GuideKorea

Exploring Korea with the Family: A 5-Day Train Itinerary

Seoul, South Korea: Seoul 63 Building

Nothing brings family together quite like a good vacation. But planning a trip abroad can be tricky: timing vacation leaves with school breaks, budgeting for multiple heads, arranging transportation…the list goes on!

Not every place is family-friendly, but South Korea is definitely worth visiting. The country is full of stunning natural attractions, fun and zany kid activities, and incredible food. And with their world-class public transportation system, getting around is fast and comfortable, especially with the T-Money Card (READ: Korea Travel Essentials: The T-Money Card). Here’s a KKday recommended tour that the whole family is sure to enjoy!

Arrival Essentials

Once you’ve booked your flight and accommodations, be sure you can stay connected with the whole family with either a local sim card or pocket wifi device. Once you arrive at the airport, save on time and money by taking the AREX Airport Express Train. The train, which is particularly convenient for families carrying luggage, which will take you from Seoul Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul in under 45 minutes. And be sure to bring along your KKday T-money Card and load it up at the stations!

 

Day 1: Seoul

Get an early start on your first day in Seoul. Check out these must-visit spots to get the most of your day here!

Gyeonbokgung Palace

Korea Itinerary for the Family: Gyeongbok Palace
Korea Family Itinerary: Gyeongbok Palace

Your first stop will be to  Seoul’s largest and most beautiful palace, which served as the main home of the royal family during the Joseon dynasty. Within the palace grounds, you can visit the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum and see over 4,000 historical pieces and exhibits detailing ancient Korean Culture.

N Seoul Tower

Korea Itinerary: N Seoul Tower
Korea Family Itinerary: N Seoul Tower

After the Palace, get head to N Seoul Tower. Popularly called the ‘Symbol of Seoul,’ the tower defines the city skyline atop Namsan Mountain and lets locals and tourists alike drink in the spectacular panoramic view of Seoul.

Namsan Hanok Village

Seoul, South Korea: Namsan Hanok Village
Korea Family Itinerary: Namsan Hanok Village

Continue on to the Namsan Hanok Village and see charming village full of restored traditional Korean houses (‘hanoks’), tranquil ponds and gardens, and a pavilion. Stroll through the quaint village and try your hand at traditional board games—but remember to leave your shoes at the door!

Tongin Market

Seoul, South Korea: Tongin Market
Korea Family Itinerary: Tongin Market (Luvepoli/Wikimedia Commons)

For a fun and exotic lunch, make your way to the Tongin Market which was set up in 1941 by the Japanese. As your van pulls up to the market, you’ll be instantly hit with delicious aromas from over 75 stalls and stores of food. Have your fill of local cuisine at extremely reasonable prices.

Day 2: Gangwon Province

With only five days in a new country, it’s tempting to just stick to Seoul. But Gangwon, only an hour away from the city, offers some of Korea’s most beautiful countryside and is definitely worth the day trip (READ: Exploring Gangwon Province)

Lake Chuncheon and Gangchon Rail Park

Gangwon Province, South Korea
Korea Family Itinerary: Gangwon Province (image via Oham-ho Mulleong)

One off-beat but highly enjoyable family activity is to head to Lake Chuncheon. Spend the morning paddling out into scenic Lake Chuncheon in a canoe before heading to the Soyanggang Sky Walk. Afterwards, enjoy a uniquely Korean tour at the Gangchon Rail Park and pedal along rail the rail tracks of the now-defunct Mugunghwa Train line.

  • From the Gangchon Station, take the train to the Kapyong Station
  • Take Bus 33-5 until the last stop. You’ll arrive at Namiseom Island
  • Present your KKday T-money card for special offers at Lake Chuncheon!

You can book your Canoe Experience with KKday!

Nami Island

Gangwon Province, South Korea: Nami Island
Korea Family Itinerary: Gangwon Province, Nami Island

Very close to Lake Chuncheon is another of Korea’s most stunning natural sights, Nami Island. KDrama fans may recognize the island from the hit, Winter Sonata, but tourists everywhere will fall in love with its year-round colorful forestry. With charming pink cherry blossoms in spring, or the bright red fall foliage, families can take picnics, ride family-serve bikes, and befriend the adorable woodland creatures.

  • Take the Gapyeong Tour Bus and head to the Gapyeong Station
  • From the Gapyeong Station, take the Metro Subway back to Seoul

Day 3: Theme Park Day

Everland Theme Park

Seoul, South Korea: Everland Theme Park
Korea Family Itinerary: Everland Theme Park

Your third day in Korea is a real treat for the kids. Head to Everland Theme Park, Korea’s largest and wildest theme park! Explore nature-themed zones like T Express, Lost Valley, Amazon Express, Safari World, and Panda World. With tons of attractions, seasonal festivals, and the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster, the whole family is guaranteed to have a fun time!

  • Everland by Train:
    • Ride the Bundang Line up to Giheung Station
    • Transfer to the Yongin Ever Line, and look for the shuttle bus
    • Take the free shuttle bus to Everland
  • Everland by Bus: Two Options
    • Bus No. 5002 at Gangnam Station, Exit 10 to Everland
    • Bus No. 5700 at Jimsil Station, Exit 6 to Everland
  • Present your KKday T-money card for special offers!

Dinner at Korea House, Seoul’s award-winning restaurant

Seoul, South Korea: Korea House Restaurant
Korea Family Itinerary: Dinner at the Korea House

After working up a hearty appetite at the park, dine like royalty at the award-winning, hanok-style Korea House restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Korean feast prepared like the days of the Joseon Dynasty. To avoid the dinner rush, you can book a reservation ahead of time here with KKday. 

  • Subway:
    • Ride either Subway Line 3 or Line 4 until Chungmuro Station
    • Get out at Exit 3. The restaurant is walking distance away.
  • Bus
    • Take any of Public Buses, and get off at Toegyero 3-ga Stop.

Day 4: Korean Cultural Immersion

Hanbok Experience

Parents love to take photos of vacations for family albums and picture frames. Have a photo shoot with the entire family in a traditional Korean Hanbok, with some of Seoul’s iconic sights in the background. Reserve your Hanbok with KKday!

  • Ride Subway Line 3 until Anguk Station.
  • Get out at Exit #2, and head to 4 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, 2nd Floor.

Seoul 63 Building Observatory

Seoul, South Korea: Seoul 63 Building
Korea Family Itinerary: Seoul 63 Building

For a different kind of cultural immersion, head 63 Building, Seoul’s most prominent skyscraper that houses an on-site gallery for art exhibits and magic shows, an aquarium with some of the ocean’s rarest sea creatures, and an observation deck with a stunning view of Seoul City. You can book your Observatory and Aquarium tickets ahead of time with KKday.

  • Ride either the Subway Line 5 or Line 9 until Yeouido Station
  • Take the free shuttle bus to 63 Building
  • Present your KKday T-Money card for exclusive offers and freebies!

JUMP! Show

Seoul, South Korea: Jump! Show
Korea Family Itinerary: Jump! Show

After a fun afternoon seeing the different exhibits, sit back and watch a fun and exciting live performance. Catch the JUMP! Show, a one-of-a-kind comedy performance that follows a family of martial artists trying to defend their home from robbers. JUMP! Breaks barriers of all kinds, from their wild acrobatics to comedic stunts that’s sure to leave you in both stitches and awe. Don’t miss out on this incredible show and book your tickets now with KKday!

  • Ride Subway Line 3 or 4 until the Chungmuro Station
  • Get out at Exit 7, and walk towards the Myungbo Art Hall, 3rd floor.
  • Present your KKday T-money Card for special freebies!

Day 5: Shopping

Seoul, South Korea: Shopping in Myeong-dong
Korea Family Itinerary: Shopping in Myeong-dong

If you’re flying out later at night, then take it easy before heading to the airport. Seoul’s bustling commercial districts are always worth exploring, especially Myeong-dong. It’s full of great retail options and Korean beauty products and a number of these stores offer discounts to foreign travelers. Plus, you’ve also got streets and stalls of Korean food.

Another great thing about Myeong-dong are the locker services—perfect for storing luggage as you shop!

  • Ride Subway Line 4 until Myeong-dong Station. Get out at Exit 6.
  • Or ride Subway Line 2 until Euljiro-1-Ga Station. Get out at Exit 6.  

There’s a lot more to do in Korea, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. Feel like changing up this itinerary? Read our round-up on Exploring Korea: 5 Easy Day Tours from Seoul.

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