In the last decade, tourism to (and travel within) South Korea has seen monumental growth [1]. What’s more, the number of people traveling to South Korea with children or teens is also increasing rapidly, driven by intentional infrastructure investments in family-friendly amenities [2].

While many people who visit South Korea focus on finding family activities in the larger metropolitan and travel hubs, like Seoul and Busan, many once-in-a-lifetime adventures await travelers who are willing to go a little off the beaten path.

For example, consider Osan-Si, a city in Gyeonggi Province, 35km outside Seoul.

The Top-Rated Family Activity In Osan: Mulhyanggi Arboretum

Families who have visited Osan are near-unanimous in their praise for Mulhyanggu Arboretum, a wildlife and nature park staffed by knowledgeable attendants and geared towards educating visitors of all ages [3]. The best kid-friendly features here include a maze, an observatory, and an interactive Topiary Center [4].

The Best Activities For Nature Lovers In Osan

In addition to the arboretum, Osan is home to a number of outdoor cultural spaces and monuments — including Gwollisa Temple — that families can explore together while enjoying and learning about South Korean culture, architecture, and history [5].

Additionally, families with older (and more active) children can enjoy access to hiking and biking trails around Osan [6]. Where Seoul and Incheon are both stunning examples of urban life and modern South Korean architecture, and Busan and Jeju City feature breathtaking coastal views, Osan offers unparalleled opportunities to explore South Korea’s mountains (especially Yangsanbong Peak, Yeogyeson Mountain, and Nojeokbong Peak) [7].

Unexpected Options For Foodies: Osan Main-Gate Street Food

Second only to shopping, food tourism is one of the most popular reasons to travel to South Korea [8]. A trip to Osan can provide travelers with a unique perspective on the cultural cuisines that are most popular in the province. The street food market situated just outside the main gates of Osan is renowned for its diverse fare; options range from corndogs and fried fish cakes to raw squid and traditional pundaeggi (silkworm larvae) [9].

Family-Friendly Day Trips Within Driving Distance (Or Subway Line)

For families looking for a more action-packed or educational outing, traveling a short distance from Osan into the broader Gyeonggi Province brings several options well within reach.

For one, many families visiting Osan (and locals, too) enjoy going to the Korean Folk Village — a cultural play center modeled after late Joseon period Korean culture that features musical performances, martial arts exhibitions, and traditional ceremonial displays [10].

Likewise, Everland Theme Park — the largest theme park in Korea — is a short drive or subway ride away from Osan [11].

Other Special Reasons To Visit

Outside of these everyday-accessible activities for families visiting Osan and the surrounding area, Osan hosts two major festivals each year: the Yutnori Contest in January, and the Korean American Friendship Festival (near Osan Air Base) in February. In both cases, travelers can enjoy once-a-year celebrations, ceremonies, and exhibitions of South Korean culture, food, and hospitality.

Osan AB Housing and Realty Service

If you are PCing to Osan and looking for off base housing near Osan Air Base for you and/or your family, contact Kim's HSO Realty. Our team members have decades of experience in the area, and have a variety of housing options available, includingVillas, Apartments, Houses, Dorms, Hotels, and even largerFamily Housing options. You can click the blue box (located at the bottom of the screen) to speak with our agents directly.

Osan AB Housing Kim's HSO Realty

Ideas For Family Activities In Osan, Korea