Family-Friendly Adventures in Seoul, South Korea!

Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Morning: Arrival at Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Start your day early by heading to Cheongwadae Sarangchae, located in the heart of Seoul. You can easily get there by taking the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and exiting at Gate 5, followed by a scenic 15-minute walk through the picturesque neighborhood. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM, allowing you to beat the crowds and fully enjoy your visit.

10:00 AM: Explore Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of South Korea at Cheongwadae Sarangchae. This history center showcases exhibitions related to the Korean presidency and traditional Korean culture. Don’t miss the interactive displays which are perfect for keeping kids engaged.

Interesting Fact: Cheongwadae Sarangchae is located near the Blue House, the official residence of South Korea"s president, which adds a prestigious touch to its surroundings.

11:30 AM: Cheongwadae Sarangchae Children’s Museum

Next, take your kids to the Children’s Museum within the complex. Here, they can participate in educational activities and games that teach them about South Korea’s governance and cultural heritage in a fun, accessible way.

12:30 PM: Lunch

Enjoy a family lunch at a nearby traditional Korean restaurant. Treat yourselves to popular dishes like bibimbap or bulgogi, which are both delicious and kid-friendly.

Afternoon: Park Exploration

After lunch, take a relaxing walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, just a 20-minute walk away. Explore this beautiful area filled with traditional Korean houses (hanoks) and quaint tea houses, perfect for afternoon refreshments.

3:00 PM: Hanbok Experience

Cap off the day with a fun Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) trying session available in the village. It’s a great way for the whole family to dive deeper into Korean culture and snap memorable photos.

5:00 PM: Departure

As the day winds down, head back to your accommodation or continue exploring the vibrant city of Seoul. This educational yet fun-filled itinerary is sure to leave your family with lasting memories of Korea’s rich heritage and culture.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Morning: Arrival & Exploration of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Begin your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Located in northern Seoul, it"s easily accessible via Line 3 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, alighting at Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5. Start at the main gate, Gwanghwamun, where you can watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00 AM—a vibrant display of colors and sounds which captivates both adults and kids.

Explore the sprawling palace grounds, where you can admire traditional Korean architecture. Don"t miss the Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall, where kings once held official state affairs. Capture family photos with the picturesque backdrop of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, a two-tiered hexagonal pavilion set on a lake.

Midday: National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the Palace grounds is the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is perfect for families. It offers educational and interactive exhibits that showcase traditional Korean life. Children will love the hands-on activities such as traditional games and crafts.

Afternoon: Gwanghwamun Square & Cheonggyecheon Stream

Post lunch, walk south to Gwanghwamun Square, a large public open space that"s often bustling with activity and street performers. While here, look for the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and King Sejong, which provide excellent opportunities to teach kids about Korean history.

Finish your day with a relaxing walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun, this 11 km long modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul is perfect for a leisurely stroll to wind down after a day of exploration.

Tips

- Wear comfortable walking shoes.

- Check the palace"s website for any cultural events or festivals that might coincide with your visit.

- Plan your visit on a Wednesday or weekend, when the palace is open for free admission.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)

Morning: Arrival & Ascend to Namsan Tower

Start your adventure early by heading to Namsan Tower, a Seoul landmark offering panoramic views of the sprawling city. To get there, take the subway to Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), and from Exit 3, walk for about 15 minutes to the Namsan Oreumi Elevator, which is a fun ride itself, transporting visitors up the mountain. Alternatively, for a more scenic route, take the Namsan Cable Car from the base station near Myeong-dong. The cable car ride offers a spectacular city view as you ascend.

Midday: Explore Namsan Tower

Once at Namsan Tower, purchase a ticket to the observatory. An elevator will whisk you up 480 meters above sea level to breathtaking views. Be sure to check out the Digital Observatory for an interactive experience that educates and entertains, ideal for children. Don"t miss the "Locks of Love" terrace where families can attach personalized padlocks as a symbol of everlasting love and unity.

Lunch: Namsan Tower Café or Surrounding Picnic Spots

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the N Tower’s restaurant, which offers a variety of options with the added bonus of a city skyline backdrop. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding Namsan Park, where you can relax amidst nature and let the kids play.

Afternoon: Namsan Hanok Village

Post-lunch, head down to Namsan Hanok Village, just a short stroll from the tower. This restored village presents an excellent opportunity for families to learn about traditional Korean architecture and culture. Participate in scheduled traditional games or crafts that are often available for visitors.

Evening: Return & Reflect

As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk or the cable car back to the city. Reflect on a day filled with stunning views, cultural insights, and family bonding at one of Seoul"s iconic landmarks.

This itinerary promises a memorable day for the whole family, combining education with entertainment in one of Seoul’s most picturesque settings.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)

Why Visit?

Family Itinerary to Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), Seoul

Morning: Visit to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)

Getting There: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and exit at Gate 5. From there, it"s a brief 15-minute walk.

Details: Start your family day by exploring the official residence of South Korea"s President. The Blue House, with its unique blue tiles and picturesque Mt. Bugak backdrop, offers pre-arranged tours that are both educational and engaging for all ages. Tours must be booked in advance through their official website and typically run for about an hour.

Fun Fact: The distinct blue tiles of the Blue House are made from a special Korean ceramic, providing not only beauty but also durability against the elements.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Korean meal at a nearby Hanok restaurant in Samcheong-dong, where kids can experience sitting on floor cushions and eating from low tables.

Afternoon: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Getting There: A short walk back towards Gyeongbokgung station leads you directly to the palace entrance.

Details: After lunch, step into the history of Korea with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Don"t miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a colorful and exciting event perfect for capturing family photos. Explore the vast grounds, and if you"re lucky, catch a traditional music performance or a guided tour in English.

Fun Fact: Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Watch for the Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall, where important ceremonies were held.

Evening: Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Getting There: A short walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Details: Conclude your visit with a stop at Cheongwadae Sarangchae, a museum that educates visitors on past Korean presidents and the history of Seoul. The museum is interactive, making it fun for children to learn through engaging exhibits.

End your day with some local ice cream or bingsu (Korean shaved ice) as you reflect on a day steeped in culture and history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Why Visit?

Day Trip Itinerary to Bukchon Hanok Village

Morning

Start your family day out at Bukchon Hanok Village by taking the subway to Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Just a short walk from the station, you"ll enter a picturesque scene of traditional Korean houses (hanoks) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Begin at the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center to pick up a map and learn about the architecture and history of the area. It"s a great way to engage the kids with interactive exhibits and activities.

Midday

Stroll along Samcheongdong-gil Road, where you can explore artisan shops and enjoy a traditional Korean lunch at one of the local restaurants. Don"t miss trying Kimbap or Bibimbap, which are both kid-friendly and tasty options. After lunch, participate in a hanbok rental experience nearby; dressing up in traditional Korean attire will be a highlight for the kids and a perfect photo opportunity against the backdrop of ancient homes.

Afternoon

Continue your walking tour to discover the eight scenic views of Bukchon, which are marked throughout the village. These spots offer the best views and photo opportunities. Make sure to respect the residents" privacy as many of the hanoks are still private homes. Along the way, visit the Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum to see beautiful Korean embroidery and possibly partake in a short workshop.

Late Afternoon

As the day winds down, find your way to Gahoe-dong Alley, known for its concentration of beautifully preserved hanoks. Here, kids can enjoy traditional Korean games like tuho (arrow throwing) and jegi-chagi (shuttlecock kicking) often organized in open spaces by locals.

Finish your tour with some traditional Korean tea at a quaint café, reflecting on a day steeped in culture and history before heading back to Anguk Station.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures a memorable exploration of tradition, culture, and fun activities at Bukchon Hanok Village!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.