8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Jeju and Seoul

  • Day 1: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Jeju
    Estimated Time: 8 hours
    Estimated Distance: 65 kilometers

    On the first day, we will explore the natural wonders of Jeju Island, starting with a visit to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning sunrise views. Afterward, we will head to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and Jeongbang Waterfall, two of the most picturesque waterfalls on the island. Finally, we will visit Hallim Park, where you can enjoy various activities such as a botanical garden, a folk village, and a bird show. It is a perfect way to begin our trip!

  • Day 2: Beach Hopping in Jeju
    Estimated Time: 7 hours
    Estimated Distance: 50 kilometers

    On day two, we will visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju Island. These include Hamdeok Beach, Gimnyeong Beach, and Hyeopjae Beach. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches make these three a perfect destination for families. You can relax on the beach, go swimming, or rent a paddleboard at Hamdeok Beach. Don’t forget to try the famous Jeju black pig BBQ for lunch on this day!

  • Day 3: Amusement Parks in Seoul
    Estimated Time: 8 hours
    Estimated Distance: 20 kilometers

    Seoul has many family-friendly amusement parks, and we will visit two of the most popular ones. Everland is the largest amusement park in Korea, featuring thrilling rides and a zoo with over 2,000 animals. Lotte World, on the other hand, is the world's largest indoor theme park with thrilling rides and an ice rink. If you are traveling with kids, a visit to these amusement parks is a must!

  • Day 4: The Magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Estimated Time: 5 hours
    Estimated Distance: 10 kilometers

    Today we will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic palace in Seoul. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour to learn about Korean history and culture. Afterward, we will visit the Korean Folk Village, which presents traditional life during the Joseon Dynasty. It showcases traditional houses, artisan performances, and food. We will end our day at Insadong, a popular shopping district known for its traditional Korean souvenirs and street food.

  • Day 5: Art and History in Seoul
    Estimated Time: 8 hours
    Estimated Distance: 20 kilometers

    On Day 5, we will visit some of Seoul's most popular art and history museums. The National Museum of Korea houses over 220,000 artifacts and art pieces, and the War Memorial of Korea documents the Korean War and other war histories. Afterward, we will enjoy an outdoor stroll through Namsan Park, which offers great views of Seoul's skyline. At night, we will visit Gangnam district and experience the vibrant nightlife.

  • Day 6: DMZ and Beyond
    Estimated Time: 9 hours
    Estimated Distance: 70 kilometers

    Today we will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the most heavily guarded border in the world. Here, we will get a glimpse of the North Korean border and learn about the historical context of the area. Afterward, we will visit the Nami Island, a small island renowned for its natural scenery and outdoor activities. Also, we can try the famous Dakgalbi, spicy stir-fried chicken, for dinner.

  • Day 7: Family Fun in Seoul
    Estimated Time: 8 hours
    Estimated Distance: 30 kilometers

    Today we will enjoy some family fun in Seoul, starting with a visit to COEX Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Korea, with over 40,000 creatures. Afterward, we will visit Seoul Land, a popular amusement park built around Seoul’s grand nature offering roller coasters, animal exhibits, and thrilling rides. We will end our day with an amazing experience at the Han River Fireworks Festival (Oct 8, 2023), one of the largest fireworks festivals in Korea.

  • Day 8: Korean Cuisine and Culture
    Estimated Time: 7 hours
    Estimated Distance: 20 kilometers

    On the last day, we will dive into Korean cuisine and culture. We will start our day by visiting Gwangjang Market, a traditional Korean market serving an endless variety of Korean street food. After lunch, we will visit Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the traditional Korean houses, and Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we will participate in traditional tea-making and Korean rice wine-tasting. Don’t forget to souvenir shopping at Insa-dong for the last time!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (2 hours, 5,000 KRW)
  • Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (1 hour, 2,500 KRW)
  • Jeongbang Waterfall (1 hour, 2,000 KRW)
  • Hallim Park (3 hours, 10,000 KRW)
  • Hamdeok Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Gimnyeong Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Hyeopjae Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Everland (5 hours, 56,000 KRW)
  • Lotte World (5 hours, 54,000 KRW)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (2 hours, 3,000 KRW)
  • Korean Folk Village (3 hours, 15,000 KRW)
  • National Museum of Korea (3 hours, free)
  • War Memorial of Korea (2 hours, free)
  • Namsan Park (2 hours, free)
  • DMZ (4 hours, 120,000 KRW)
  • Nami Island (3 hours, 13,000 KRW)
  • COEX Aquarium (2 hours, 28,000 KRW)
  • Seoul Land (4 hours, 35,000 KRW)
Total Estimated Costs: 385,000 KRW

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Jeju, we suggest adding a visit to Udo Island, a beautiful destination famous for its natural scenery and laid-back atmosphere. In Seoul, you can add an evening tour of the city's famous landmarks, or visit Myeong-dong for shopping and street food. If you have less time, we suggest skipping Namsan Park and the Han River Fireworks Festival, which are both optional activities.

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