Family Fun in South Korea: Outdoor Adventures, Cultural Excursions & Theme Parks - 13 Days

Highlights

• Try delicious street food in Seoul's Myeongdong district
• Take a scenic coastal cruise on the Sky Capsule Train in Busan
• Learn the art of Korean cooking with a family cooking class
• Walk through the underground world of Jeju's Manjanggul Cave

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Myeongdong Street Food Experience

Welcome to South Korea! Your flight lands in Seoul, the country's capital, where you'll find ancient temples next to modern skyscrapers, endless shopping options, and plenty of delicious food. On arrival, you'll be met by a driver 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 kid-friendly dishes such as kalguksu (savory noodles and meat in broth), fried crab cakes, egg bread, or desserts such as bbopki (sugar candy) and patbingsu (shaved ice with toppings). Return to your hotel with your appetites fully sated and get a good night's rest. 

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

Discover the traditional side of Seoul with your kids, starting with a visit to the Gyeongbokgung palace, the former residence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family. Watch the changing of the guard 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 little ones 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: Explore the Gangnam District: K-Star Road, COEX Mall, K-Pop Dance Class

Spend today exploring Seoul's lively Gangnam district, made famous by the popular PSY song "Gangnam Style" and home to more than half the country's entertainment companies. Start with a deep dive into the world of K-pop with a visit to K-Star Road. Here, you'll find human-scale bear dolls with images of well-known K-pop groups—perfect backdrops for the kids' best Instagram shots—as well as a nearly 9-foot-tall (3 m) PSY GangnamDol. 

Stop by the SM Entertainment Celebrity Center, one of the leading entertainment companies in Korea that represents some of the most popular K-pop groups, then continue to Cheongdam-dong Alley and JYP Entertainment, the company that created Twice, Stray Kids, and Itzy. Stop by Starfield COEX Mall and check out COEX Aquarium, which features 90 exhibition tanks grouped in 14 different discovery zones. If you have time, be sure to visit Starfield Library and its endless array of books. Wrap up the tour at HiKR Ground, where aspiring performers can make their own K-pop videos!

Later, keep those musical vibes going with a family K-pop dance class. Visit a studio where real backup dancers of popular K-pop groups once rehearsed, and try out your own skills with some help from an experienced instructor. At the end of the class, star in your own music video and receive a certificate of completion as a special souvenir. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Everland Theme Park

Make it all about the little ones today as you visit Everland, South Korea's largest theme park. Home to a wide range of 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 close to 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 5: Transfer to Daejeon, Science Museum & EXPO Science Park, Daejeon Skyroad

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for the trip to Daejeon, South Korea's fifth largest city, known for its tech and research centers and incredible natural beauty. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and after you check in at your hotel and let the kids take a moment to relax, it's time to see more of the city with a family-focused tour. 

Begin at the National Science Museum, where adults can take in the fascinating exhibits, and the kids can be part of their interactive programs. The main exhibition hall, the Science Technology Hall, showcases the country's cutting-edge technology, and the Future Tech Hall is a must-see for tech enthusiasts of all ages.

From there, proceed to the EXPO Science Park, which hosted the World Expo 1993 event. Visit the impressive Hanvit Tower and the Advanced Science Technology Pavillion, and stroll through the park, stopping at the Daejeon Expo Commemorative Center for information about the history of the World Expo. The tour ends at Daejeon Skyroad, a buzzy shopping district full of trendy boutiques and restaurants. This is a great spot for dinner, and the kids will want to wander for hours under the glow of its LED canopy.

Day 6: Transfer to Busan, Ride the Sky Capsule Train, Haeundae Beach, Foodie Tour

Today you're off to Busan, a large port city known for its pristine beaches, sky-high mountains, and ancient temples. Meet your private driver after hotel checkout for the scenic three-hour drive, then after you've arrived and settled at your Busan hotel, step out to see some of the city.

Start at 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 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.

This evening, sample the best in local Korean food with a fun food tour. Accompanied by your expert guide, your family will start at a restaurant specializing in authentic Busan cuisine. Try dishes such as dwaeji gukbap (pork rice soup) or milmyeon (spicy cold noodles), then stroll to Gwangalli Beach. Experience the bustling nightlife, treat the family to delicious Korean street food treats, and appreciate spectacular night views of Busan and the brightly-lit Gwangan Bridge. 

Day 7: Gamcheon Cultural Village Tour, Songdo Skywalk & Cable Car, Jagalchi Market

Today's tour takes you to some of Busan's most notable sites. Meet your guide and start at Gamcheon Culture Village, where you'll see 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 get some photos of the colorful homes.

Take a stroll on the glass-floored Songdo Skywalk (Songdo Cloud Trails), where the kids can experience walking right above the waves, and you'll all get sweeping views of Songdo Beach. Take the Songdo Marine Cable Car to nearby Amnam Park, enjoying the endless views of emerald waters and towering cliffs along the way. You're also likely to see the massive Yonggung Suspension Bridge in the distance.

Continue to 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 cakes 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 products, and watch residents purchase items for that day's meal.

Day 8: Free Day in Busan: Maritime Museum, Skyline Luge & Beach Fun

Your last full day in Busan gives your family the chance to see some of the city on your own. If you've got kids fascinated by marine life and maritime exploration, visit the National Maritime Museum. This spaceship-looking structure sits directly in front of the ocean and includes a large aquarium, permanent exhibitions on marine life and maritime history, and a children's museum.

Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled by the Skyline Luge Busan, a ride that takes you twisting and turning down hills and through tunnels, or you can hop on the chairlifts at Skyrides for views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Or the family might prefer some downtime on the sands of Gwangalli Beach, sticking around after sunset to watch the lighting of Gwangan Bridge. 

Day 9: Busan Family Cooking Class, Fly to Jeju Island

Before departing Busan, learn to prepare typical Korean dishes with a family 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. 

Later this afternoon, depart for Jeju, 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. Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel after checkout, and you'll head to the airport for the one-hour flight. Arrive and settle at your hotel, then the rest of your day is free. 

Day 10: Manjanggul Cave, Diver Museum, Seongsan Ilchulbong & Seongeup Village

The day starts with a visit to Manjanggul Cave, a lava tube formed thousands of years ago. Meet your guide in the morning and make your way to the cave, where you'll head underground for an otherworldly view of towering stalactites and stalagmites. At nearly 5 miles long (8 km), the tube is one of the longest in the world, and the whole family will be intrigued by this glimpse into how volcanic eruptions formed the island thousands of years ago. 

Stop at the Women Diver Museum to learn about haenyeo (female divers who dive into the sea to gather shellfish and seaweed sans diving equipment) and take a stroll on nearby Woljeongri Beach. The soft white sands and ocean views are legendary here, and there are several cafés nearby if the kids would like a snack.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed 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. Visit Seopjikoji, a jutting cape that offers expansive views of the ocean, then end at Seongeup Folk Village, where your family can learn more about the culture of the Jeju people. This traditional village features well-preserved historic houses set with piles of stones designed to protect them from the wind.

Day 11: 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's 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 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 12: Self-Guided Family Exploration of Udo Island 

Hop a ferry this morning for a self-guided family tour of Udo (Cow) Island. Located off the northeastern coast of Jeju, this tiny isle, formed by basaltic lava, offers a wealth of unspoiled natural beauty, fun outdoor activities, and delicious local food. On arrival, rent bikes or scooters to tour 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 the Jeju haenyeo divers as they dive for shellfish.

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.

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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