Best Cities for Families in South Korea

Headed to South Korea in the near future? Here are some of the best cities across South Korea for traveling families to add to their itinerary, whether you’re looking for an urban escape, culture and history or an all-natural haven.

Seoul

Of course, you can’t visit South Korea without staying a few days in Seoul. The gorgeous destination is rich with culture and filled with interesting museums, architecture, green spaces and kid-friendly attractions. Whatever your family’s interests, you can find something they’ll all love here, from foodie delights to world-class shopping, nightlife to ancient palaces.

Busan

If you want a mix of culture and sandy shores during your visit to South Korea, Busan is the place to get it. This port town and second-largest South Korean city is popular thanks to this pristine combination. The beaches are great, but so are the many attractions you’ll find further in the city, including historic sites, temples and local cuisine. The city’s location means it’s a paradise of seafood, whether you’re indulging in some fine dining or scoping out the street food stalls.

Pyeongchang

You know this city as the host of the previous Winter Olympics, but it’s also a great winter stop if you’re traveling to South Korea during snow season. There are several large ski resorts, so your family can hit the slopes in style. There are also museums, temples and natural attractions nearby for when you tire of your skis and snowboards.

Odaesan Woljeongsa in Pyeongchang. Photo: Sanga Park | Dreamstime.com

Damyang

A unique cultural destination, Damyang is all about the bamboo. There’s a bamboo-themed theme park, a bamboo museum, bamboo-themed shopping and bamboo-themed dining. Giving the kids (and yourself!) their first taste of bamboo ice cream will be a travel experience to remember.

Seogwipo

For a totally relaxed, nature-inspired stay, book a few days in Seogwipo. The main attraction here is definitely the nature. There are so many great hiking trails with views of waterfalls and coastline. In addition to hiking, scuba diving is also popular in Seogwipo. The kids are likely to enjoy the local water park and the available submarine tours.

Jeonju

Another great city for exploring South Korea’s history and culture, Jeonju offers Hanok Village, a living history attraction of sorts filled with traditional South Korean architecture and artisans, where you can also see local cultural practices in action. Beyond Hanok Village, there are temples, local restaurants, museums and more.