ElizabethWe recently spent three days exploring Seoul as part of a longer trip to Korea, and I can confidently say this city has so much to offer families. We’ve been to Seoul before and checked off many of the “big” attractions, so this visit was about diving into unique experiences, kid-friendly stops, and those little gems you only find when you wander.
This itinerary is easy to adapt if you’re here for a long weekend or want to mix and match days. Each day includes history, hands-on fun, and plenty of great food (because with kids, snacks are half the battle.)
Day 1: Design, History & City Views
We started our day at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which is worth a visit for the architecture alone. The flowing, futuristic building feels like stepping into the future, but inside you’ll find a mix of museums, exhibitions, and even pop-up art in the hallways. Some exhibitions are paid, others are free — check their website before you go to see what’s on.
During our visit, we caught Space Program: Infinity by Tom Sachs (running until September 7, 2025). This quirky, creative exhibition filled the space with around 200 works from his Space Program series, including new pieces revealed for the first time in Seoul. It was wild, and the kids loved it.
By lunchtime, everyone was ready for a break, so we headed across the street to the DOOTA Mall food court in the basement. Seoul food courts are perfect for families: everyone can order what they like, and my kids are now old enough to hold down the table while I grab the food.
Next up was the Seoul City Wall Museum. This small, free museum has enough English signage, hands-on displays, and even a free photo booth upstairs. We learned the history of the wall, which dates back to the 14th century when it was built to protect the city, before heading outside to walk along it.
The City Wall Walk is one of my favorite things we did. We followed it all the way up to Ihwa-dong Mural Village, with unbeatable views over the city. The kids were in full imagination mode, building stories inspired by the museum.
Ihwa-dong is full of cafes, colorful murals, and winding streets to explore.
We wrapped the day with dinner at a friend’s home — such a treat — and a post-dinner wander through Seoul Botanic Park. The kids could run, we could chat, and the setting sun made it magical.
We finished off the evening by stopping for Bingsu, Korean shaved ice. Our friends were nice enough to drive us back to our AirBNB. Sometimes getting a cab for five in Seoul can be an issue.
The only thing we ran out of time to do in the area was visit Yes24, a bookstore with a slide inside.
Tip: Bring a water bottle and sun umbrellas for the wall walk. It’s hot in summer and shade is limited.
Day 2: Quirky Cafes, Rail Park Strolls & Market Nights
Our second day kicked off with magic, literally, at the 943 Kings Cross Café. The kids went straight for the themed drinks: butterbeers and handmade sodas, while I opted for coffee. We didn’t order dessert, but the display case full of spell-worthy treats made it tempting. We loved wandering through the rooms, posing with props, and finding little magical touches tucked into corners.
From there, we walked to Gyeongui Line Forest Park, built along an old rail line. This area is full of art, small shops, and pop-up displays. We followed our whims, ducking into places like Object (stationery, accessories, household goods) and the must-visit Kakao Friends Store. These characters are everywhere in Seoul, and my kids are obsessed.
Our favorite stop, though, was at Acorn Caracture. This particular store does the comic strips that my kids had been dying to get done since seeing them on Instagram. I am so pleased and can’t wait to frame this one for our new house.
That night, we went to Cookin’ Nanta in Myeongdong. It’s high-energy, hilarious, and perfect for families. You don’t need to understand Korean to enjoy it. The kids laughed through the whole thing. We bought same-day tickets, but I recommend booking in advance.
After the show, we dove into Myeongdong Market for dinner. The kids had flaming marshmallows (a show in themselves), brownies, and ice cream, while I happily tucked into gimbap. There’s also potato spirals, meat on sticks, and endless stalls to tempt you. We love to pop into Wappen House to make things with fun patches. (Helpful hint: the one on the main drag gets super crowded, but there is a less crowded option just around the corner.)
Tip: If your kids like souvenirs, Myeongdong Market is a great place to let them browse the mix of quirky and practical items that are spot-on. It does get crowded, though.
Day 3: Splash & Relax at Paradise City Cimer Spa
For our final day, we headed out toward Incheon Airport to visit Cimer Spa at Paradise City. We took the city bus, which is more like a charter bus. It’s about an hour out to the airport.
Paradise City is a whole complex out at the airport. We booked a hotel at the airport because we had an early morning flight. Before we headed over to the spa complex, we grabbed some lunch in the big mall area. Taking a walk through the hotel and mall area is worth it. We found plenty of amazing art exhibitions. It feels a bit like a Las Vegas hotel.
Cimmer Spa is part water park, part spa, and entirely unique. The pass is for six hours, so plan your time — and know that kids under a certain height must wear life jackets (which you have to rent). This rule did not go over well with our youngest, but once everyone settled in, we had a blast.
We tried every pool we could find: one inside a cave, one surrounded by massive video screens, and outdoor pools where you can watch planes take off. The kids liked the waterslides, though they run a bit slowly. The onsen is small but worth checking out, and I loved the saunas (less popular with the kids because — well — they’re hot).
You can bring your phone into any of the facilities except the onsen.
Another thing to know is that most of the seating available around the pool must be reserved. There isn’t anywhere to dump your stuff, so just leave it all in your locker. You dont need a towel by the pool, because you can just grab one insdie the locker room when you come in from the pool.
When you walk into the locker room, you pick up your lounge wear. It’s easy to miss this step. I had to ask for special bottoms in the largest size because Korean sizing doesn’t go over my hips!
We grabbed snacks inside, but I’d recommend eating before or after. Food in the spa is expensive and cuts into your swim time. There aren’t many great restaurants right outside either, so plan ahead.
Tip: Explore every corner — we almost missed some of the best pools.
Final Thoughts
Three days in Seoul gave us a mix of design, history, quirky culture, and pure fun. With easy public transportation, family-friendly attractions, and endless food options, it’s a city that keeps us coming back. Whether you’re chasing murals, catching a high-energy show, or floating in a cave pool, Seoul delivers for kids and grown-ups alike.
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