May is peak spring. If you’re plotting a memorable outing for Children’s Day or Parents’ Day, think beyond the usual dinner and focus on city festivals and events. From family-friendly celebrations along the Han River — Seoul’s beloved urban retreat — to book festivals that ignite kids’ imaginations and palace programs paired with traditional cuisine, these pick-me-ups will help you create truly unforgettable moments.
Family spring outings that bloom with laughter: 2026 Han River Festival
With warmer days coaxing families outdoors, parks along the Han River are staging a lineup of feel-good events throughout May.
Seoul City will host the '2026 Han River Festival: Spring' from May 2–10 to celebrate Family Month. Under the playful theme "Family Spring Outings That Bloom with Laughter — Haha Hoho Spring," the festival presents seven curated programs centered on the river.
At Banpo Han River Park’s Sebitseom, the 'Golden Blue Marina Yacht & Kayak Festival' invites visitors to tour spring flower spots from a yacht and enjoy yacht- and kayak-focused activities. On Saturday the 9th, try 'Silent Han River Yoga' with wireless headsets for a peaceful, crowd-friendly practice. These sessions at the Banpo picnic area are scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:20 PM.
On May 9–10, Ichon Han River Park will host the original traditional-performance play 'Sanjung Hogeol: The Tiger's Birthday Party' along with 'Han River Starlight Small Theater,' a compact stage showcasing cultural experiences. During the same weekend, families can join a whimsical 'Stroller Parade,' decorating baby carriages as animal pals and strolling the poplar-lined path through Ichon’s poplar grove.
For full program listings and schedules, visit the Han River Festival official website.
Books, come out, presto! Paju Book City Children's Book Festival, May 2–5
Paju — affectionately known as the City of Books — is turning up the literary charm for Children’s Day with a major reading-culture festival. The 24th Paju Book City Children's Book Festival is the season’s must-visit for book-loving families.
This year’s theme, "Books, Come Out, Presto! Snacks, Come Out, Presto!," centers on helping kids fall in love with books while exploring dreams and future careers. The festival runs across the golden holiday from May 2 through Children’s Day on May 5.
Throughout Paju Book City, expect a lively mix of family programming: a children’s puppet show inspired by books, 'Meet the Author' sessions hosted by participating publishers, hands-on workshops like the 'Picture Book Author Experience Table,' and a bustling 'Book Market' featuring 47 publishers and bookstores.
Check the Children's Book Festival official website and Instagram for detailed schedules and program info.
“This Family Month, win a royal table!” Gyeongbokgung 'Suragan Tasting Experience,' apply by the 28th
Gyeongbokgung Palace is setting a special table for Family Month this May.
The Palace and Royal Tombs Division of the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency present 'Suragan Tasting Experience' from May 13–24. The program blends royal-cuisine tastings with traditional performances and interactive workshops.
Events are split into two signature experiences: 'Dadam,' where guests sip royal tea while enjoying guest lectures, and 'Foodie,' which pairs court-cuisine tastings with live gugak performances. In the sojubang (royal kitchen) area, the 'Kitchen Alley' offers craft workshops — from quilted-pouch making to hwachae (fruit punch) — plus samples of traditional snacks.
Participants are chosen by lottery. Apply on Ticketlink by 2:00 PM on the 28th. Winners will be announced on the National Heritage Promotion Agency website and via individual text messages on the 30th. Each winner may purchase up to two tickets; the participation fee is 30,000 KRW (approximately $22.50 USD) per person.
