Fun in Seoul: Enjoy a summer program of museums, parks, libraries, and family activities

(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Families staying in Seoul this summer will have no shortage of things to do, as the city launches a wide range of cultural, educational, and outdoor programs during the July and August school holidays.

Designed for children, teenagers, and families, the seasonal lineup includes museum exhibitions, art workshops, library events, live performances, evening programs, and nature activities spread across the city’s museums, parks, libraries, and cultural venues.

One of the highlights is the expansion of Friday evening opening hours at eight major cultural attractions, including the Seoul Museum of History, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of Craft Art, Seoul Library, Namsangol Hanok Village, and Unhyeongung Palace. Visitors can enjoy special nighttime exhibitions and programs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Friday.

The city’s libraries are also joining the summer initiative. A total of 223 libraries will host more than 1,600 reading and cultural programs, including book camps, author talks, performances, exhibitions, and family activities, while providing air-conditioned spaces for visitors during periods of extreme heat.

Museums throughout Seoul will offer hands-on experiences focused on history, archaeology, photography, and traditional crafts. Family-friendly programs include storytelling sessions, artifact preservation workshops, design activities, and children’s art classes, while several museums will host special exhibitions and educational seminars during the school break.

Traditional cultural sites such as Namsangol Hanok Village and Bosingak Belfry will feature seasonal experiences ranging from traditional dessert-making workshops to evening bell-ringing ceremonies, craft activities, and live performances.

The city’s performing arts venues are also expanding their summer schedules with ballet, classical music, theater, dance, children’s productions, backstage tours, and interactive performances aimed at younger audiences.

For those looking to spend time outdoors, Seoul’s parks will host a variety of seasonal activities, including water play areas, gardening workshops, insect observation, ecology tours, family archery experiences, and nighttime nature walks.

Parks such as Seoul Forest, World Cup Park, Namsan Park, Dream Forest, and Seonyudo Park will offer guided programs highlighting summer wildlife, gardens, and the city’s natural landscapes.

Many activities are free, while others require advance reservations through the city’s public reservation system or individual venue websites. Program schedules and participation details are available through the Seoul Culture Portal and participating institutions.

USAG Yongsan