Seoul and Busan may be South Korea’s most famous destinations, but dive deeper and you’ll find some fabulous family-friendly alternatives in the home of K-drama. Here’s the places you should get to know in 2025.
Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gangwon Province
Korea’s new happy place: Gangwon Province
Gangwon Province has been trending as a family destination, and it’s easy to see why this beautiful northeastern region is on the hotlist for families wanting a nature holiday full of diversity. Gangwon is home to the stunning landscapes of Seoraksan National Park, which was Korea’s first UNSECO Biosphere Reserve. Then there’s the beach towns around Sokcho and Gangneung for fun coastal trips, traditional villages like Abai village in Sokcho, and cultural festivals including Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival, the Pyeongchang Nosan Cultural Festival, and the DongGang Raft Festival. And Gangwon even has ski resorts – YongPyong and Alpensia, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Seoraksan National Park is full of awesome mountains, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails, perfect for families who like to get about. It’s particularly stunning in the autumn when the leaves turn gold. Nearby Sokcho beach is popular with families, and Sokcho Jungang Market is a great place to try fresh seafood at the port.
Sokcho Beach, Gangwon Province
It’s giving Gangneung style – and the coffee is great
Southeast of Sokcho, Gangneung is home to gorgeous Gyeongpo beach, one of the east coast’s best, and a great spot for watersports. Make sure you visit pristine Gyeongpo Lake too, if you’re in the area. There’s a cool coffee scene at appropriately named Gangneung Coffee Street, a cute area packed with sea view cafes serving the local brew. Other local spots include Jumunjin Breakwater, where they filmed parts of K-drama Goblin, and Jeongdongjin for what is arguably the most beautiful sunrise in Korea: perfect if you have little early risers. After all that beach time, and for some historical discovery, Ojukheon House is a site dedicated to Korea’s Confucian heritage, and well worth a visit too.
Places to stay are dotted all along the Gangwon coast, and Sokchu in particular has many big resorts, as do the ski resorts. You’ll find plenty of guesthouses too, and AirBnb is another popular option, particularly in the less-touristed areas.
For more information and to plan a trip to Gangwon Province, head here
Daegu Arboretum
Daegu: a city break with plenty of nature
From Dongwhasa Temple to Daegu Samsung Lions Park baseball stadium, North Gyeongsang’s ‘Apple City’ – so named for the wonderful apples it produces – has a rich cultural heritage alongside a big city buzz. There’s always something new opening up or expanding in Daegu – the Daegu Art Museum has recently increased its interactive exhibits, providing more creative spaces for kids. And the serenely beautiful Daegu Arboretum, already a top family attraction with over 1,000 plant species, has introduced new themed gardens and educational kids’ workshops.
The 83 Tower has been updated with a new observatory deck, and is the place to be for breathtaking city views. And if you fancy a trip down Kim Gwangseok Street – a vibrant street decorated in honour of the famous Korean folk singer – you’ll find it’s been given a glow up, with new murals and street performances happening daily. Daegu’s central downtown, Dongseong-ro, is incredibly energetic and vibrant, with Seoul-like levels of buzz, and there’s always something new going on.
Kim Gwangseok Street, Degu
Lean into culture on this Korea city break
Apsan Park is a top pick for nature-loving families, with its gentle hiking trails, numerous picnic spots, and the opportunity to ride a cable car ride to the summit, where panoramic views await. Another outdoor family highlight is E-World, a theme park around the 83 Tower, with rides, performances, and seasonal light festivals. Don’t miss the bustle of Seomun Market, to sample local foods from hotteok (sweet pancakes) to tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and shop for artisan goods. For rainy days, the Daegu Safety Theme Park offers educational yet fun activities, such as the ever-popular earthquake and fire simulations.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Jeju Island
Jeju Island is a verified wonder of nature
It’s known as “the Hawaii of Asia”, and it’s no surprise that volcanic Jeju Island got voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature with its volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches, miles of countryside and lush forests. Iconic Hallasan Mountain, home of the dormant volcano, is one of its wonders and very accessible for families – with gentle hiking trails and panoramic island views. Just as iconic on the opposite east coast, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (also known as Sunrise Peak) has an easy hike to a stunning crater with ocean views, photo opportunities from which are a great incentive for reluctant teens. It’s also one of the places to spot Haenyeo divers – female divers who harvest abalone, mackerel, and cuttlefish – diving off the beach near Seongsan.
And then there’s the Manjanggul Lava Tube: which might sound like a niche sport, but is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing volcanic formations, and the longest of its kind in the world.
Moomin Land, Jeju
It’s full of beachy and cultural attractions
Jeju has some of Korea’s loveliest beaches, Hamdeok and Hyeopjae being two of the most popular spots – Hamdeok for its family-friendly shallow waters, sunset views and pretty boardwalk, and Hyeopjae for its classic white sands, turquoise waves, and much-photographed Biyangdo Island views.
As Jeju is an established tourist destination there’s a lot going on for families. The Teddy Bear Museum, Moomin Land Jeju, Trick Art Museum, Jeju Snoopy Garden and Arte Museum Jeju are just a few of the museums/play attractions on the island. For a more traditional experience, you can visit Seongeup Folk Village and receive an immersion into the island’s culture and history.
And there are even theme parks on Jeju – Aqua Planet Jeju with interactive marine exhibits, and the Eco Land Theme Park for a scenic train ride through peaceful forests and lakes.
Hyaeopjae Beach, Jeju
You’ll find great accommodation and food all over the island
It’s easy to find great stays on Jeju, with areas like Jungmun and Seogwipo having plenty of spacious family resorts with pools, playgrounds and family suites, and coastal hotels for those stunning ocean views – some of these offer glamping too. You can also do a traditional hanak-style stay, or a farm stay, which is a great way for kids to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors, not to mention meeting cute animals.
Juju is known for its seafood, and local specialities include abalone, mackerel, and cuttlefish (often straight from the Haenyeo divers). Try unique island dishes like Jeju black pork barbecue, abalone porridge, and seaweed soup while you’re in town.
For more information and to plan a trip to Jeju Island, head here
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