Four reasons families love travelling in South Korea

With the country fast becoming a global cultural powerhouse, it’s no surprise more and more families are travelling to Korea

Here are four reasons why South Korea is such a brilliant destination for family travel – and why it works so well for travelling together.

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1. Korean culture is probably fairly familiar

Even before you arrive, chances are Korea already feels familiar.

Korean culture has gone global, and there’s steady stream of K-culture for kids and teens in particular.

• Food: Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken now feature on menus across the globe. But true Korean cuisine experience isn’t something you can order from your local takeaway. In Korea itself, food is a fun, hands‑on experience the whole family enjoys together. Most meals are based on banchan sharing dishes, so you can try lots of little bits of everything, without committing to a specific dish (great for fussy eaters). Street food stalls are everywhere in urban centres, so you’re never far from your next snack and markets provide near endless choice of things to try for lunch, so you don’t need to reach a unanimous family decision. Grab a plate and load up.
• K‑drama: From Squid Game to K‑Pop Demon Hunters (with soundtracks many families know perhaps a little too well…), Korean dramas have never been more popular. Streaming platforms have even given them their own dedicated category. You may even recognise some of filming locations (there are a few on our Korean Wave itinerary)
• K‑pop: Global superstars like BTS and BLACKPINK have taken Korean music worldwide, from sold‑out tours to red carpets across the globe. Their infectious energy and catchy lyrics are impossible to escape. In Hongdae, one of Seoul’s trendiest districts, you’ll often find students practicing the latest K-pop dances on the streets.

• Skincare: Korea’s world‑famous skincare has found its way into high‑street shops, with brands like Beauty of Joseon now high street names. And while you can get a lot of Korea’s beauty exports back home, it’s worth saving space in your suitcase to get some cheaper deals while in Seoul. Make a beeline for Olive Young.

Experiences we recommend
Shopping for K‑pop merchandise and a K‑pop dance class

Concert tickets may be notoriously hard to secure, but families can still hunt for K-pop merchandise in neighbourhoods like Myeongdong in Seoul. Or, for the budding popstars in your family, a K‑pop dance class gets the whole family learning the moves together (you even take a souvenir video home with you)

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2. Things are easier for families

Korea makes things refreshingly straightforward for families.

There’s a wide range of family‑friendly accommodation across the country, from modern hotels with pools and kids’ facilities to more traditional stays in hanoks. One thing to be aware of is room layout: triple and quad rooms are less common, as co‑sleeping is typical in Korea. Visiting families often opt for multiple rooms or Korea’s popular ‘family twin’ rooms, which combine a double and single bed in one space.

If you and your family want a little more independence, some hanok stays – traditional Korean houses – offer apartment‑style layouts and the chance to self‑cater. So you can cook something up for fussy eaters, while also feeling like you’re not just at home in your own kitchen.

Getting around is just as easy. Korea’s high‑speed KTX bullet train connects all the key destinations, Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju (and beyond). As a compact country, you’re never more than three hours from one side of the country to the other. The barrier‑free travel system also means no juggling multiple tickets or worrying about children getting stuck at gates. Simply board and sit in your assigned seats.

Experiences we recommend
Hanok stay & temple stay

Staying in a hanok turns accommodation into part of the adventure, whether you choose a simple, traditional home, with heated floors and futon roll out bedding, or a more modern version with added comforts such as private bathrooms or even jacuzzis.

For more adventurous families, one of our favourites temple stays is Golgulsa Temple, set in the forested mountains outside of Gyeongju. Alongside learning about temple life – from communal meals and morning prayers to ringing the temple bell – Golgulsa is famous for Sunmudo, a zen martial art. Families can watch the monks perform before giving it a go themselves.

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3. It’s an adventurous, high‑energy destination

South Korea is a country that’s always on the go, and there’s an incredible amount to see and do for families who like to stay active. From building your own bibimbap bowls to hiking up Hallasan, Korea’s highest mountain peak, no one is going to whine about being bored here. With 22 national parks across the country (our favourite is Seoraksan on the east coast) and even the volcanic island Jeju off the south coast, there’s plenty of walking and hiking trails to suit everyone – from energetic hikers in their 70s who’ve packed their walking boots, to pram friendly paved walkways.

Experiences we recommend
Nami Island zipline & e‑bike tour of Seoul

The zipline into Nami Island is definitely not just for the kids. It’s a thrilling way to arrive onto the island itself and kicks off a fun, outdoorsy day with a strong dose of adrenaline.

In Seoul, an e‑bike tour is ideal for families with older children and teens. Two hours of cycling around the city, beating the traffic and cutting down smaller lanes that big buses could never fit down.

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4. No two trips to Korea are ever the same

This is a country that evolves at pace, whether it’s the latest must‑try flavour of bingsu (shaved ice – our current favourites are mango and matcha), a newly opened café your guide can’t wait to show you, or an emerging neighbourhood like Seongsu in Seoul. Whatever you plan this time around, we can assure you it will feel completely different on your next visit (it’s one of the reasons we love it).

By the time something appears in a guidebook, it’s often already old news. We’re a little bit Korea-obsessed, so we’ll be sure to pass on the latest recommendations, and weave into your trip.

Pack your bags, let’s get you to Korea

Check out our two itineraries built specifically with families in mind: South Korea Family Adventure and Family Fun in Korea.

Remember, everything can be tailored entirely to you and your family, so if you want to extend your trip, book a hanok with a jacuzzi or secure a K-pop dance class in Seoul, just let us know.