Palaces and Hanbok, Seoul’s History for Kids

Seoul mixes shiny modern and deep history, and the palaces are where I start families, partly because of a fun trick that gets kids into it.

Gyeongbokgung is the grand main palace, a huge complex of gates, courtyards, and painted halls. Here is the trick. If you rent a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, from one of the shops nearby and wear it in, your whole family gets in free. Kids love dressing up, the photos are gorgeous, and it turns a history visit into an event. The shops have kid sizes and do your hair too.

Time your visit for the changing of the royal guard ceremony at the front gate, with drums, flags, and guards in bright robes. It runs a couple of times a day and it is free.

Bukchon Hanok Village sits between the palaces, a hillside of traditional tiled houses on quiet lanes, nice for a wander in your hanbok.

Keep it to one palace with kids. Gyeongbokgung is the one. The others are lovely but you will hit your limit.

Full Seoul with kids guide: Seoul With Kids. Want Korea planned for you? Work with me.