Our first full day in Seoul was spent at Children’s Grand Park, one of the easiest and most budget-friendly places to explore with kids. It is huge, green, lively and packed with things to do. Before we even reached the entrance, we had already learned a lot about navigating public transport in Korea for the first time.
Getting There: T‑Money Cards and Train Lessons
To use public transport in Seoul, adults can simply tap on and off with a normal debit card. The kids don’t have one, so we bought T‑Money cards from a 7‑Eleven. You need cash to top them up, which we didn’t have, so we wandered around until we found an international ATM. Domestic ATMs didn’t accept our card, so it took a bit of searching before we finally found one that worked.
Once the cards were topped up, we headed back to the station and jumped on the train. We realised pretty quickly that we were going in the wrong direction, hopped off and switched platforms. After that, it was smooth sailing and only a short ride to the park.
First Impressions of Children’s Grand Park
Children’s Grand Park is enormous. You could easily spend an entire day here without spending much at all. There are walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, a zoo, a children’s museum and even a small amusement park. When we visited, there was live music playing near the main walkway, which added such a fun atmosphere.
Zoo Highlights
The zoo is free and surprisingly large. We wandered through the different sections and spent extra time watching the seals, which were the clear favourite for all of us. They are playful, loud and very entertaining.
Convenience Store Lunch
Convenience store food in Korea is one of the easiest ways to feed a family on the go. We grabbed noodles, gimbap, fruit, eggs, sandwiches and drinks. For the five of us, lunch came to under $30 AUD, which is incredible for a city day out.
Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum costs around $20 AUD for entry. It is definitely designed for younger kids, probably best for under 8, but our 10 and 12 year olds still enjoyed it and learned a few things. There are hands-on activities, colourful displays and plenty to explore.
Amusement Park Area
There is also a small amusement park inside Children’s Grand Park with rides for younger kids. We didn’t go on any rides this time, but it is a great option if you want to add a bit more excitement to your visit. Prices vary depending on the ride, but it is easy to walk through and check it out.
Fairy Floss and the Walk Home
Before leaving, the kids each chose a giant fairy floss, which was $8 AUD each. By this point, we had walked a lot. Children’s Grand Park is huge, and you definitely feel it by the end of the day. On the way home, we stopped for Korean BBQ, which is my absolute favourite, and it was the perfect way to finish the day.
What This Day Cost Us
Here is a rough breakdown of what we spent:
- Convenience store lunch and drinks: under $30 AUD
- Children’s Museum: $20 AUD
- Fairy floss: $24 AUD
- Korean BBQ dinner: around $70 AUD
- Train fares: about $1.50 AUD per trip x 2 trips x 5 people = $15 AUD (approx.)
Total: around $160 AUD for a full family day out in Seoul.
Tips for Visiting Children’s Grand Park
- Bring cash if you need to top up T‑Money cards.
- Look for international ATMs, as domestic ones may not accept foreign cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the park is very large.
- Convenience stores are perfect for cheap, quick meals.
- Most of the park is free, so it is great for families on a budget.
- Check the schedule for live performances. There is often music or entertainment near the main entrance.
- If you want rides, the amusement park area is easy to find and has options for younger kids.
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