The June school holidays are coming, and if Seoul is on your shortlist, don’t hesitate! It’s clean, safe, and easy with kids. But don’t forget that you will also be juggling a long flight (around 7 hours) and a packing list for children with different needs.
Seoul is one of the most family-friendly capital cities in Asia, and a 6-day trip can come together without weeks of research. This guide is put together for Malaysian moms travelling to Seoul with kids aged 4-10, with some tips for those travelling with toddlers.
💡 Supermom tip: Malaysian adults aged 18 to 64 will need to apply for K-ETA before flying. Children under 17 and seniors 65 and above are exempt and only need a valid passport.
When are the mid-year school holidays in Malaysia?
The KPM mid-year break for Group A and Group B are:
| Group | States | Date |
| Group A | Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu | 22 May to 6 June 2026 |
| Group B | All other states including KL, Selangor, Penang, Johor, and Sabah/Sarawak | 23 May to 7 June |
Korea’s monsoon season (jangma) typically begins around 19 June, with rainfall picking up in the second half of the month. This makes it the perfect window to visit Seoul in Spring.
Seoul weather in June 2026
June sits in a quietly sweet spot before the full summer rush. Daytime highs in Seoul average around 27°C, with 17°C nights, and the city’s palaces, markets, and shopping streets are noticeably less crowded than in spring or autumn.
What to pack for Seoul’s June weather
The weather swings between warm afternoons and cooler evenings, with the chance of sudden rain. Pack light layers, not heavy ones.
• Lightweight tops, breathable fabrics, light cardigan or windbreaker for evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family if you plan on walking or taking public transport for most of the trip (you will average 12,000 to 18,000 steps a day)
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket, especially for trips after 19 June
• Sunscreen and hats
• A refillable water bottle
💡 Supermom tip: Korean tap water is safe, and most cafés will refill for free
• Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and a small first-aid pouch with paracetamol and plasters
• Power adapter (Type C and F sockets)
Kid-friendly places to go in Seoul
For a 6-day trip, you don’t need many attractions, just 6-8 good ones. Group them by neighbourhood to cut down on subway time.
1. Lotte World
Officially the world’s largest indoor theme park, with an outdoor section connected on the same ticket. Indoor rides are a lifesaver on a rainy day and the 2026 MapleStory and Pokémon themed zones are a hit with primary-aged kids (and maybe the parents too).
| Tickets | Buy in advance through Klook or KKday. Foreigner tickets are usually cheaper online. The Magic Pass is worth adding for weekends or peak periods, when popular rides have 90 to 120-minute waits |
| Change of clothing | Bring a small change for the kids if you plan to ride the outdoor splash rides |
| Best time | Arrive at park opening for shortest queues. Avoid late afternoons when school groups arrive |
| Children under 3 enter free. Stroller rentals are available at the park |
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest of Seoul’s five royal palaces. Wear a hanbok rental for free entry. Kids love the dressing up, and the palace grounds are mostly flat and stroller-friendly.
| Tickets | 3,000 KRW (~RM 8) |
| Hanbok rental | Book online in advance through Klook or KKday for the best rate, and choose a 2-hour slot. Sizes start from 24 months. Korean kids’ sizing can run small, so check measurements before you book |
| Closed on Tuesdays | Opening hours 9am to 5pm |
| Changing of the Guard ceremony | 10am & 2pm daily (not on Tuesdays) |
3. N Seoul Tower
Take the Namsan cable car up and treat yourself to a panoramic view of Seoul. The view earns the climb, and the observation deck is air-conditioned for an indoor break.
| Tickets | Book observation deck tickets online for around 20% off. Consider getting a combo passes with COEX Aquarium |
| Cable car | Buy separately at the base. Round-trip is faster but one-way up is also lovely if your kids have walking energy left |
| Best time | Late afternoon, so you can see both daylight views and the sunset |
4. COEX Aquarium
The largest aquarium in Seoul with 40,000 sea creatures, plus mermaid performances and feeding shows on weekends.
| Tickets | Around 35,000 KRW (~RM 95) for adults and 31,000 KRW (~RM 83) for kids aged 3 to 12 at the door, but online tickets are around 20% cheaper.
Children under 3 enter free |
| Time needed | Allow 2-3 hours |
| Layout | You can plan to visit the aquarium and COEX Mall together but it is a long walk |
💡 Supermom tip: Many large department stores have lifts that connect directly to subway stations, so you can skip the underground stairs entirely by routing through them.
5. Bukchon Hanok Village
Soak in Korean culture and take a short, scenic walk through traditional Korean houses. But keep in mind that the neighbourhood is a hilly area.
| Visiting hours | 10am – 5pm daily |
| Take note | Real residents live here. Keep voices down, and stay outside private homes |
| Pair with | Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is a 10-minute walk away |
6. Seoul Children’s Grand Park
A free, sprawling park with a small zoo, rides, and wide green spaces. Lower-energy than Lotte World, ideal for a slower morning.
| Tickets | Admission into the park is free but there are small fees for individual rides |
| Change of clothing | Pack a spare T-shirt for younger kids as there are splash play areas active in June |
| Take note | They are closed on the last Monday of every month |
7. Han River Picnic + Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
A genuinely magical free evening with kids. Pack a picnic mat or order delivery to the park, and watch the world’s longest bridge fountain dance to music.
The Ddubuk Ddubuk Festival runs every Sunday from 26 April to 14 June 2026 on the lower deck of Banpo Bridge with food trucks, beanbags, and a flea market. A lovely add-on if your dates align.
| Show times in June 2026 | 12 pm (daytime show), 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9 pm. Each show lasts 20 minutes. Note: weekday evening shows skip the 7:30 pm slot |
| Best viewing spot | Banpo Hangang Park, on the southern bank |
| Change of clothing | Pack a light jacket; it cools down quickly by the river after sunset |
What to eat in Seoul with Kids
Korean food has a reputation for spice, but most of it is mild, sweet, or savoury. The dishes that worry moms (kimchi, tteokbokki) are easy to skip or order in milder versions.
💡 Supermom tip: Learn the phrase “an maewoyo” (안 매워요). It means “not spicy.” Most restaurants will adjust if you ask before ordering.
• Gimbap: rice rolls with seaweed, like Korean sushi without the raw fish
• Bulgogi: sweet, soy-marinated beef. Not spicy, and Korean BBQ is fun for kids who like cooking at the table
• Japchae: soft glass noodles in sweet soy sauce
• Mandu: steamed or pan-fried dumplings
• Jajangmyeon: black bean noodles, mild and filling
• Korean corn dogs: coated in potato chunks; a national obsession for a reason
• Fried chicken: consider ordering delivery back to your hotel if you are looking for an early night in
💡 Supermom tip: If you’re looking for halal options when in convenience stores or supermarkets, download the MUFKO (Muslim Friendly Korea) app before you fly. It has an AI scanner that reads ingredient labels for haram components. Useful when you’re standing in a Lotte Mart aisle wondering about a packet of seasoning.
Best areas to stay in Seoul with kids
Seoul is huge, but families travelling with kids really only need to choose between four central districts.
| Area | Best for | What to know |
| Myeongdong | First-time families, mixed-age kids | Central, walkable, packed with food and shopping. Gets crowded by evening. |
| Itaewon | Families wanting halal food and prayer space nearby | Home to Seoul Central Mosque and the largest cluster of halal restaurants. |
| Jongno / Insadong | Families who want palaces and culture nearby | Calmer, flat streets, close to Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village. |
| Hongdae | Slightly older kids, last-night convenience | Trendy, lively, and on the airport express line for an easy departure. |
For most Malaysian families on a 5 to 7-day trip, Myeongdong or Itaewon is the best place to start. It offers easy access to shopping, street food, and family hotels with spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities.
Look at family rooms or one-bedroom apartments with a kitchenette so you have somewhere to settle a tired toddler.
Getting around Seoul with kids
Seoul’s public transport is genuinely one of the easiest in Asia. The subway is clean, air-conditioned, and stroller-accessible at most major stations. Some things to keep in mind before flying:
• T-money card is your one-stop transit card. Buy at any convenience store. Children aged 6 to 18 get a discounted rate, but you need to register the card to activate it. Kids under 6 ride free.
💡 Supermom tip: Elevators are available at majority of stations. They are clearly marked but sometimes tucked away. Follow the wheelchair icons rather than the exit numbers when you have a stroller.
• Naver Maps or Kakao Maps work better than Google Maps in Korea. Download both before you fly.
• Kakao Taxi is the local Grab. Used widely, English interface, and far cheaper than hailing on the street.
• From Incheon Airport to central Seoul, the AREX airport express takes about 45 to 60 minutes and is stroller-friendly with luggage space.
A suggested 6-day Seoul itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Night |
| Day 1 | Arrive Incheon, AREX to hotel, settle in | Light walk around Myeongdong, easy dinner nearby | Early night |
| Day 2 | Gyeongbokgung Palace + hanbok rental (avoid Tuesdays) | Bukchon Hanok Village stroll | Insadong street food |
| Day 3 | Lotte World (full day, indoor backup if raining) | Dinner at the amusement partk or casual dinner near hotel | |
| Day 4 | N Seoul Tower + Namsan cable car | Kids café break | Hongdae walk and dinner |
| Day 5 | COEX Aquarium + Starfield Library | Han River park picnic + Banpo Rainbow Fountain (8 pm show) | Food delivery to hotel for all the spots you missed out |
| Day 6 | Souvenir shopping in Myeongdong | AREX back to Incheon | Fly home |
💡 Supermom tip: Factor in one rest morning somewhere in the middle. Either from the excitement or overwhelming feelings of being in a new place, kids will usually start to get tired and melt down on day 4 of any trip.
A gentle reminder before you book
Before going on holiday, be prepared to have your meticulously planned schedule go haywire. While your itinerary may be perfect, someone will get tired at the wrong time, the rain will come on the day you booked the outdoor activity, and at least one meal will be eaten silently in a convenience store.
Don’t worry too much about it! That is all part of the memories and excitement of a trip.
