Traveling to Korea with Kids: First-Time Family Travel Tips

Traveling to Korea with kids for the first time can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming.
Is it stroller-friendly? Will language be a problem? What if your child is a picky eater?

Korea is a safe, modern country with excellent infrastructure, but family travel becomes much easier when you know what to expect in advance.
This guide is designed for first-time visitors traveling to Korea with children, focusing on real, practical tips rather than idealized travel images.

Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul during early evening, showing traditional Korean architecture, a wide open lawn, and visitors walking along the historic palace walls.

Is Korea a Good Destination for Families with Kids?

The short answer is: yes.

Korea is generally safe, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Public facilities, restrooms, and indoor spaces are clean and well maintained, which makes traveling with children more comfortable.

Korea also has highly digitalized systems for payments, transportation, and reservations.
However, for first-time family travelers, there are moments where you need to figure out where and how to use those systems on your own.
Knowing a few key things in advance can significantly lower the overall travel difficulty.

Transportation: Subways, Buses, and Taxis with Kids

Subways

Most subway stations have elevators, but transfer stations can be large and confusing, with elevators located far from platforms.
Rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) are extremely crowded and best avoided with kids.
Strollers are allowed, but lightweight, foldable strollers are far more practical than full-size ones.

Buses

Buses often have high steps and can be crowded.
They are not ideal for families traveling with strollers.

Taxis

Taxis are easy to use, but child car seats are rarely available.
Best used for short distances rather than long transfers.

Best combination for families:
Subway + walking, with taxis used occasionally when needed.

Food: Is Korea Okay for Picky Eaters?

This is one of the biggest concerns for many parents.
The good news: kids rarely go hungry in Korea.

Convenience stores are lifesavers

Sandwiches, rice rolls (gimbap), and rice balls
Milk, yogurt, fruit cups
Simple hot meals that are easy to eat

Restaurants: what to expect

Dedicated kids’ menus are uncommon
However, many meals naturally include rice, soup, eggs, and noodles, which are easy for children to eat

Tip:
Korean meals are often served with multiple shared side dishes, making it easy for kids and parents to share food.
Think of Korea as a country where kids can eat with adults, even without a special kids’ menu.

What to Do on Rainy or Bad-Weather Days

Depending on the season, Korea can have rainy days or fine dust.
The advantage is that Korea offers many indoor activities for families:

Large museums
Interactive indoor spaces
Kids cafés
Indoor play facilities

Weather rarely ruins a trip completely—as long as you know your indoor options.

What Kids Actually Enjoy in Korea

Parents and kids don’t always enjoy the same things.

Less exciting for most kids

Temples and palaces
History-focused sightseeing spots

Popular with kids

Kids cafés
Theme parks
Hands-on experience spaces
Large parks and walking paths

Including child-focused places in your itinerary makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

How Many Days Do You Need for a First Trip to Korea?

Korea is best enjoyed with at least 7 days.

Fewer than 5 days:
Most time goes into adjusting and moving around
7 days or more (recommended):
Families settle into the rhythm of daily travel and enjoy a more relaxed pace
10 days or more:
Ideal for combining one major city with another region

For first-time family travelers, a slower pace with at least one week is strongly recommended.

Things Parents Are Often Surprised By

A generally child-friendly atmosphere
Clean public restrooms and indoor spaces
Safe streets, even at night
Convenience stores open late everywhere

At the same time:

English is not always spoken fluently
Signage may be in English, but explanations are often limited

Knowing your main routes and destinations ahead of time makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Korea may not be a perfect destination for traveling with kids—but it is a very good one.

With a bit of preparation:

Stress is reduced
Daily logistics feel manageable
Both parents and children can truly enjoy the experience

Use this guide as your starting point, then explore specific cities and activities at your own pace.
That’s how a family trip to Korea becomes memorable—for the right reasons.