So you’ve decided to book a trip to Korea for the whole family. This may initially feel like a massive undertaking, and depending on how long the flight is, more trouble than it’s worth. But trips like these will prove to be invaluable experiences for young adults and children.
If they have Korean heritage, then it will help them reconnect with their culture and understand where their family comes from. If not, then it’s a wonderful way to open them up to a world of possibilities.
Children who travel gain unique and well-rounded perspectives that will help them in their futures. If you’re visiting cities like Seoul or Busan, there are countless attractions and activities suitable for children of any age. There is a rich history to unpack and ways to do it that are suitable for the little ones. There are plenty of theme parks and landmarks to visit for a mix of entertainment and education. South Korea also boasts wonderful parks, gardens, and green spaces for stretching the legs.
With everything there is to do in the country, you should think about making a plan for your luggage when you’re developing your itinerary. Luggage storage services in Busan and Seoul are an ideal drop-off point for anything you don’t want to carry.
Here are a few ideas for what to do with the kids in Korea.
Landmarks and Museums
Korea has a rich history to unpack, with many imperial palaces, temples, shrines, and other places of note to explore. Not all of these will be appropriate for younger children (particularly the DMZ and the complicated history associated with it), but many of these charming historic landmarks will certainly capture their imaginations. There are also plenty of museums worth visiting that cover a wide variety of topics.
Busan Toy Museum
Ideal for very young visitors along with nostalgic souls, the Busan Toy Museum, also known as the Bus Vintage Museum, has a vast collection of toys and memorabilia ranging from decades of cartoons, video games, comic books, and movies.
Seoul Children’s Museum
With over six stories of exhibits exploring everything from art to history to science, this child-focused museum and learning space is the perfect way to implement education into a trip to Seoul.
Leeum Museum
This art museum is one of the best places to spend a rainy day in Seoul. There are interactive displays and exhibits that are geared towards youngsters, like its huge children’s lab that allows visitors to run their own experiments and learn about the scientific process.
These Seoul Tourist Destinations Would Make K-Drama Fans Happy
Gyeongbokgung Palace
One of Seoul’s five traditional royal palaces, this breathtaking historical landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s perfect for touring the tranquil grounds and learning about the country’s history. The striking architectural features will capture the young ones’ imaginations!
Changdeokgung Palace
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned amongst history and design enthusiasts for its incorporation of the natural environment surrounding the palace. It was built back in 1405 and boasts some of the most well-preserved features of any structure this old. There are several halls on the palace grounds, all of which can be toured (depending on the age of your kids).
Beomeosa
Bringing young children to a temple may not sound like an ideal way to spend an afternoon, which is understandable if you’ve ever seen a tantrum in a public place. But if they’re old enough, this 9th-century temple located in a remote forest outside of Busan is a great place to take them for a quiet afternoon. The serene atmosphere can be calming, and the temple’s gorgeous pagodas and Iljumun Gate are as cool as it gets.
K-Travel: Revel On The Serene and Grandiose Palaces In Seoul
Seoul amusement parks
South Korea is home to several world-class theme parks, including Everland and Lotte World. These parks are located near the city center and are generally very easy to reach. They potentially offer luggage storage on site, but if there’s ever a doubt, leave the bags with a Bounce storage spot on your way to the park.
Lotte World Amusement Park
Situated right in the city, Lotte World is an ideal destination for the whole family because it’s pretty easy to experience in an afternoon or morning rather than a full day. There are dozens of rides along with games and interactive experiences. The cartoon mascots walking around will be unfamiliar to most international travelers, but these characters are nevertheless very entertaining.
Everland Amusement Park
Seoul’s most popular amusement park is situated outside the city center, but it’s accessible via shuttle bus. With acres of rides and attractions, this amusement park is ideal for families traveling with very young kids. It feels Disney World-adjacent, so it should provide a familiar experience for the kids, especially during the Christmas and Halloween celebrations.
Bukchon Hanok Village
The best way to teach the kids about the cultural heritage of Korea is this well-preserved historic village located just outside of Seoul’s city center. Visitors can tour this quaint village to appreciate the traditional Korean houses called hanoks, along with the tranquil green spaces and small shrines. People still live in these places, which makes it even more fascinating.
Seoul Animation Center
This museum and science center is ideal for older kids and teenagers, especially for those interested in animation and computer graphics. There’s a comic book library along with a multimedia center that demonstrates how these characters are animated. There’s even a feature where visitors can interact with their favorite cartoon or comic book characters.
Parks, gardens, and other green spaces
As any vacationing parent knows, you’ll want to get the kids outside to expend some energy. South Korean culture places a strong emphasis on public parks and gardens, so you’ll find plenty of green spaces throughout your travels. Some of these will be geared toward tranquil and contemplative experiences, and some of them will have plenty of space for the kids to run around.
The Pureun Arboretum
This massive arboretum is the first botanical garden opened in Seoul and is the perfect way to escape the sights and sounds of the metropolis for some peace. With distinct sections across a few acres, the Pureun Arboretum offers gorgeous views of Korean plants through its well-manicured rose garden and hedge maze, along with naturally occurring beauty like its Korean wetlands.
Busan Citizens Park
Situated right in Busan’s city center, this grassy expanse is where residents get some fresh air and walk around. It’s also a beautiful space that traces its history back to American troops occupying Busan after liberating the city from the Japanese. The park is perfect for picnicking and taking a stroll around the beautiful mirror pond.
Of any far-flung travel destination, South Korea is easily one of the most kid-friendly. If you’re traveling with the whole family, you’ll doubtless have packed a few bags for the trip. If you’re ever stuck with the luggage and desperately need your hands free for the little ones, you can always rely on a luggage storage service like Bounce. With locations throughout Korea (over 2,000 cities worldwide, in fact), this is easily your best option!
Content Contributed by Bounce
