The Gyeongbokgung Palace is a stunning royal palace in South Korea, which has been beautifully preserved since it was built in 1395. With various exhibitions, beautiful gardens, and a rich history, this is a perfect place for families to explore and learn. Be sure to catch the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony.
A tower located on Namsan Mountain, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city. It also houses a café with various delicacies and a shopping center. Being the highest point in Seoul, it is a great place for families to take in the bird’s eye view of the city below, especially during sunset. There's an optional cable car ride to the top of the mountain
Lotte World Adventure is an amusement park that has rides, a water park and shopping centers, all under one roof. This is a perfect place for families to bond and have fun in a safe environment with world-class attractions, such as the Atlantis Adventure and The Conquistador. There's also an outdoor park and the Magic Island, an artificial island located in the middle of Seokchon Lake.
Myeongdong is a shopping district filled with fashion shops, cosmetic stores, and street food vendors. This vibrant street market has a wide variety of street food and desserts hand-crafted by street vendors perfect for family foodie day. Also, make sure to check out the large malls like the Lotte Department Store, Noon Square, and M Plaza for more shopping options.
The National Museum of Korea is one of the largest in Asia, featuring an internationally acclaimed collection of ancient Korean art and cultural treasures. This is a perfect place for families to explore and learn about the history of South Korea in a fun and interactive way. The museum also has a Children's Museum, where kids can participate in hands-on activities.
Public transportation in Seoul is your most cost-efficient option. Consider renting a T-Money transit card (₩2,500) to get around with ease. The subway and bus system are integrated, making it an easy option to move around the city. Taxis are also readily available, but it will be more expensive depending on the traffic. The average taxi ride starts at ₩3,800, and the average fare ranges from ₩10,000 to ₩25,000 for a single ride.
If you have more time, add a day trip to nearby cities like Suwon or Gapyeong for some more sightseeing or try some of Seoul's iconic street foods like Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, and Jjim Dalk. If you're traveling with young children, consider spending a day exploring the Seoul Children's Grand Park, which includes various animal exhibits, children's performances and playgrounds.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the primary airport in Seoul, situated 30 miles west of the city. The airport has various transport options, including express trains, buses and taxis, making travel back and forth to the city center convenient. The airport is equipped with restaurants, duty-free stores, and lounges for travelers to grab a bite to eat, pick up some souvenirs, or relax before their flight.