Highlights
- Step back in time with a stroll through Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village
- Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on, family-friendly Korean pottery class
- Ride a high-flying cable car to the summit of the impressive Mount Seoraksan
- Say hello to friendly sheep and cows at Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Family Fun at COEX Mall | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Discover Gyeongbokgung Palace & Gwangjang, Playtime in Namsan Park | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Everland Theme Park | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Kid-Friendly Cooking Class, Pottery-Making Workshop | Seoul |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Gangneung, Visit Nami Island, Gangchon Railbike & Alpaca World | Gangneung |
| Day 6 | Seoraksan National Park Tour, Jungang Market Experience | Gangneung |
| Day 7 | Explore Gangneung's Museums & Beaches | Gangneung |
| Day 8 | Visit Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch | Gangneung |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Seoul, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Family Fun at COEX Mall
Welcome to South Korea! Your flight lands in Seoul, the country's bustling capital, where you'll find ancient temples next to modern skyscrapers, plenty of shopping options, and of course, delicious food! On arrival, your family will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel, where you and the kids can unwind for a bit before venturing out.
Start your immersion into South Korea with a visit to Seoul's Starfield COEX Mall and COEX Aquarium. Here you'll find 90 exhibition tanks grouped in 14 different discovery zones, with education and information on the region's colorful marine life. Afterward, check out the mall's Starfield Library. The kids can choose from a wide range of books that are appropriate for all ages, and the whole family can relax with some reading time. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel or at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Discover Gyeongbokgung Palace & Gwangjang, Playtime in Namsan Park
Discover the traditional side of Seoul with your kids, starting with a visit to Gyeongbokgung palace, the former residence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family. Watch their guard changing ceremony, and the family can don hanboks (traditional Korean attire) and capture photos set against the palace's ornate pavilions and halls. You can also stop by the National Folk Museum, which sits inside the palace grounds, to learn more about the history of Korean life.
Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a place brimming with themed museums, art galleries, and teahouses. Step back in time as you stroll past the beautifully restored traditional homes, and let the kids grab a snack from one of the many stylish cafés. Then, visit Gwangjang Market, another great spot for Korean street food and a perfect lunch stop if the family is hungry.
Wrap up the day at Namsan Park, the largest park in Seoul. Known for its extensive walking trails, the park features a number of attractions, including Baekbeom Square, the Namsan Cable Car, and Namsan Seoul Tower. There are also several statues of famous figures in Korean history, and if you happen to be there in spring, you might catch their annual Cherry Blossom Festival!
Day 3: Day Trip to Everland Theme Park
Make it all about the little ones with a day at Everland, South Korea's largest theme park. Home to many attractions, there's truly something here for all ages. You'll find five themed zones, which include Zootopia, American Adventure, European Adventure, Magic Land, and Global Fair. Each zone offers different activities, from thrilling rides to educational experiences.
Ride the T-Express, Korea's first wooden rollercoaster and one of the fastest in the world, or visit Lost Valley, which offers safari tours via amphibious cars and houses more than 20 different species of animals. Stop by the expansive Zootopia, with its exhibits of nearly 2,000 animals, or ride the Royal Jubilee Carousel at European Adventure. The park also hosts several yearly festivals, including the Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, and Halloween Festival, which your family can participate in depending on your travel dates.
Day 4: Kid-Friendly Cooking Class, Pottery-Making Workshop
Culinary masters and budding chefs alike will delight in a family-friendly cooking class. Meet a local chef and head to the market, where you'll purchase the necessary ingredients and sample delicious street food along the way. Return to their kitchen, where you and the kids can prepare food such as onmyeon (noodles in broth) or sundubu (tofu egg soup), as well as other snacks and desserts. Afterward, sit down and enjoy a meal with your host, learning more about the culture and traditions of each dish.
This afternoon, learn about Korea's long history of pottery-making, a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Attend a local workshop where, under the guidance of a professional instructor, your family will make your own pottery pieces! Don aprons and sit down at the pottery wheel, crafting your own unique souvenirs as your instructor shares more about the traditions and heritage associated with what remains one of Korea's most popular activities.
Day 5: Transfer to Gangneung, Visit Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Park & Alpaca World
Your next destination is Gangneung, a coastal city in the Gangwon province. In the morning, your private transfer will collect you from your hotel, and you'll make the scenic three-hour drive. Arrive and check in at your hotel, then set out for a visit to Nami Island. The island has tree-lined pathways, a riverside walk, and bike rentals. You can also check out their Forest Adventure Zone, where the kids can try the ziplines, trampolines, and swings.
Head to Gangchon Rail Park and take a scenic rail bike tour along the river. Then, finish at Alpaca World, a farm experience where the kids can visit these friendly creatures, take a walk with them, and feed them snacks from the on-site vending machines. The farm also has rabbits, deer, horses, and other animals, and the whole family will have a chance to interact with them and learn more about their daily habits.
Day 6: Seoraksan National Park Tour, Jungang Market Experience
Explore South Korea's great outdoors with a visit to Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District. Meet your private guide in the morning and head out, traveling through spectacular landscapes of lush valleys, crashing waterfalls, and colorful flowers. The park is also home to Mount Seoraksan, which towers at an impressive 5,604 feet (1,708 m) and is incredible to behold. Take a cable car up the mountain and visit the ruins of Gwongeumseong Fortress, an ancient castle believed to have been built by a king during the Goryeo Period.
From here, continue to the seventh-century Seoraksan Sinheungsa, a stunning old Buddhist temple situated on the slopes of Seoraksan and the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Along the way, stop to see the giant bronze Unification Buddha Statue, which represents the Korean people's desire to reunite their divided country.
Return to Gangneung in time to visit Jungang Market, a traditional market with a wide range of fresh seafood and other local fare. Roam the alleys amid vendors hawking their wares, and let the kids lunch on fish cake croquettes or sweet-and-spicy fried chicken. The rest of your day is free to relax at your hotel or see more of the city on your own.
Day 7: Explore Gangneung's Museums & Beaches
Take an educational detour this morning with a stop at the Charmsori Gramophone Museum & Edison Science Museum. With its large collection of gramophones, some of which are over a hundred years old, this museum offers the chance to experience what it was like listening to music at a time when only records were available. Then, head to see Edison's inventions and artifacts, which are said to be the third-largest collection of its kind in the world.
Next up is Gyeongpo Beach, a lovely stretch of white sand and the perfect spot to let the kids burn off some energy. If you have time, you can also stop by Jumunjin Beach, famed for being featured in one of K-pop group BTS's music videos. After some beach time, make a final stop at Haslla Art World, one of South Korea's top family destinations. See their large collection of artworks and participate in interactive exhibits, and be sure to visit the marionettes at the Pinocchio Museum! Enjoy coffee and sweets at their café before returning to your hotel.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 8: Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch
Young animal lovers in the family will be thrilled with today's visit to Asia's largest ranch, Daegwallyeong Samyang. Established in 1972 by Samyang Foods to create a healthier environment for milking cows and sheep, the ranch is now a big attraction for both visitors and locals, with incredible views and fun, family-centered activities.
See a shepherding performance, the only one of its kind in the entire country, and let the kids cheer on the sheepdogs as they round up their flocks. Then, visit the nearby Dong Hae Observatory, which towers at an impressive 3,740 feet (1,140 m) above sea level and offers expansive views of the East Sea. Stroll through the serene farmlands and say hello to grazing sheep and cows, taking in the fresh air and peaceful countryside as the kids run free.
You can also stop by Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, nestled in the nearby hills. Walk the trails around the grounds and see more than 300 sheep grazing. You'll be able to get quite close to them, making for excellent family photo ops!
Day 9: Transfer to Seoul, Depart
Your family adventure in South Korea ends today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer back to Seoul and the airport for your journey home or to your next destination. Safe travels!
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