Unforgettable Adventures in Seoul with Teens
We are thrilled to have our teen contributors, Corey and Skylor, who love to travel and write about their experiences, share their favorite places to visit in Seoul. I love reading about this destination and its growing popularity. Here are some of the fun things to do in Seoul with teens.
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Best Things to Do with Teens in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea, offers activities that are perfect for teens and parents alike, ensuring your vacation is packed with excitement, culture, and unique experiences. Here’s how you can keep everyone happy and make memories that will last a lifetime in the vibrant city of Seoul.
1. Kick things off with a cultural tour
One of the best ways to immerse your teens in a new culture is through their stomachs! We recommend taking a food market tour or trying a cooking class. It’s a great way to learn your way around the city and learn more about Korean food.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
Start your adventure with a relaxing stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This 11-kilometer long park in the heart of Seoul provides a peaceful escape from the city’s crowds and energy.
At night, the stream transforms with beautiful light installations, making it a magical experience. It’s a great place for your teens to snap that perfect Instagram photo!
3. Catch a Seoul Baseball Game
Baseball is not just America’s favorite pastime; it’s also a major hit in Seoul! Experience the electric atmosphere at a local game where chants, cheer songs, and the crack of the bat create a contagious energy.
There are 10 teams in the KBO league and the season runs April through August. This is a fun way to interact with locals and see a spirited side of Korean culture.
4. Get in touch with nature at Jeju Island
Another fantastic stop to make on a trip to South Korea with teens is a large island called Jeju Island. There are many beautiful beachfront properties on the island, and the beaches are stunning.
By far, one of the best things to do on Jeju Island is climbing up the towering Mt. Hallasan. At 6,398 ft., it is the tallest mountain in South Korea. There are beautiful ocean views that can’t be compared and it is a blast hiking up to the summit. Although the hike up the mountain can be a bit tiring, it is completely worth it for the view.
5. Step Back in Time at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty which spanned 500 years from 1392 until 1897.
A popular activity is renting traditional Hanbok (Korean attire) to tour the palace grounds. (We recommend this place). This can make for a fun and memorable experience for your teens, and the perfect family photo op!
6. Learning about Korean history in a DMZ tunnel
Take a journey back in time and add an educational twist to your trip by visiting the DMZ tunnel. This site offers a poignant glimpse into Korean history, where your family can learn about the tensions between North and South Korea.
The tunnel, marked by efforts to maintain peace, might be a tight squeeze but it’s a profound way to understand the country’s past and present.
7. Explore the Bustling Streets of Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most vibrant shopping districts, buzzing with energy and packed with activities that cater perfectly to teenagers. This neighborhood is not just a shopping haven; it’s a cultural experience where your teens can immerse themselves in everything from street fashion to gourmet street food.
The streets are lined with a mix of international brands and local Korean shops offering the latest trends in fashion. Teens can explore popular Korean clothing brands, pick up unique accessories, and dive into the world of Korean beauty products.
Walking through Myeongdong, your senses will be overwhelmed by the delicious smells coming from numerous street food stalls. Teens will love trying bites of everything from Korean fried chicken to Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to the famous bingsu (shaved ice dessert).
You’ll also find tea houses, cat cafés, and even street performers in this area. Plan to spend a bit of time taking in everything.
8. Have an adventure at a Korean theme park
Lotte World is a magical place. Craziness and fun fill the air. Being in Lotte World feels like another world. The theme park is indoors and outdoors so don’t worry if the weather is crummy. There are rides and attractions every which way.
The park has thrill rides, but they are not as intense as Universal or Six Flags. We tried two rides, French Revolution and Gyro Drop. There were many other rides that looked fun, but unfortunately, we did had limited time and did not get to try them.
French Revolution is an indoor roller coaster with a large loop. Gyro Drop is outdoors, and it drops you from 230 feet up. Although the lines can get long, having company will make the wait fly by. Lotte World is the perfect place to laugh and make memories with friends or family.
9. Experience Pop Culture on K-Star Road and SMTOWN
If your teens are fans of K-Pop, a walk down K-Star Road is a must. Here, you’ll find bear sculptures representing various K-pop stars.
Continue the fun at SMTOWN for an immersive experience of the K-pop universe, complete with a museum, café, and a chance to catch hologram concerts of popular groups like EXO and Red Velvet.
10. Take in Seoul’s beauty from above
The N Seoul Tower is the second highest point in Seoul. Thankfully an elevator takes you to the top of the tower instead of climbing 236 meters of stairs. Souvenirs are sold everywhere throughout the viewing area at the top of the tower, but the 360 degree view of Seoul is breathtaking.
A downside of the Namsan Seoul Tower is the long wait because only a certain number of people are allowed in the viewing area at the top of the tower at a time. Another downside is the viewing area is inside and the glass can make pictures blurry.
However, there are many other beautiful spots to take pictures around the tower. Although there are cable cars to go up to the base of the tower, the lines can be long and the only alternative is walking the stairs, which trust me, is tiring. The Namsan Seoul Tower is a great stop to take pictures and soak up the vibe of Seoul.
11. Take a day trip to Bukhansan National Park
If your family enjoys outdoor activities, then a day trip to Bukhansan National Park is a must. Offering trails with varying difficulty levels and stunning views over Seoul, it’s a place where you can enjoy nature and maybe challenge each other to reach the peak.
Even if hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there is still plenty to explore at the park. Doseonsa Temple is perfect for peace and quiet, Bukhansanseong Fortress has walls you can walk along, and there’s even spots for having a picnic. No matter what your teens choose, it will be fun to get away from the city crowds for the day.
12. COEX Aquarium
If your teens needs a low-key day indoors, we recommend a stop at COEX Aquarium located in the COEX Mall. Teens will enjoy the Deep Blue Ocean Tunnel where they see sharks and fish swimming overhead.
There’s also a Marine Touch Zone where they can get hands on with sea stars and even baby sharks! Of course, you won’t want to miss the Garden of Jellyfish which is perfect for stunning photos!
When you’re finished, head to the mall for the magnificent Starfield Library, movies, shopping, and food.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Seoul with Teens
Seoul’s mix of history, nature, and modern entertainment offers a perfect backdrop for a family vacation that appeals to both parents and teens. With a little planning you can ensure that your travel experience will be filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your time together—exploring new places is just the cherry on top!
So, why not start planning your Seoul adventure today? It’s your turn to create stories you’ll all be telling for years to come. Who knows, this might just become your family’s best trip yet!