Highlights
- Visit the stately Jogyesa temple in Seoul and learn about Zen Buddhism
- Get to know the history of the teddy bear at Jeju's Teddy Bear Museum
- Wander around the underground volcanic world of Manjanggul cave
- Cruise through the greenery of Ecoland Park via a replica steam train
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul, Explore at Your Own Pace | Seoul |
| Day 2 | City Tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Village, Insadong & Jogyesa | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to the Everland Theme Park | Seoul |
| Day 4 | Fly to Jeju Island, Explore Beaches, Tea Plantations, Teddy Bears & Markets | Jeju Island |
| Day 5 | Visit Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong & Ecoland Theme Park | Jeju Island |
| Day 6 | Self-Guided Family Exploration of Udo Island | Jeju Island |
| Day 7 | Depart Jeju Island |
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Explore at Your Own Pace
Welcome to South Korea! Your flight lands in Seoul, the country's bustling 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.
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. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy visiting the Alive Museum, an interactive space with immersive art displays, fun parody works of famous pieces, and surprising "trick art." Or, if shopping is on the agenda, visit Dongdaemun Market, a huge commercial district with 26 shopping malls and 30,000 specialty shops. Tonight, relax with dinner at your hotel or at a local restaurant.
Day 2: City Tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Village, Insadong & Jogyesa
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.
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, head to Insadong Street, home to quaint shops, teahouses, and traditional restaurants. Pick up some delicious street food to enjoy along the way, see shops selling everything from hanboks to the latest styles, and find handcrafted souvenirs.
Pay a visit to Jogyesa temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This stately complex is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, with manicured grounds that feature courtyards filled with lanterns and trees that are over 500 years old. The tour closes with a stroll along Cheonggyecheon stream, a waterway that stretches nearly 7 miles (11 km) and takes you to Gwanghwamun Square. See the statue of King Sejong the Great and check out the museum underneath the square for insight into the history and culture of South Korea, then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Day Trip to the 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: Fly to Jeju Island, Explore Beaches, Tea Plantations, Teddy Bears & Markets
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a private transfer to the airport for a quick flight 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. Arrive and get checked into your accommodations, then step out with the family to tour the island.
Meet your local guide and make the drive to Hyeopjae Beach, easily one of Jeju's most picturesque beaches. Stroll the white sand with the kids and enjoy views of Biyangdo Island floating in the distance, then continue to Osulloc Green Tea Plantation. 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!
Visit the Teddy Bear Museum and see replicas of famous artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, but with teddy bears! Get to know the 120-year history of the teddy bear, and the kids can watch a cute performance by teddy bear Elvis Presley. Make a stop at Hallasan Observatory and see endless panoramas of the countryside, then end the day at Dongmun Traditional Market, the island's largest and oldest permanent market. Roam the narrow walkways and let the kids try local snacks, watching local vendors selling everything from octopus to their famed black pork.
Day 5: Visit Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong & Ecoland Theme Park
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.
Take a stroll on the white sands of Woljeongri Beach, then continue to 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. Visit Seopjikoji, a jutting cape with expansive ocean views, then end at Seongeup Folk Village, where your family can learn more about the culture of the Jeju people. This traditional village features historic houses set with piles of stones designed to protect them from the wind.
If the kids aren't too tired from the long day, finish with a visit to Ecoland, a theme park located in the Gotjawal Forest. Here, you'll hop onboard one of their trains, which are replicas of the 1800s steam-powered Baldwin train, and cruise through the forest. Make sure the kids keep their eyes peeled for wildlife, as it's quite abundant here, and afterward, visit other attractions such as their kids' town, floating café, and topiary.
Day 6: 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 Island, 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 such as Udo Sanho or Geommeolle, explore the many sea caves, or climb to the island's highest point for views of Sunrise Peak. You'll also want to stop in at the beautiful Udo Botanical Garden, a lush space encompassing nearly 5 acres (2 ha). Stroll through gardens filled with colorful flowers that include hydrangeas, verbena, cosmos, and more, as well as palm trees—a rarity in Korea!
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 your chosen restaurant. 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 a stroll around town.
Day 7: 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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