South Korea Family Adventure: Palaces, Volcanoes, Theme Parks & Street Food - 14 Days

Highlights

• See interactive and immersive art exhibits at Seoul's Alive Museum
• Ride the heart-pounding rollercoasters at Lotte World Theme Park
• Visit the brightly colors houses of Busan's Gamcheon Cultural Village
• Cruise through Jeju Island's Gotjawal Forest on a replica steam engine

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul, Visit the Alive Museum & Insadong Street

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, 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 exploration with a visit to the Alive Museum. This interactive space will intrigue both kids and adults with its immersive art displays, fun parody works of famous pieces, and surprising "trick art." Afterward, head to nearby Insadong Street, home to quaint shops, teahouses, and traditional restaurants. Pick up some delicious street food to enjoy along the way, visit shops selling everything from hanboks (traditional Korean attire) to the latest styles, and find handcrafted souvenirs. Return to your hotel and rest up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 2: Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Village & Gwangjang Market

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 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. 

End at Gwangjang Market, another great spot for Korean street food and a perfect lunch stop if the family is hungry. Listen to vendors hawking their wares and sample 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).

Day 3: Discover Petite France & Nami Island, Ride the Gangchon Railbike

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Seoul's French-themed Petite France village and the beautiful Nami Island. Start at Petite France, a cultural theme park consisting of French-style buildings where you can experience French food, clothing, and history. Centered around the celebrated French novel, "Le Petit Prince," you'll find statues from the beloved book around the park and a memorial hall dedicated to the author, Saint-Exupery. Sample delicious food and do some shopping, then continue to Nami Island. 

A quick 20-minute drive from Petite France, the island is a true oasis, with tree-lined pathways, a riverside walk, and bike rentals. You and the kids can stroll along the river, taking in the greenery and tall trees. Before returning to Seoul this afternoon, hop on the Gangchon Railbike ride for a bit of adventure! The tracked course consists of pedaling on rail bikes and traveling through tunnels and along scenic byways of the island. Let the kids do the pedaling work as they see who can go the fastest! 

Day 4: Day Trip to Lotte World Theme Park

It's all about the little ones as you head to Lotte World, a large theme park with both indoor and outdoor space, tons of rides, and fun-filled experiences. Start at the indoor Lotte World Adventure, where you can check out more than 20 rides, such as the heart-pounding French Revolution rollercoaster or the peaceful Camelot Carousel. Then, step out to Magic Island for your choice of 17 more rides, including the free-fall Gyrodrop and jungle-themed Flume ride.

The park also has a folk museum featuring displays of Korean culture items, a skating rink, and a kid-friendly mall housing a library, aquarium, and cinema. Snack on fun park-themed treats and have lunch at one of their food stalls or restaurants, and if you stay until evening, your family can catch the colorful multimedia night parade. 

Day 5: Train to Gyeongju, Visit the Gyeongju National Museum & Tumuli Park

Your next destination is Gyeongju, a coastal city that was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled Korea from the 7th to the 9th centuries. Nicknamed the "museum without walls," this region is known for its incredible architecture and historic sites. In the morning, check out of your hotel and head to the train station, where you'll board an express train for the two-hour ride. Arrive and get checked in at your hotel, then meet your guide for a cultural tour. 

Visit the Gyeongju National Museum for more information on the history of the Silla Dynasty. See jewelry, weaponry, and other artifacts, including a gold crown dating back to the 4th century. Your guide will share information and insight into this ancient clan, and since this is a private tour, you'll have the opportunity to stay as long as you like.

Continue to Tumuli Park. Resembling a bank of grassy hills, the park is actually the resting place for 23 royal tombs, among which includes Cheonmachong tomb, which translates to "Heavenly Horse Tomb" and dates to the 5th century. Stroll the park, then finish at the nearby Cheomseongdae Observatory. Originally constructed in the seventh century, this is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of Asia. Learn how star gazers of the past used this facility to observe the movement of celestial bodies as your private guide gives a detailed explanation, then return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 6: Transfer to Busan, Seaside Tour via Sky Capsule Train, Visit Haeundae Beach 

Today, you're off to Busan, a large port city known for its pristine beaches, sky-high mountains, and ancient temples. After hotel checkout, meet your private driver for the scenic 1.5-hour drive. Then, after you've arrived and settled at your Busan hotel, enjoy a family-friendly tour around the city.

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 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.

Day 7: Family-Friendly Busan Tour with Songdo Skywalk & Cable Car

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 let the older kids get some Instagram-worthy shots 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. Ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car to nearby Amnam Park, taking in the endless views of emerald waters and towering cliffs along the way. You'll also likely 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 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: Day at Leisure: Maritime Museum, Skyline Luge & Beach Fun

Your last full day in Busan is a free day, giving 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 museum 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. Another option is to enjoy some downtime on Gwangalli Beach, a white sand beach popular with both local families and visitors. If you stay till sunset, you'll get to watch the lighting of the expansive Gwangan Bridge, which sits offshore from the beach. 

Day 9: Fly to Jeju Island, Ecoland Theme Park & Family Market Tour 

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. 

Check into your accommodations here, then meet a local guide and make the drive to Hamdeok Beach, one of Jeju's most popular beaches. Stroll along the white sand with the kids and enjoy views of emerald waters, then continue 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, you can visit other attractions such as a kids' town, a floating café, and a topiary.

Return to Jeju City and finish the tour at Dongmun Traditional Market, the island's largest and oldest permanent market. Roam the narrow walkways and take in the sounds and colors, not to mention the smell of delicious food! Let the kids try local snacks as your guide shares information about Jeju's traditions and lifestyle and see local vendors selling everything from octopus to their famed black pork. 

Day 10: Explore Manjanggul Cave, Seongsan Ilchulbong & Seogwang Tea Plantation

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. 

Next up is 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 and an ideal spot to enjoy the view.

In the afternoon, head to the expansive Seogwang Tea Plantation, where you can explore their museum, participate in a tea demonstration, and taste some fresh tea. Before returning to your hotel, stop by Jeju's Teddy Bear Museum and let the kids see the adorable teddy bears within. The museum has 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 perhaps catch a cute performance by teddy bear Elvis Presley. 

Day 11: 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, 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 some members of the Jeju Haenyeo (female divers) 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 the 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: Jeju Island Discovery: Hello Kitty Island & Hallasan Hiking 

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. 

Families with Hello Kitty fans in their group might also want to visit Hello Kitty Island, where you'll learn about the brand's 40 years of history, visit the museum, and see exhibits all dedicated to the cute cat. Stop for beverages and sweet treats at the Hello Kitty Café, find fun souvenirs at the gift shop, and immerse yourself in all things Hello Kitty at the cutting-edge 3D theater. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and a final stroll around the island. 

Day 13: Fly to Seoul, Free Afternoon in the City 

It's back to Seoul this morning as you check out of your hotel and take your private transfer to the airport for your one-hour flight. Arrive and see 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 departure. 

Day 14: Depart Seoul

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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