South Korea

Things To Do in Seoul with Kids: Family Travel Guide

Visiting Seoul was a dream for our family, and this summer (July 2025), we finally made it happen!  With the worldwide boom in K-pop and K-dramas, our kids were extra excited to see what South Korea was really like. Although we’ve lived in Asia for months at a time while traveling full-time, South Korea was brand new for us.

We have lots of travel family friends that have recommended South Korea.  I’m only sad that it took us this long to get there!

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Seoul felt both familiar — with touches of Japan and Singapore — and wonderfully unique.  And most importantly?  The kids loved it.  In fact, they’ve already asked when we can go back.  We really liked it too!  It was super hot when we visited (July) and I’d like to try it when it is cooler.  I’d also like to make it to Busan, which is beach territory.

Here’s our full guide to things to do in Seoul with kids, plus the practical tips we wish we had before we went.

What to Know Before You Visit Seoul with Kids

Navigation: Google Maps Doesn’t Work

The biggest shock?  Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea.  It won’t plot walking or driving routes due to government restrictions.  For someone like me who relies on Google Maps everywhere, it was frustrating!

So, if you want to have a map and directions, use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.  Both apps are available in English, and locals use them daily. It takes a little adjustment, so download them before you go and start getting used to them.

Respectful Customs for Families to Know

There is a famous saying that says: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Therefore, when you visit a foreign country, even when you’re a tourist, it’s important to respect local etiquette.  For example, in South Korea, it’s important to follow the rules below:

• Two Hands Rule: Always use two hands when giving or receiving something. 
  
• Bowing: A slight bow or nod is a sign of respect and you’ll probably see it everywhere. So, if someone bows at you, you may want to do it in return as it’s a polite gesture.
  
• Shoes Off Indoors: Just like Japan, remove shoes when entering homes and certain spaces.  Even if you’re staying in an AirBnB, it’s a way of respecting the host’s rules and culture.  Also, some traditional restaurants might ask you to take off your shoes.
  
• Do not sit in pregnant, elderly or handicapped seating: You will most likely use public transportation in Seoul with your kids.  So, be mindful of leaving seats designated for pregnant women, disabled people and the elderly, even if they are empty.
  
• Lower your voice on public transportation: You’ll probably notice that Koreans do not talk on the subway, so you may want to whisper or wait until you’re outside.  Be sure to share this rule with your kids, especially the youngest ones!

Money Matters

South Korea isn’t a cash-only society like Thailand, but you’ll still need some.  About 40 percent of food stalls at street markets only accepted cash when we were there.  So, in case you need to take some cash, here’s some useful info:

• ATMs: Be careful, as not all work with foreign cards!  The best luck we had for taking out some cash was in train stations.
  
• Currency Exchange: If you don’t want to use local ATMs, then you can always exchange some money at the airport before your flight or once you arrive. 

Pro Tip: Bring a Charles Schwab debit card or a similar one that refunds ATM fees.

T-Money Cards

A must for public transportation.  In case you’ve never heard about it, a T-Money card is a reloadable prepaid card, perfect for paying public transportation in Seoul with kids.  And you can also use them for paying at convenience stores and other shops.

During your trip, you’ll need one card per person (children’s fares are discounted).  You can buy them at a convenience store like 7-Eleven with cash and in subway station machines.  Just be sure to tap in when you enter the subway or bus, and tap again when you exit!

Food in Seoul with Kids

Korean food is an adventure, and most of our kids loved it!  That’s why, here are some food recommendations that you must try:

• Korean BBQ: You can cook your meat at the table and most restaurants offer endless delicious side dishes.  Watch out for hot grills with younger kids.
  
• Street Food Markets: Myeongdong was our favorite… so good we even went twice!  Try candied fruit skewers, pork rolls and soufflé pancakes.  Other family favorites include Gwangjang Market (famous for savory pancakes) and Namdaemun (food and shopping).
  
• Fried Chicken: Crispy, saucy and beloved, you’ll find it pretty much everywhere.
  
• Kid Favorites: Dumplings (mandu), kimbap rolls and Korean pancakes (pajeon).
  
• High Chairs: This is not common in smaller restaurants.  So, you may want to bring a travel booster or stroller.

Tip: Ask for mild (anjeo maepge, 안 매운 거 주세요) if your kids don’t like spice.

Where to Stay in Seoul with Kids

Something we found out while planning our trip was that many Korean hotels don’t have English-friendly websites!  So, third-party sites like Booking.com make planning much easier.

We stayed at the Koreana Hotel downtown in Seoul with our kids and they loved it.  Having a big crew, we looked for hotels that had enough space for our family.  Here’s what we loved about the hotel:

• Spacious rooms (a rarity in Seoul!)
  
• Easy access to public transport
  
• Airport limousine bus stops right outside the door
  
• Onsite laundry (though in high demand, even at 2 a.m.!)

However, if you’re looking for different options, here’s some family-friendly hotel options in Seoul:

• H HOSTEL Itaewon: This hotel has small rooms and a very simple menu, which makes it perfect if you’re planning to be out all day!  It’s budget-friendly, has family rooms and has subway stations nearby.
  
• L’Escape Hotel: This is a chic boutique hotel with a European vibe, which honestly makes it so cool!  Rooms there are pretty fancy.  They have two restaurant options in case you’d like to eat there.  And, if you’re traveling with a large party, they have a Home Presidential Suite that sleeps 7+ people.

• Hotel Gracery Seoul: This hotel has a clean and modern aesthetic.  It also has a restaurant, laundry service and even currency exchange service (perfect if you need some cash)!  Also, they have a great location as they have subway stations nearby.
  
• Hotel28 Myeongdong: This hotel also has a modern look apart from being stylish and near stores and markets.  You’ll also find that they have breakfast included options as well as rooms that can sleep up to four people.
  
• Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong: This is a reliable mid-range option if you don’t want to overspend in a hotel.  What I love about this option is that they have kid-friendly amenities and family rooms.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Seoul with Kids

1. N Seoul Tower

If you’d like to experience incredible Seoul views with your kids, then this is a must visit in South Korea!  Take the cable car up for sweeping views of the city, especially during sunsets. Also, your kids will probably love the “locks of love” fence, where couples (and families) leave padlocks as tokens.

2. Lotte World

The world’s largest indoor amusement park + outdoor rides = all-day fun.  This is great for bringing kids of all ages because it has rides that cater to everyone.  Plus, if you get tired of rides, you can also do some ice skating, shopping and even visit a museum!  And, if you have a day with big crowds, you can always purchase premium passes to skip the line.

3. Nami Island

Looking for a different plan when in Seoul?  Then, step outside the city at Nami Island!  Our crew loved biking through tree-lined paths and spotting statues from K-dramas.  Just be sure to bring some hiking shoes as you walk through walkways filled with native flora and fauna, and sweeping views over the Han River.

4. Changdeokgung Palace

This is a UNESCO site with sprawling grounds and a Secret Garden tour!  Our kids enjoyed exploring wide courtyards and watching guards in traditional dress.  Also, it’s one of the best preserved Korean palaces, you’ll probably love it!

5. Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is the most famous palace in South Korea.  So, I would highly suggest you arrive early to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony: it’s colorful and entertaining.  Plus, the views here are so pretty.  Your kids might get the chance to dress up in traditional clothing!

6. DMZ Tour

This is also an outdoor activity and our older kids found it fascinating.  There is a suspended bridge and the tension plus history made it truly unforgettable.  However, if you bring younger kids, you may prefer lighter attractions.

7. Lotte Tower

If you’re still into breathtaking views of Seoul, this building will leave you with your mouth open. It is the world’s fifth tallest building!  And, naturally, our crew loved the glass sky deck floor, not for the faint of heart!

8. Hanok Villages

In case you didn’t know, the Bukchon Hanok Village is the most famous village in South Korea, and there is a reason!  You can go on a stroll among traditional houses that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

9. Coex Library & Aquarium

Are you and your family bookworms?  Then this place is a modern must-see, that you’ve probably already seen in movies or series.  You’ll spot soaring bookshelves plus a great aquarium in the same complex.  A must see for families with kids in Seoul!

10. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Show

Last but not least, you won’t want to miss this show.  At night, the bridge lights up with rainbow-colored fountains.  You can view the show from the streets or by booking a cruise.  It’s honestly a magical way to end the day or your stay in Seoul.

Final Thoughts

Seoul is one of the best cities we’ve visited as a family.  It’s safe, exciting and full of unique experiences: from street food feasts to palace tours to quirky cafés.  Our kids came home with new favorites (fried chicken, kimbap and gaming cafés) and a deeper love for travel.If Seoul has been on your family’s travel list, I’d say go for it.  Just grab a T-Money card, download Naver Maps, read more tips we have on Korea, and get ready for an adventure you’ll be talking about for years.

Additional Readings

8 Things to Know Before Visiting South Korea with Kids

Hong Kong with Kids: A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget

Best International Travel Apps When Traveling to Asia with Kids