Daegu with Kids: 5 Easy Stops from the Science Museum to a Free Arboretum

Daegu is a surprisingly good city for families. The KTX from Seoul Station to Dongdaegu takes under 2 hours, and there are plenty of indoor options for chilly November days. Peak foliage on nearby Palgongsan is forecast around November 12, so late autumn colors last into mid-month. Here are five stops that mix indoors and outdoors.

Quick facts

• From Seoul: KTX Seoul → Dongdaegu, under 2 hours
• Good to know: most museums close on Mondays
• Best for: babies to primary-school kids

1. Daegu National Science Museum

Put this one on your list. Under 36 months, the main exhibition hall, planetarium and the kids' science hall (Kkumnamu) are all free. There are two nursing rooms with changing tables and a microwave, which matters a lot with a baby.

• Hours: 09:30–17:30 (tickets until 16:30)
• Closed: Mondays (the next day if Monday is a holiday), January 1, Lunar New Year and Chuseok
• Tickets: ages 7–19, 2,000 won for the main hall · adult fare
• Parking: 2,000 won (1,000 won for compact cars and families with 3+ kids)
• Booking: kids' hall and main hall via the website · no stroller rental

2. Daegu Aquarium, right at Dongdaegu Station

It is inside the Shinsegae department store at Dongdaegu, so you can walk in straight off the train. Perfect on a rainy day.

• Tickets: adults 29,000 won, teens 27,000 won, children (36 months–12) 25,000 won · under 36 months
• Hours: Mon–Thu 10:30–20:00, Fri–Sun 10:30–20:30 (last entry 19:00)
• Closed on department store holidays · 2 hours free parking · nursing room

3. Daegu National Museum Children's Museum

Free, but sessions are 50 minutes for 60 people each, so booking on Naver is a must. It has a nursing room and stroller rental.

• Hours: 10:00–17:50, timed sessions · closed days

4. Daegu Arboretum & Apsan Cable Car

On a nice day, go outside. The Daegu Arboretum is free with parking, open 09:00–18:00 from September to December, and closed Mondays. Foliage and stroller access.

The Apsan Cable Car gives a view over the whole city. In November it runs until 20:30 on Fri–Sun, so you can catch the night view.

• Round trip: adults 14,000 won, children 10,000 won
• Hours: from 10:30; last ride up in November 18:30 Mon–Thu, 20:30 Fri–Sun
• Parking: 1,000 won for up to 2 hours

5. November event and a family-friendly meal

The 2026 Suseong International Biennale runs until November 22 at Sanghwa Hill by Suseong Lake. It is free, with kids' activities on weekends.

For a meal, reviews say Urineun Jeongyuk Garden (우리는 정육가든) near Eorini Sesang Station has a kids' play area and high chairs. That information is from 2025, so check it is still open.

A one-day plan

1. 09:30 Science museum (kids focus best in the morning)
2. 12:30 Lunch
3. 14:00 Arboretum if sunny, aquarium if raining
4. 16:30 Apsan Cable Car for sunset (and night views on weekends)

Tips for foreign travelers

• Naver bookings may need a Korean phone number; if it fails, ask your hotel front desk to help.
• Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for buses and the subway; a T-money card works on Daegu's subway and buses.
• Avoid Mondays for this route.

Summary

Science museum in the morning, arboretum or aquarium in the afternoon, then Apsan Cable Car at dusk. With so many indoor choices, Daegu is an easy family day whatever the weather.