Korea with kids
Korea is one of the easiest countries in Asia to travel with children: safe streets, clean toilets, nursing rooms in every department store, and people who go out of their way for small children. The cities are built for families, and many of the best things for kids are free.
In Seoul
| Seoul Children’s Grand Park | A big free park with a small zoo, playgrounds and rides, on Line 7. The easiest half-day with small children. |
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| Children’s museums | The Children’s Museum of the National Museum of Korea and the Seoul Children’s Museum are hands-on, well designed and free or cheap. Book the timed sessions online ahead. |
| Lotte World and aquariums | Lotte World is indoors and works in any weather; the Lotte World and COEX aquariums suit younger children. See Everland or Lotte World? |
| Seoul Forest and the Han River | Seoul Forest has deer, playgrounds and cycle paths; the Han River parks have playgrounds, bike rental and summer swimming pools. |
Further afield
- Everland for a full theme-park day with a safari, and Legoland Korea in Chuncheon for under-12s.
- Alpaca World and Nami Island east of Seoul. See the Nami Island guide.
- Jeju is the family island: beaches with shallow water, Snoopy Garden, tangerine picking in winter and short volcanic walks. See 3 days in Jeju.
- Busan has the Sea Life aquarium on Haeundae Beach and the Blueline Park beach train.
Getting around with children
- Strollers: subway stations have lifts, but not at every exit; the station maps show which. A light folding stroller is easier than a big one on buses and escalators.
- Fares: children under six ride the subway free with a paying adult, and there are discounted children’s and youth transport cards.
- Car seats are rarely available in taxis. If your child needs one, bring a travel seat or book a private transfer that supplies one.
- The KTX has family seating and is far easier with children than long bus rides.
Sleeping and eating
- Family rooms are common, including heated-floor ondol rooms where everyone sleeps on mattresses on the floor.
- Food: kimbap, mild soups, fried chicken, bulgogi and dumplings are easy wins. Say “an maepge” (not spicy); many dishes can be made mild.
- Convenience stores sell milk, fruit and snacks everywhere, round the clock.
- Nursing and baby-changing rooms are in department stores, malls, big stations and museums.
Rainy day in SeoulWhere to stay in SeoulGetting around SeoulTheme parks & experiences
