Korea with Kids: Family-Friendly Travel Guide

Lotte World, inside Seoul, is the world's largest indoor theme park connected to an outdoor park. Rain or shine, it delivers. Lines can be brutal on weekends and holidays—go on weekdays when Korean schools are in session. Everland, south of Seoul in Yongin, is Korea's largest theme park. It requires a full day and advance planning. The Zootopia section with safari-style animal exhibits appeals to younger children. T-Express is one of the world's steepest wooden roller coasters for thrill-seekers. Seoul Children's Grand Park includes a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement rides—all manageable in scale for families with young children. It's free to enter, with rides charged separately. Korea has excellent aquariums: Lotte World Aquarium (Seoul), Aqua Planet (Jeju and multiple locations), and Coex Aquarium (Gangnam). All are modern and well-maintained.

Palace visits can bore children quickly. Counter this with hanbok rental—kids dressing in traditional clothes transforms palace visits into costume adventures. Many rental shops near Gyeongbokgung have children's sizes. The National Folk Museum (inside Gyeongbokgung) and National Children's Museum have interactive exhibits designed for young visitors. The outdoor folk village at the Folk Museum shows traditional Korean life accessibly. N Seoul Tower combines views with attractions kids enjoy: the digital observatory, the teddy bear museum, and the novelty of the cable car ride. The love locks provide craft opportunities. Changdeokgung's Secret Garden tour might challenge young attention spans, but the Bukchon Hanok Village walk can be broken into segments with cafe stops.

Korean food isn't inherently child-friendly—spice levels challenge many young palates. But options exist. Kimbap (rice rolls) are essentially Korean sushi without raw fish. Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) is a kid favorite. Korean fried chicken needs no explanation. Food courts in major shopping malls (Coex, Times Square, IFC Mall) offer variety—including Western options—with the casual atmosphere that reduces dining stress. Convenience stores stock familiar snacks and simple prepared foods. Triangle kimbap, banana milk, and various snacks can save a difficult meal moment. Market eating requires guidance. Gwangjang Market's bindaetteok (savory pancakes) and mayak gimbap (small rice rolls) work for most kids. Avoid bringing children to crowded evening market situations.

Korea's subway system accommodates strollers, but stations often involve stairs. Major stations have elevators, but plan extra time. Buses are difficult with strollers during rush hours. Taxis are affordable and practical for families. The Kakao T app (in English) makes calling taxis easy and provides drivers with your destination in Korean. Accommodations: Many Korean hotels offer 'family rooms' larger than standard doubles. Hanok guesthouses can work for older children who appreciate the cultural experience. Apartments through platforms like Airbnb provide kitchen access and space. Diapers, formula, and children's medications are widely available at pharmacies (약국) and Olive Young stores. Standards match or exceed Western equivalents. Jeju Island especially caters to families. Many attractions specifically target domestic family tourism: Ecoland Theme Park, Maze Land, and various museums designed for children.