After a few days in Seoul, most families start wondering what lies beyond the city. We have taken our daughter, who is almost four, on a lot of day trips from Seoul, and some were much easier than others.
This is the short list we would actually send a friend. All three are easy enough that you can do them in one day and still be back in Seoul for dinner. Everything below comes from our own visits, with links to the full guides.
At a Glance
- Suwon: about 30 to 50 minutes from Seoul Station. History, a martial arts show and fried chicken. Lots of walking.
- Aqua Field Hanam: Subway Line 5 to Hanam Geomdansan Station. A modern jjimjilbang spa with a kids’ room.
- Everland: about 40 to 60 minutes by car from Gangnam. Rides, a safari and seasonal flowers.
Three Easy Day Trips: Back in Seoul by Dinner
1. Suwon: Fortress Walls, a Martial Arts Show and Fried Chicken
Suwon is the easiest escape from Seoul, and it feels like a different city. We started at Hwaseong Haenggung, where we watched the Muye 24 martial arts performance, then had brunch at a bakery café, made a custom T-shirt, and finished with Suwon’s famous fried chicken.
Our daughter loved the T-shirt workshop most, because she walked away wearing something she had decorated herself. The honest downsides are that you walk a lot and parking in the old town can be difficult, so we recommend going by subway or train and taking a short taxi ride between spots.
Full route, timing and tips: our one-day Suwon itinerary.
2. Aqua Field Hanam: A Spa Day That Works With Kids
Many of the older jjimjilbangs inside Seoul feel tired, so families who live here often drive out to newer places. Aqua Field Hanam, inside the Starfield Hanam mall, is one we keep going back to. We went mainly for the charcoal kiln sauna, but it turned out to be more family-friendly than we expected.
There is a small kids’ room, and the jjimjilbang is split into several rooms at different temperatures. One thing to know before you go: the charcoal kiln sauna and the relax room are adults-only, meaning middle-school age and up. Also, the spa and the waterpark are separate tickets.
When we visited in August, the spa was 26,000 won for adults and 21,000 won for children from 36 months to elementary age, with the uniform and towel included. Parking is free, and it is an 8 to 10 minute walk from Hanam Geomdansan Station. Prices can change, so double check before you go. More in our Aqua Field Hanam review.
3. Everland: The Classic Family Day
Everland is in Yongin, about 40 to 60 minutes by car from Gangnam, and you do not need a car. A direct shuttle bus runs from central Seoul, or you can take the subway to Giheung Station and board the free Everland shuttle, which takes about 90 minutes in total.
We have been many times, in different seasons and with and without an annual pass. The one thing we never do is buy tickets at the gate, because online tickets such as Klook have always been cheaper for us, and the mobile voucher is scanned at the turnstile. Everland raised its prices in October 2026, so it is worth comparing before you go.
For rides, animals and shows, read our Everland with a toddler guide. For ticket prices and the shuttle, see our Everland ticket guide. If you are thinking about a yearly pass, here is our annual pass review.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Only one free day and a tired family: Aqua Field Hanam. It is close, indoors, and easy.
- You want to see something Korean: Suwon, especially the Muye 24 show.
- Your kids want rides and animals: Everland, with a pre-booked ticket.
Tips for Day Trips With Young Kids
- Start early. Arriving early helps with lines and with tired kids later in the day.
- Plan for naps and the ride home. A tired child on a crowded train is the real challenge, so leave earlier than you think.
- Book tickets ahead. Everland and Aqua Field both have cheaper or skip-the-line options online.
- Choose weekdays when you can. The same places feel completely different when they are less crowded.
- Pack snacks and water. Some places have food and some do not, and hungry kids end the day fast.
Staying in Seoul instead? Our top 5 family days out in Seoul and our Seoul Forest guide are good places to start.
Final Thoughts
If we had to pick one for a first-time visitor with a young child, it would be Aqua Field Hanam for a slow day or Suwon for a more memorable one. Whichever you choose, keep the plan short and leave room for the child to just play. That is when these days worked best for us.