential. You need one card per person (including kids), which you can buy and reload with cash at convenience stores.
Pro Tip: Remember to tap as you exit buses if you’re transferring to another — otherwise, you’ll be charged extra.
Google Maps is nearly useless for directions in South Korea because of government restrictions on mapping data. Instead, use:
Pro Tip: Download both Naver and Kakao, switch to English, and practice before your trip. Also check out my Apps for Travel In Asia!
Food in South Korea is an adventure, and kids may surprise you with what they love. Our kids loved the food in Seoul and we all loved the night markets. We’ve visited night markets all around Asia and Seoul has one of the best!
South Korea has no shortage of kid-friendly attractions:
I’m working on a comprehensive guide of what to do with kids in Seoul.
There is a ton to do!!
Booking travel in South Korea can be tricky because many hotels don’t have English-friendly websites. We relied on Booking.com for most of our stays.
Many attractions offer discounts for families and kids, so check ticket pricing ahead of time. Buying online in advance also saves time in queues.
South Korea is an incredible destination for families. It’s safe, modern and endlessly fascinating, yet full of quirks that can trip up unprepared travelers. We would love to get back to South Korea and dig into the culture more. We loved everything about it.
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