Kids cafes are really popular in Korea. These are basically indoor play areas where kids can run around and play with toys and climb on indoor play structures to burn off some energy, while parents zone out on their phones or chat with friends. When you think of a kids play area or cafe, you probably imagine something that has bright primary colors, smells funny, and plays loud obnoxious children’s music. These definitely exist in Korea but what’s trending lately are these upscale kids cafes that are stylish modern places where parents might actually want to hang out.
Here are some cafes that really take it to the next level.
P.I.M. or Play in Museum
This cafe is located in Banpo Hangang Park an overlooks the Han River. Isn’t this place gorgeous? This ball pit totally looks like it came out of an upscale Korean bar. They also have a black light neon room, and this really cool air flute which my kids love. I was also surprised to find that they serve beer at this kids cafe! They served mostly American style food but i found this interesting kettle corn flavored like corn soup (it was surprisingly good). PIM costs 25,000 won for 2 hours. Adults must pay 5000 won each.
Address: Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Instagram: playinmuseum
Champion 1250
Champion 1250 is located in i’Park mall at a Yongsan station. On the outside of the play area, the are 2 different kids art studios tmfor older kids which make really cool stuff. The kids playground itself is gigantic, and even has a rock climbing wall and zip line. It seems kind of like a kids American Gladiator arena in a sense. They also have an upscale cafe within the play area, Jiguyaoka bread. I loved the apple tea that I got here and even went so far as to order a package of it on amazon after finishing my cup. To fully take advantage of this place though, you would want to have older kids. Champion 1250 costs 20,000 won per kid for 2 hours and 5000 won for adults.
Address: 55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Facebook page: Champion 1250
Lilliput Kids Cafe
Lilliput kids cafe in Cheongnam is also very nice. When you walk in, it feels like you’re walking into an Alesia dream house. The design is so on point. The seating area reminds me of a nice cafe in Seoul where adults would hang out and the kids play area is very aesthetically pleasing. Valentina absolutely loved everything here, particularly the ice cream stand. Almost all the toys here are made of wood or some other natural materials and are just so pretty. The ball pit takes it to the next level with this game on the wall. The food is actually really tasty. I can’t remember the last time I had gnocchi & Valentina loved it too. Lilliput costs 15,000 won for 2 hours of play and adults must purchase an entree which costs about $20.
Address: 85-12 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 85-12 (Apgujeong Rodeo Station)
Instagram: lilliput_
Plouf
Plouf is a pool cafe that kind of looks like a chic place for adults to hang out, but everything is miniature. This place looks like a cool pool themed bar/spa that I would want to hang out at if I was in my 20’s. There’s a place for kids to get a foot massage and wear a robe & feel pampered. Seriously this place is so extra. There’s a couple of shallow indoor and outdoor pools and there’s also a little baby spa. Plouf costst 45,000 per kid for 2 hours and 15,000 won per adult.
Address: 85-13 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (next door to Lilliput cafe)
Instagram: plouf_official
Little Shinsegae
Your typical kids cafe that you’ll find in Korea looks kind of like Little Shinsegae. It’s still pretty nice and it’s located in the Shinsegae Department store. you can actually leave your kids here if they are 3 or over and go shopping, and the workers will supervise the kids. I haven’t been brave enough to leave my kids but I’ve seen other kids play there without their parents. Little shinsegae costs 12,000 per kid for 2 hours and 3,000 for adults.
Why are kids cafes so popular in Seoul?
I think one of the reason kids cafes & indoor play areas are so popular is that kids really need to run around outside and play but in Korea the air quality is poor which makes it dangerous for kids to play outdoors. On top of that we have extremely cold winters and blazing hot summers which takes up about 80% of the year. I try to let my kids play outside whenever the weather is good and the air quality is good, Or even if it’s hot or cold if the air quality is good I will try to get them outside my. but those days are few and far between. These kids cafes are really kind of a saving grace if you can afford them. We go once in a while but not too often. Mostly I let my kids play outside, and we often go to children’s museums which are free and the Park whenever possible.