Family Fun in South Korea: Culture, Food, Islands & Theme Parks -12 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy views from a cable car ride across Namsan Park, the largest in Seoul
• Explore the brightly painted houses of Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village
• Sample delicious local street food and desserts on a nighttime foodie tour
• Kick back and relax with some beach time in both Gangneung and Jeju Island
• Hop a ferry to the tiny isle of Udo and bike or scooter your way around the island

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Street Food Experience

Welcome to South Korea! Your flight lands in Seoul, the city's bustling capital, where you'll find ancient temples next to modern skyscrapers, endless shopping options, and plenty of delicious food! You'll be met by a driver on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you and the kids can unwind for a bit before venturing out. 

Once you've had a chance to regroup, take a deep dive into South Korean cuisine with a visit to the Myeongdong district, a mecca for Korean street food. Stroll past lively food stalls and restaurants, sampling dishes such as kalguksu (savory noodles and meat in broth), fried crab cakes, egg bread, or desserts such as bbopki (sugar candy) and patbingsu (shave ice with toppings). Return to your hotel with your appetites fully sated and get a good night's rest. 

Day 2: Discover Gyeongbokgung & Gwangjang Market, Fun at Namsan Park

Discover the traditional side of Seoul with your kids today, 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. 

From here, 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: Visit Everland Theme Park

Make it all about the little ones today as you visit 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 cater to the animal lovers in your group at Lost Valley, which offers safari tours via amphibious cars and houses more than 20 different species of animals. Visit 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: 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 zip lines, trampolines, and swings. 

Head to Gangchon Rail Park, where you can take a scenic rail bike tour along the river. Then, finish at Alpaca World, an experience farm 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 5: Explore Museums, Markets & Beaches, Haslla Art World Excursion

Start your morning at Gangneung's 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 try some fish cake croquettes or sweet-and-spicy fried chicken along the way. 

After snacking your way through the market, take an educational detour to 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.

Continue to 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. 

Day 6: Return to Seoul, Free Afternoon to Explore

It's back to Seoul this morning as you check out of your hotel and meet your driver for the three-hour transfer. Arrive and explore more of the city on your own, taking in some of the sights you may have missed earlier. For a glimpse into Korea's artistic side, take the kids to Ihwa Mural Village, where you'll find paintings and installation art from nearly 70 different local artists. Or, if shopping is on the agenda, visit Dongdaemun Market, a huge commercial district with 26 shopping malls and 30,000 specialty shops. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then rest up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 7: Train to Busan, Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, BIFF Square, Jagalchi Market 

In the morning, depart Seoul for Busan, a large port city known for its beautiful beaches, sky-high mountains, and ancient temples. You'll take a high-speed train, a ride of about three hours. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and make your way to your hotel for check-in. Once you've had a chance to settle in, step out for a guided city tour of Busan's top sites.

Start at Gamcheon Culture Village, where you'll explore a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses stacked on steep mountain slopes. Take in local street art, snack on traditional ssiat hotteok (fried pastry with sugar, honey, and nuts), and let the older kids get some Instagram-worthy shots of the colorful homes.

Next up is the buzzy BIFF Square, one of the best places in Busan to try street food. Streets here are lined by stalls and vendors selling delectable food like simmered rice cake and mandu dumplings, and your family can grab assorted treats and snacks as you weave through the crowds. Your last stop is Jagalchi Fishery Market, the perfect showcase of daily local life. See freshly caught seafood, as well as other sea products, and watch residents purchase items for that day's meal.

Day 8: Daytime Tour of Busan's Top Attractions, Nighttime Foodie Tour

See more of Busan today with a family-friendly tour. You'll start at Haedong Yonggungsa, a Buddhist temple on a rugged coastline overlooking the ocean. Learn more about the temple's history and take in the incredible views, stopping to pray for good health at the temple's Healing Buddha. The kids might enjoy seeing the cute mini monk statues, and the entire family can learn more about Korean Buddhism and its traditions.

A short drive from the temple takes you to Haeundae Blueline Park, a redevelopment of the city's old railway facility and now part of Busan's special tourist zone. You can ride their Sky Capsule Train or Beach Train along the coast, a 3-mile (4.8 km) stretch that takes you through neighboring Cheongsapo and Songjeong. Stop for an elevator ride up Busan X the Sky, an observatory located at the top of the city's highest building, then end the afternoon at Haeundae Beach, a peaceful sandy beach with gentle waves that cater to young swimmers.

Tonight, satisfy the family's appetites with a nighttime foodie tour. Meet your guide and visit a local restaurant for authentic Busan cuisine. Sample dishes like dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) or milmyeon (chilled wheat noodles) alongside refreshing tea or other beverages, then take a stroll on Gwangalli Beach and its bustling nightlife. Snack on Korean street food, immerse yourself in the vibrant crowds, and appreciate the night views of the dazzling Gwangan Bridge.

Day 9: Fly to Jeju Island, Enjoy Beaches, Hiking & East Asia's Largest Aquarium

The final leg of your trip takes you to Jeju Island, South Korea's largest island and part of the Jeju province. Formed millions of years ago by the eruption of an underwater volcano, the island has lush greenery, a temperate climate, and a rich cultural history. In the morning, take a private transfer to the airport for the quick, one-hour flight, then arrive and get checked in at your hotel.  

After check-in, start your island discovery with a visit to Woljeongri Beach. This stretch of sand runs along the emerald-hued ocean, with several cute cafés and restaurants nearby. Grab some lunch here, then visit the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Seongsan Ilchulbong, or "Sunrise Peak." This massive crater, which spans nearly 2,000 feet (600 m) and is close to 300 feet (90 m) high, is surrounded by jagged rocks, making it look like a gigantic crown. There's a nice grassy hill on the north side of the crater, connected to Seongsan Village, which is an ideal spot to enjoy the view.

Close the day at Aqua Planet Jeju, East Asia's largest aquarium. See the more than 27,000 fish in the tanks and meet the resident pelicans and otters. Let the kids play in the touch pool and watch the Jeju Haenyeo (women divers) performance to learn more about the world of oyster diving. Return to your hotel in time for dinner, or grab a bite to eat at one of the island's restaurants. 

Day 10: Visit the Peaks of Hallasan, Tea Plantation Tour, Play Time at Arte Museum 

Kickstart the morning with a visit to the peaks of Hallasan. Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site of Hallasan National Park, the mountain stands at more than 6,300 feet (1,947 m) and is one of the country's three "spirit mountains," indicating its cultural importance. Start on the Eoseungsaengak Trail, an easy .8 mile (1.3 km) trek that is doable even for smaller children. Hike for about 30 minutes, taking in the abundant flora and fauna along the way, and arrive at Eoseungtaeng Summit for panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding countryside. 

From here, a short drive will take you to Jusangjeoli Cliff, where you'll see the spectacular stone pillars and rock formations formed by lava erupting into the sea. Afterward, make your way to Osulloc Green Tea Plantation. Jeju Island is one of the country's main green tea-producing areas, and this working organic tea farm offers insight into Korea's tea-drinking history and culture. Walk the endless tea fields, talk to the farmers about their cultivation practices, and visit the on-site museum for green tea products—the family can try some matcha ice cream, cake, or a delicious latte!

Before returning to your hotel, be sure to stop in at the immersive media art exhibit, Arte Museum. Built in a renovated warehouse, the museum features 10 different exhibition zones that reinterpret nature through various media technologies. Tantalize all the senses as you see impactful visuals, sounds, and fragrances to transport you to a nature that transcends time and space. 

Day 11: Self-Guided Family Exploration of Udo Island 

Make the most of your last full day in Korea with a self-guided visit to Udo (Cow) Island. Located off the northeastern coast of Jeju Island, this tiny isle, formed by basaltic lava, offers a wealth of unspoiled natural beauty, fun outdoor activities, and delicious local food. You and your family can hop on a ferry from Jeju Island for a ride of about two hours. On arrival, rent bikes or scooters to explore the island, or perhaps grab the local shuttle bus if you've got very small kids. 

Visit local beaches, explore the many sea caves, or climb to the island's highest point for views of Sunrise Peak. If you're lucky, you might even see more Jeju Haenyeo—the women divers you learned about during your aquarium visit—as they dive for shellfish sans masks.

For lunch, feast on sizzling black pork barbecue, one of Jeju's most famous dishes. The meat is cut and cured in different ways, depending on the restaurant you choose. You can also sample some hot and briny abalone soup, and be sure to let the kids try some peanut ice cream or hallbong (tangerine) juice. Head back to Jeju in the evening and enjoy your final night with dinner at the hotel or a stroll around town. 

Day 12: Depart Jeju Island

Your family adventure in South Korea ends today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your journey home or to your next destination. Safe travels! 

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