(Photo courtesy of Seoul Children’s Grand Park)
Among many paid attractions in Seoul, there are also hidden gems that offer free admission. Exploring Seoul with your kids doesn’t have to break the bank as there are plenty of cost-effective options waiting to be discovered. Check out six fun attractions that are perfect for a family day in Seoul!
Seoul Children’s Grand Park
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Children’s Grand Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Children’s Grand Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Children’s Grand Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Children’s Grand Park)
Seoul Children’s Grand Park, operated by Seoul City, offers a wonderful outing for families with beautiful trails and many convenient facilities. The park features various attractions including an amusement park, an extensive zoo, a botanical garden, and more. Admission to all attractions is free, aside from the cost of riding amusement park rides.
The zoo is home to many animals, including kangaroos, elephants, zebras, lions, tigers, seals, sea lions, alpacas and more. Make sure to visit the Small Animal Village, home to desert foxes, meerkats, otters and more.
Please note that this place is different from Seoul Grand Park, which is located in Gwacheon City, Gyeonggi-do province.
Address: Line 7. Children’s Grand Park Station Exit 1 or 216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. (park) / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (zoo) / 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (amusement park)
Bukchon Hanok Village
(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-visit for capturing stunning photos and experiencing authentic Korean culture in Seoul. The village is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanok) that have been preserved since the Joseon Dynasty, and residents continue to live in them today.
Many of these traditional houses are used as cultural centers, guesthouses and restaurants, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in hanok. Simply walking through alleys surrounded by hanok and taking photos is a fun adventure.
Neighboring with other top traditional attractions such as Insa-dong, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, this district is the perfect spot to explore the beauty of traditional Korea. As it’s a residential area, there is no entrance fee, but visitors are kindly asked to be mindful of noise and litter to respect the residents.
Address: Line 3. Anguk Station Exit 2 or 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
National Museum of Korea
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(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
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(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
(Photo courtesy of National Museum of Korea)
Widely considered Korea’s most magnificent museum, this cultural landmark proudly houses thousands of treasured artifacts. It covers a wide range of topics related to art, culture, and history, spanning from ancient times in various regions in Korea and other Asian countries. Notably, the museum also boasts an amazing children’s museum.
Visitors to the children’s museum can not only view the exhibitions but also participate in various educational experiences. It’s a great way for them to vividly learn and explore history in a fun and interactive environment. Please note that advance reservations are required for the children’s museum, so be sure to visit the website to make one.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:50 p.m. (Closed on holidays)
War Memorial of Korea
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(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
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(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
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(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
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(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
The War Memorial of Korea focuses on the war history of Korea from ancient times to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Korean War. The museum features numerous excellent displays with English explanations, attracting many foreign visitors seeking insight into Korea’s history.
It’s also a perfect museum to explore with your kids. The open-air exhibition area with large weapons captures young visitors’ attention. Also, the museum houses a wonderful children’s museum that offers interactive activities for kids to gain knowledge and understanding of history and warfare.
To visit the children’s museum, advance reservations are required, either on the website or on-site. Since the website is only available in Korean, it’s recommended to visit the children’s museum first to make an advance reservation on-site and return later after exploring the main museum and its outdoor areas.
(Photo courtesy of The Children’s museum, the War Memorial of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of The Children’s museum, the War Memorial of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of The Children’s museum, the War Memorial of Korea)
Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed Monday & if Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is closed instead)
National Aviation Museum of Korea
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
(Photo courtesy of National Aviation Museum of Korea)
Located at Gimpo Airport, the National Aviation Museum allows visitors to learn the history and development of aviation technology in Korea as well as globally. Visitors can also explore various aviation technologies, airplanes, and models for the future.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children, such as the Pilot Control Experience, In-Flight Experience, Air Leisure Sports Experience, Children’s Airport Experience, and Black Eagle Boarding Experience. Reservations are required through the website and can be made in English. Some programs may have fees from 2,000 to 5,000 won.
Address: Gimpo Airport Station or 177 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Closed Monday & if Monday is a holiday, Tuesday is closed instead)
Seoul Forest Park
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Forest Park)
Seoul Forest Park is an iconic park in Seoul that offers a peaceful atmosphere to experience nature within the city. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls on various walking trails surrounded by beautiful flowers, and the park showcases different colors of beauty in every season with cherry blossoms, tulips, and more.
There are many attractions for children, including a butterfly garden, insect garden, and deer park. The park is also home to various wild animals such as deer, roe deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Visitors can interact with these animals and feed them food purchased from vending machines at the park.
The park is divided into five themed areas: Ttukseom Culture and Arts Park, Ttukseom Ecological Forest, Wetland Ecological Garden, Nature Experience Learning Center, and Han River Riverside Park.
Address: Suin-Bundang Line. Seoul Forest Station Exit 3-4 or 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (park) / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (butterfly & insect gardens-Closed on Mon.)
Bongeunsa Temple
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(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
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(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
In Korea, most temples are free to enter and among many beautiful temples, Bongeunsa is a truly rare gem where families can enjoy a peaceful and meaningful cultural experience right in the heart of Seoul. This 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple sits quietly in the Seoul’s busiest district, Gangnam. Surrounded by high rise buildings and lively streets, the moment you step inside feels like entering a different world.
Originally built during the Silla Dynasty, Bongeunsa offers a unique chance to experience Korea’s spiritual and architectural beauty without hiking into the mountains. Conveniently located just across from Bongeunsa Station on Line 9, the temple is open from early morning until late night, making it an easy stop during a day in the city.
Because of its location, Bongeunsa is a great place to pause during a visit to the nearby COEX Mall and Starfield Library. It’s also beloved by local office workers in Gangnam and Seoul explorers looking for a quiet escape.
The temple grounds are home to one of Korea’s tallest standing Buddha statues, the 23-meter Maitreya Buddha, which attracts visitors from around the world. Colorful lanterns, traditional wooden halls and numerous Buddhist artifacts create a peaceful, photogenic atmosphere.
In spring, Bongeunsa becomes one of Seoul’s best spots for flower viewing, especially when red plum blossoms begin to bloom. Even if you’re not religious, the temple warmly welcomes all visitors.
Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul or near Line 9. Bongeunsa Station Exit 1
Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
National Folk Museum of Korea
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(Photo courtesy of National Folk Museum of Korea)
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(Photo courtesy of National Folk Museum of Korea)
Tucked next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most prestigious royal palaces from the Joseon era, National Folk Museum of Korea is easy to overlook, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. This museum is one of the country’s finest, with fascinating exhibits that unravel everyday Korean life and culture throughout history. Best of all, entry is completely free!
What really attracts visitors, especially families, are the outdoor displays. The museum includes two stunning buildings: the main National Folk Museum and the Children’s Folk Museum, both housed within magnificent pagoda-style structures that resemble traditional temples.
Also, the spacious courtyard features traditional stone pagodas, jangseung (guardian spirit totems), waterwheels and other relics of rural life. A special highlight is the Streets of Memories, a recreated Seoul neighborhood from the 1970s and 80s. Families can explore a retro school, bathhouse, tailor shop and snack bars. It just feels like stepping into a time-traveling movie set. There’s even a costume booth where you can dress up in retro outfits for free.
The Children’s Folk Museum is beloved by young visitors, offering interactive folk-themed storytelling exhibits, art zones, and hands-on experiences. Weekday visitors can usually register on-site but for weekends, making a reservation via phone call is suggested as the website reservation system is only available in Korean.
Also, the museum hosts seasonal events and activities such as traditional games and performances during Seollal and Chuseok holidays.
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul or near Line 3. Anguk Station Exit 1
Hours: Mar.– Oct.: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sun.–Fri.), 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sat.) / Nov.–Feb.: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Closed New Year’s Day, Seollal, and Chuseok
Reservation for the Children’s Museum: 02-3704-3014 or 3015
