Seoul with kids, the places you should not miss.

 

Seoul

Secret places to observe cherry blossoms, having a brunch in a treehouse, playing in flour, visiting an art museum turned playground...

We have asked Hallie Bradley, an American expat based in Seoul since 2006 to share her favorite spots in town. The published journalist behind the blog The Soul of Seoul, mama of one, is the reference when it comes to digging out hidden gems in town.

Places you should not miss

The Seoul Children museum

An incredible learning space filled with mind-blowing activities and creative spaces. The museum’s overall theme is “children designing happiness,” and there are educational programs available for children according to both age and theme. The building spans three stories above-ground and an additional 3 stories underground.

Color Pool Museum

An insane color themed playground where you will have as much fun as your kid. Not to miss (really!!!)

Seoul Forest

Best place in Seoul to see cherry blossoms. he Eco Forest is an area that connects the park to nearby Han River in the Jungnang Stream area. There are deer, elks and other wildlife that live in this area as well and visitors can walk along an observatory to see them.

Grandpa Factory

A fun brunch spot in Seongsu-dong with a gigantic treehouse in their courtyard. There is a lot of seating in our outside with large spaces for kids to run around.

Hello Flour

An entire playroom filled with flour (and yes, the floor is covered with flour!) and cooking classes for kids. A wonderful creative space that triggers kids' senses. Local families love it so much that it is best to book a space before coming.

Shu Shu and Sassy

A beauty salon with treatments for little ones such as manicure, pedicure, hair extensions, massage... An ideal place for a fun mommy and daughter bonding time. Their products are toxin-free and use herbal and natural pigments to produce a varied spectrum of colors. There are kid friendly bath bombs, shampoos, and so much more that can be purchased to take home from the salons as well so it becomes really difficult to leave with empty arms, but at least you know you’ll be taking home something safe for your little people.

Gana Art Park

A great place to visit in the warmer months as there are multiple buildings and some fun outdoor play areas too. Gana Art Park, previously named Jangheung Art Park, was established in 1984. Today there is an art museum, performance hall, and a children’s experience center. There is an outdoor sculpture park and a playground too. This is really a great little adventure for kiddos who get to discover art while playing.

Chiwoonjung

This former Korean president’s historic villa has been opened to the public but keeps that traditional charm. There’s also a jjimjilbang, or traditional Korean sauna, for guests to use in the evenings. The decor is traditional and beautiful with classic Korean touches.

진평925

A typical Korean barbecue with a little kids' pIay space. I love this place because sitting around a hot grill isn't always the first thing parents think of to do with kids. At this place parents can get the meat, have the grill fun, but the kids can too!

Nanji water playground

This has been our go-to outdoor swimming pool in Seoul for a few summers now. It’s off the beaten path a bit because it’s not easily accessible by subway or bus. Right on the Han River, it’s basically an infinity pool that slopes out but isn’t too deep so it’s perfect for little kiddos in tow.

Ansan Mountain

Ansan Mountain is near the Hongdae, Yeonhui-dong area of Seoul and it’s actually really kid friendly. It’s not the tallest of mountains which is great if you want to go all the way to the peak. But for even smaller kids, we took Ava there for a field trip when she was just 4, there is a flat wooden boardwalk that circles the middle of this mountain so you could just walk in a giant circle. Along the boardwalk there are sequoia trees, hammocks, and other enjoyable scenes. This is also where a gorgeous and hidden cherry blossom grove is in the spring.

paradise City

We tend to love the hotels that have swimming pools since we live here so want to go somewhere with something special or different. We LOVE Paradise City which is just out in Incheon near the airport. It's super easy to get to because of the proximity to the airport and has so much to do for both kids and adults. I love the kids zone, the pools and the breakfast.

Signiel Hotel

A hotel that is pretty fantastic and near the Lotte World amusement park. This is also the tallest hotel in Korea so the views are absolutely spectacular. We've stayed their twice. It's definitely the upgraded experience, but if you want to treat yourself, it's the top! 

Discover more incredible hidden gems in Korea:

Hallie's blog The Soul of Seoul and on her Instagram and Facebook page @thesoulofseoulblog