Seoul Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Seoul
This budget-friendly itinerary for Seoul families combines free, engaging community events with exciting, worthwhile ticketed attractions. We've focused on activities that cater to diverse interests, ensuring plenty of play, learning, and discovery. Remember to dress warmly for outdoor winter activities and utilize Seoul's excellent public transportation for ease of travel. Look for online booking discounts for paid attractions to maximize savings!
Friday Evening - Festive Lights & Cozy Dinner
Friday, January 2Lantern Festival Stroll
Kick off the weekend with a magical walk through the Seoul Lantern Festival.
The Cheonggyecheon Stream will be adorned with intricate and colorful lanterns, creating a dazzling display. This annual festival is a firm family favorite during the New Year period.
Perfect for all ages. Kids will be mesmerized by the various shapes and sizes of lanterns. Dress warmly as it's an outdoor evening activity. Stroller accessible along the stream. Public restrooms are available nearby.
Easily accessible via subway. Get off at City Hall (Line 1, 2) or Gwanghwamun (Line 5) or Jonggak (Line 1) stations and walk to Cheonggye Plaza.
COEX Mall Dinner
After enjoying the outdoor lights, head indoors to the warm and bustling COEX Mall for a family-friendly dinner.
The mall offers a wide array of dining options, from casual food courts to diverse restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Excellent choice for families with young children, offering numerous meal options, high chairs, and clean restrooms. Great opportunity to warm up and relax. The mall is large, so keep an eye on little ones.
Directly connected to Samseong Station (Line 2). Parking is available at COEX Mall (paid).
Saturday - Underwater Wonders & Outdoor Play
Saturday, January 3SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium
Dive into an exciting underwater journey at SEA LIFE COEX Seoul Aquarium, Korea's largest aquarium.
Explore 14 themed zones showcasing over 40,000 marine creatures, including sharks, penguins, and fascinating interactive exhibits. It's a captivating experience for all ages.
Children aged 3-12 will love the diverse marine life and interactive displays like the Marine Touch Lab. Stroller friendly with numerous restrooms. Check for special programs like feeding times. Some VR experiences are available for an extra fee.
Conveniently located inside COEX Mall, directly connected to Samseong Station (Line 2). Paid parking is available at the mall.
Aquarium Cafe Lunch
Enjoy a convenient and casual lunch at one of the cafes or eateries located within or just outside the SEA LIFE COEX Aquarium, or explore the wider range of options in COEX Mall.
This allows for a quick and easy meal before the next adventure.
Many choices from fast food to themed cafes. Look for kids' menu options or items easily shared. Restrooms are readily available throughout the mall.
Stay within COEX Mall, easily walkable from the aquarium.
Children's Grand Park Play
Spend the afternoon at Seoul Children's Grand Park, a vast green oasis with playgrounds, a free zoo, and botanical gardens.
Kids can run, explore, and enjoy the fresh air.
This park is free to enter and offers expansive areas for children to play. The zoo section also has free admission, allowing kids to see animals. Numerous playgrounds are available for different age groups. Restrooms and baby care facilities are scattered throughout the park. The park is very stroller-friendly.
Easily accessible via Children's Grand Park Station (Line 7). Paid parking is available at the park.
Early Local Dinner
Enjoy an early, relaxed dinner at a local family-friendly restaurant near Children's Grand Park.
Many neighborhoods surrounding the park offer a variety of Korean and international cuisine options suitable for children.
A good opportunity to try local Korean dishes in a casual setting. Look for restaurants with kid-friendly seating and menu items. Early timing allows for children to get home and wind down before bedtime.
Short walk from Children's Grand Park or a brief taxi ride/public transport to a nearby dining street.
Sunday - Interactive Learning & Winter Fun
Sunday, January 4Children's Museum Fun
Engage in hands-on learning at the Seoul Children's Museum, located within Children's Grand Park.
This free museum offers interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children, focusing on various themes from science to culture.
Ideal for children aged 3-12 (primary target 5-9). Admission is free but requires a mandatory online reservation for specific sessions in advance. There are lockers available, and a family lounge on the 3rd floor for snacks/lunches.
Access through Children's Grand Park Station (Line 7) or paid parking within the Grand Park. The museum is a short walk from the park entrance.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Experience the joy of ice skating at the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink, a beloved winter landmark in the city center.
It offers separate rinks for beginners and advanced skaters, making it fun and safe for children.
This activity is very affordable, including skate and helmet rental. Kids will love the festive atmosphere. Remember to bring gloves and dress in warm layers, as it is an outdoor rink. Sessions are usually 1 hour long.
Extremely accessible via City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2), Exit 5. Parking is limited, so public transport is highly recommended.
Warm Cafe Treat
Wind down the weekend with a cozy visit to a cafe near Seoul Plaza.
Enjoy warm beverages like hot chocolate for the kids and coffee for the adults, along with some delicious treats, before heading home to prepare for the week ahead.
A perfect way to warm up after ice skating and enjoy some family bonding time. Many cafes offer kid-friendly snacks and a comfortable atmosphere for relaxation.
Walkable from Seoul Plaza. Myeongdong shopping street also has numerous cafe options a short walk or subway ride away.
This weekend itinerary for Seoul can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.