Seoul
Travel, through a family lens: a city that embraces centuries of tradition while setting the pulse of tomorrow’s pop culture.
The girls still talk about Seoul, South Korea as a favorite destination, and honestly, I’m already looking for an excuse to return sooner rather than later. As a long-time K-drama devotee, the trip felt oddly familiar, like walking through scenes I’d already fallen in love with on screen. Seoul is one of those cities you can visit again and again.
Picture tourists dressed in colorful hanboks posing at Gyeongbokgung Palace, nature woven seamlessly into city life and design, and an energy that reminds you just how much Seoul influences global pop culture, beauty, and fashion. The biggest surprise? The incredibly kid-friendly atmosphere, with themed cafés, interactive museums, and entire stores designed just for children.
By night, the city glows — vibrant like Tokyo, but softer and more spacious. We were lucky to see parts of Seoul through local friends too, who led us to unforgettable moments like sharing “chicken and beer” along the glistening Han River as the towers lit up the night, appreciating a traditional Korean meal at one of their favorite restaurants in Bukchon Hanok Village, and golfing high up in Pocheon-si’s mountain side on a day’s road trip. And yes, I even snuck in a K-beauty treatment!
-Mimi, Cofounder
Family Travel Journal
Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: families craving a big-city escape that balances energy and ease — food, playful experiences, tons of shopping, and quick access to nature in one place.
Ages: All ages, but be prepared to explore on foot. Like Tokyo or New York, walking is part of the experience.
When to Visit: Spring break, late May, and early October are ideal with warmer days, fewer crowds, and plenty of festivals. Winter and summer are unfavorable, so avoid them if you can.
Trip Length: 5 nights as a minimum for a balanced and meaningful trip.
Combine with: Busan, Jeju Island, Jeon-ju, Gyeong-Ju, Japan, or Hong Kong.
Destination Fit
At a glance
Seoul is South Korea’s vibrant capital, a city where ancient palaces meet glass skyscrapers and mountain peaks rise beyond neon skylines. As the country’s political, cultural, and creative heart, it’s a place that moves at the speed of innovation while staying deeply connected to its traditions. Located along the Han River in northwestern South Korea, Seoul is one of Asia’s most welcoming and accessible cities. Clean, safe, and easy to navigate, it offers efficient public transportation, a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, and countless parks, activities, and sites for the family to enjoy together.
This dynamic spirit extends to every aspect of the city, especially its food. Seoul’s food scene is a perfect reflection of the city itself: vibrant, layered, and endlessly inventive. It’s where centuries-old recipes meet new-wave creativity, where humble comfort food shares the stage with Michelin stars, and where every meal tells a story of heritage and innovation. And the city’s Hallyu (Korean Wave) influence — from K-pop and K-dramas to K-beauty — adds a layer of fun and familiarity for travelers of all ages.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
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For families, Myeongdong offers the easiest base for sightseeing, while Gangnam works best for longer stays with kids (clean, organized, and full of dining options that please everyone).
Four Seasons Seoul - centrally located near palaces, ideal for families who want ease, 5-star service, and space.
Lotte Hotel Seoul - classic Seoul institution that is elegant, reliable, and centrally located.
Ananti at Gangnam - a calm, design-forward city retreat with spacious rooms and a sleek pool scene makes it especially appealing for families with older kids or teens who want “cool” downtime after sightseeing. We personally loved the Townhouse rooms.
L7 by Lotte - smart, stylish, and budget-friendly with convenient locations in neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
For Hanok stays, we can make recommendations based on your overall trip destinations other than Seoul.
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Food was one of our children’s highlight for Seoul! As a very kid-friendly city for food options, our list is a teeny tiny glimpse into the variety of options you have for planned meals.
Samwon Garden - Seoul’s most iconic Korean barbecue restaurant, where polished service meets beautifully grilled beef in spacious and well designed dining rooms . The outdoor garden is just as beautiful and perfect for kids to run around. Overall we enjoyed the relaxed upscale vibe for Korean bbq.
Parc (Hannam District) - located in a modern, welcoming space. Come before/after the Leeum Museum to enjoy recipes by owner Pak Mogua's mother, Heo Junghee, that have been passed down through generations.
Tongin Market- kids can trade traditional brass coins for street food samples. It’s an interactive, delicious history lesson. There’s also “street food” in Myeongdong when shopping, but it’s set up for tourism delight.
Myeongdong Kyoja – speaking of Myeongdong, stop by this iconic dumpling spot that is friendly for all ages!
Cheonha Bossam (Wonseo-dong neighborhood) - this hidden gem off the beaten path in a quiet hanok neighborhood is known for its Korean dish Bossam (braised pork belly).
Yoojung Sikdang - ofc we can’t NOT mention BTS. This is THE go-to place for BTS during their training rookie days.
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There’s truly so much to do in Seoul, it’s hard to choose which to share, but these are a few of our favorites.
N Seoul Tower at sunset - for sightseeing, take a short gondola ride up, leave “love locks” (bring KRW cash to buy), and let the kids run free in the courtyard while you enjoy the epic views. When it’s time to head down, you’ll be mesmerized to see Seoul in a new light, lit up against the moon.
Hike at Bukhansan National Park - for a nature adventure, hop on a short subway ride to this mountain escape. Hike an easy family trail like Ui-dong or Doseonsa Temple Route, or ride the Baegundae Peak cable car (for older kids).
Picnic on the Han River - the Han River is like Seoul’s backyard: a local hangout where the city comes to breathe, picnic, and play. Rent bikes or order fried chicken delivery right to your park blanket at Yeouido Hangang Park or Banpo Hangang Park. Parents, don’t forget the beer! Also, going in the day vs. night gives very different vibes. The energy of the night is so special!
Experience traditional Korean Culture - book a craft workshop like Korean mask painting, pottery, or hanbok-making in Bukchon Hanok Village and/or play dress up in Hankbok rentals and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Kidzania (Jamsil area) -We received so many asks about this adventure after we went. In this indoor park, children become adults and experience real-world occupations. Block out at least 6 hours to make this worthwhile. Quote from my kids, “The best!” on their memory of it. But if this is too much of a day commitment, pop into the numerous kid cafes (themed cafes with cute play spaces) Seoul is known for!
Enjoy a Jjimjilbang Experience - for the older kids, this could be their own indoor theme park. Try a Korean spa day with hot rooms, cold baths, arcade areas, and Korean snacks. Set aside a few hours and go during off-peak hours for a calmer vibe.
Photo booths - you can’t miss them! There are so many with fun props and backgrounds. Try collecting as many different photo strips as you can.
Tip: Choose tour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.
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Whether you’re browsing local markets or concept stores, shopping in Seoul reveals the city’s creative pulse: modern, expressive, and endlessly inspiring. Here is a list of what to expect, by neighborhood:
Seongsu (for tastemakers) - Seoul’s current hotspot of “cool” that’s been dubbed “The Brooklyn of Seoul.” Need we say more? This is where you’ll find our chicest friends when they frequently return to Seoul.
Apgujeong Rodeo Street (for luxury) - compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, you’ll find a curated selection of international designer brands and high-end Korean labels.
Myeongdong (for classic Seoul shopping) - Warning: it’s sensory overload, catering to tourism. Myeongdong is filled with skincare stores, Korean fashion brands, souvenir shops, and endless street food. Our kids spent hours making totes personalized with patches. Also, stop by at Wiggle Wiggle experiential store.
Hongdae (for teens) - this area is Seoul’s youthful heartbeat. Independent boutiques, thrift shops, record stores, and cafés line the streets. It’s where teens can explore safely and feel like locals. Many shops are streetwear-inspired: trendy without being too expensive.
Itaewon (for boutique shoppers) - near Itaewon Station, the shopping street is lined with boutiques, curated shops and tailors . Go mid-morning through early evening, before nightlife picks up. Pair it with Namsan Tower or The Leeum Museum of Art for a well-balanced day of design, culture, and great food.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) & Shopping Complex (for Fashion Hunters taking shopping very seriously) - IYKYK. Recommended for ages 12+ .
There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.
Tips
Currency & accepted payments
The local currency is the South Korean won (₩ / KRW). If your credit card supports tap-to-pay, use it. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted in many areas of Seoul, and can be used directly on subways, buses, and even taxis. However, you will likely still need a physical card in many places, and it’s a good idea to have cash on hand for emergencies.
Booking activities online
Booking local tours, performances, or transportation in Korea directly can be tricky since many sites don’t accept international credit cards. Try using global platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or Klook, or ask a local to help. Even better, your hotel concierge can often book for you, making the process much smoother.
Booking a K-beauty treatment
K-beauty treatments are a must-try in Seoul. Booking as a tourist, though, can take a bit of planning. Look for clinics in areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, or Apgujeong, where staff are more likely to speak English and are familiar with international clients. Most communication will likely happen through KakaoTalk, so be prepared to use it. And as always, make sure to research and vet clinics in advance and get a referral if you can.
Late morning starts
In Seoul, many local cafés and shops don’t open until 10 a.m. or later. Use the early morning hours for quiet city walks, heritage stops, or views, and schedule breakfast, café breaks, or shopping after the city awakens. Hotel breakfasts or stocking up on 7-Eleven snacks for the kiddos, like we did, can also be your safety net early on.
Taking photos in Hanboks
This is probably one of the most popular tourist activities in Seoul. If you’re visiting other cities, you may skip this in Seoul like our family did and do it in another city. We created our own custom experience off the beaten path in Gyeongju! For details or more creative ideas, check out our custom planning!
Apps to download
Download key local apps before your trip, as some international ones (like Google Maps or WhatsApp) are not as commonly used. Also note that local apps may reject foreign cards, so it’s smart to test ahead and carry cash as a backup.
Naver Map (네이버 지도) for navigation
KakaoTalk (카카오톡) for communication
Seoul Subway (official app)
Kakao T (카카오 T) or K Ride for taxis
Google Translate for taxi drivers
T-money (티머니) - optional, but can be convenient for paying for public transport (using your credit card also works)
From/To the airport
From Incheon International (ICN), the AREX Express Train gets you to Seoul Station in under an hour. Many central hotels also offer private transfers if you prefer door-to-door ease after a long flight.
Using Public transport
Traveling by car can be time-consuming due to traffic and the city’s sheer scale. We recommend planning your days to minimize long cross-city trips and taking advantage of Seoul’s excellent public transportation instead, which is safe and well-connected. Also, riding the subway or bus can actually be a highlight for kids!
Taxis/Kakao for shorter distances
Taxis are inexpensive. If you’re going short distances, it may be more convenient to hop in a taxi or call one on your app, especially at night. Kakao T is widely used and works just like Uber/Lyft. If you don’t have a Korean bank card, choose the “Pay to Driver” option so you can pay cash or use your credit card at the end.
Trusted Family Voices…
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Watch on TikTok
“Our second experience of Kidzania was the branch in Seoul. So many establishments, one day was not enough! This branch in Seoul works very differently…”
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The Madhoks
World traveling mom of 3, Debbie says:
“Korea is a capital of excellent food and incredible experiences, even for children, but unfortunately most people don’t get to experience the real Korea due to a disconnect between the back alleyways of amazingness and what’s seen on Instagram.”
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![Liv Kidzania]()
Liv, at age 9
From Mimi’s daughter:
“I loved all the art supplies we got in Korea. It seemed cheaper than at home.”
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Watch on Instagram
“If South Korea is on your bucketlist, you love traveling with kids…”
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![Ivy Seoul]()
Ivy, at age 5
From Mimi’s daughter:
“I liked the breakfast buffet at the hotel. Yummy Korean food. They even had macarons for dessert.”
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Watch on Tik Tok
“Fun kid activities in Seoul.”
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![Watch on Instagram]()
Watch on Instagram
“Drinks and cats 🐈🐈⬛. We are in! Asia has many animal cafes and we soaked it up. This cat cafe in Seoul was such a fun break from walking around all day…”
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Watch on Youtube
“Korea with kids…”
Family Travel Journal 2
Seoul has always had a special place in my heart. I first visited as a kid with my family, wide-eyed at the bright lights and endless energy. Over the years, I have returned with girlfriends several times, eating our way through long meals and staying out late into the night laughing over soju and hunting for unique local fashion at night market stalls.
Now, experiencing it again through a parental lens, my appreciation for the city has only deepened. Seoul is a place where tradition and trend collide, where innovative local designers share space amongst global luxury brands. The culture is about connection - eating, drinking, and enjoying life over a leisurely coffee at a pastry shop or over a long hearty meal with dozens of tiny plates of banchans covering the table.
Lastly, I will always come back for the K-beauty rituals and a slow day at the jjimjilbang, soaking in warm pools and emerging completely renewed after a rough scrub.
-Kristin, Cofounder
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