(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)
This museum is among the most magnificent in Korea, housing thousands of collections and relics. 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.
(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)
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.
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.)
