The ultimate family-friendly guide to South Korea: Seoul, Busan & Jeju

As the Korean entertainment industry continues to grow, so does the number of people interested in travelling to the country. While we’re used to seeing gorgeous celebrities flaunting on the red carpet, South Korea has so much more to offer. From delicious food and rich culture, to trendy fashion and beautiful cityscapes, there’s something for everyone. If you’re considering visiting the country with your family, here are some ideas for your trip!

Korea’s public transportation system is reliable, convenient, and efficient, especially in Seoul. All you need is the Naver app to navigate, and a T-Money card! 

However, if you’re travelling in a large group or with young children, a private car charter will be the safest and easiest bet. Another great option would be a private tour with a personal driver. Here are some choices you can look into:

When you think of Seoul, you probably picture a metropolis with skyscrapers, busy office workers rushing in and out of train stations, and blinking neon lights. While South Korea’s capital city may be the “it” place for the youth, it’s also jam-packed with family-friendly attractions.

The cost of travelling in a big group can add up pretty quickly. If you’re looking to save some cash, check out this Klook Pass Seoul!

You’ve definitely seen pictures of Nami Island, also known as Namiseom, online. Nami Island is located in Gangwon State, roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from the city via subway. The island’s lush green trees stand tall, acting as a majestic background for photo-takers while providing shade from the sun. One of the best things about Nami Island (and South Korea in general), is that you can visit the island any time of year as each season has something different to offer. Autumn brings you warm foliage and falling leaves, while spring has cherry blossoms galore.

Fun fact: the popular K-drama “Winter Sonata” was filmed here! There’s even a statue of the characters in embrace to commemorate the show and its impact. 

If you want more bang for your buck, we highly suggest joining a Nami Island tour. Getting to the island is an adventure in itself, and a tour means that transportation is covered, and you get a guide to help you!

In a more cultural and historic light, palaces in Seoul are a must-visit! The biggest and most frequented one is Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built during the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace is where you’ll get a glimpse of what life was like back in that era through traditional Korean architecture. 

This is a fantastic place to expose your young ones to Korea’s history and culture. You can even rent a hanbok to really immerse yourself in the experience. Due to its sheer size, covering the whole palace might take a while, so do look into guided tours to ensure that you won’t miss out on any of the main attractions!

When in South Korea, setting aside a full day to experience the thrills of Everland is a must. This theme park is huge— on top of their many attractions, they have 5 roller coasters, a waterpark, and even a zoo! There truly is something for everyone at Everland. 

Although Everland technically isn’t in Seoul, it’s still very accessible from the city. Getting there via public transportation requires switching metro lines, on top of transferring from train to bus. All in all, it can take about 2 hours to get there. It’s not too difficult, but it can get a little troublesome for families with young children. Good news is that you can skip all that hassle and just jump on a shuttle bus! Alternatively, you can get tickets along with a bus ride to the theme park with an Everland Day Tour. 

At Busan, visitors get the best of both worlds— a metropolitan city (though not as busy as Seoul) and seaside views bundled into a single location. This coastal city is known for its beaches and blue skies, as well as its temples and fresh seafood. If you’re travelling to Busan from Seoul, check out this one way or round trip car service that’ll make your journey a whole lot easier.

Colourful houses that appear to be stacked on top of each other, murals, and friendly locals— this is what Gamcheon Culture Village is all about. What used to be a settlement area for refugees during the Korean War is now one of the country’s most visited tourist sites, and for a good reason.

The town is now home to little cafes, beautiful sculptures, and hidden treasures. Every corner is a photoshoot opportunity, so get your cameras ready! Some of the key photo spots include the Little Prince statue, rainbow stairs, and of course, the houses themselves. If you’re a BTS fan, you might want to look out for the mural of Jungkook and Jimin as well!

Want to admire Haeundae’s beauty without getting sand in your shoes? The solution is to hop on Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule, where you get to sit in a capsule that takes you for a ride along the coastline. Your journey will begin in Mipo Station and end at Cheongsapo Station which are 2km apart, so you have plenty of time to admire the bright blue sky and glittering sea. 

Do note that only 4 people can share one capsule, so be sure to plan in advance. On top of that, only one-way tickets are available. If you wish to return to your initial starting point, you’ll have to purchase another ticket.

After observing the ocean from a distance, it’s finally time to learn more about it— in particular, its inhabitants. SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is home to over 10,000 marine animals and 250 aquatic species; your kids will be thoroughly entertained watching different types of fish swim by! You can expect to see adorable otters, penguins, turtles, and more.

This aquarium is quite popular, so if you want to skip the queue, you can book your tickets on Klook. 

Jeju-do, better known by tourists as Jeju Island, is a must-visit destination for all. Its scenic landscapes and beautiful beaches make it a popular choice for families and even couples on honeymoon.

While Jeju does have buses, the easiest way to get from one place to another is by car. Jeju is one of the most rejuvenating places to be, and we recommend renting a car so that you can explore at your own pace. Be sure to apply for an international licence beforehand!

Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, is a volcanic crater that erupted from underwater over 5,000 years ago. From afar, it looks like a mountain cliff that you only see in movies, but up close, it’s even more magical.  Many people choose to hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong to get a full panoramic view of Jeju’s romantic scenery.

Luckily, you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. Most visitors opt to visit the site to admire the crater from a distance. Here, you can also catch the island’s famed women diver show where women will dive into the ocean without oxygen masks to collect seafood!

If there’s one place you have to go to in Jeju, it’s Udo Island (otherwise known as U-Island or Udo). Udo sits at the northeast of Jeju, and although it’s the largest island in the province, you can still explore the whole of Udo in under a day. The only way to get to Udo is via ferry from either Seongsan Port or Jongdal Port. You can purchase tickets for the ferry ride at the port itself.

There are a few ways to go about Udo, such as by shuttle bus or by simply walking, but your kids will have the most fun cycling around! The island is full of little gems, including a beach with the bluest water you’ll ever see, and stunning caves. You’ll find many cafes and restaurants as well— fuel up with some Udo noodles in black bean sauce, and don’t miss out on the island’s famous peanut ice-cream!

After all that hiking and exploring, it’s time to sit back and relax at Woljeongri-Beach. The beach itself is breathtaking with its soft white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. Remember to bring your swimwear with you if you want to join other visitors in enjoying the cooling seawater. You might even see a group of surfers catching waves!

The road along Woljeong-ri Beach is lined with cafes and restaurants. If you’re not in the mood for a swim, grab a cup of coffee and chill at one of the many outdoor spaces provided by the cafes. In case you want to enjoy your snack closer to the beach, there are benches and chairs at the walkway.