The arrival of spring brings 'Family Month' into full bloom. Here's where to go.

This article is by Woo Ji-won, Jin Eun-soo and read by an artificial voice. With several public holidays scattered throughout the month, it's the perfect time to get outside and spend time with family. Across the country, botanical gardens burst into color, themed parks and museums come alive with events and festivals spill into parks, offering countless ways to enjoy the season together. Nature in full bloom For those looking to experience nature at its most vibrant, gardens are a natural starting point. Woori Flower Botanical Garden in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, showcases more than 1,100 plant species year-round, with an indoor garden in the style of a hanok (traditional Korean house) as its defining centerpiece. The space also features serene walking paths and play areas for children, making it enjoyable for the whole family. For a deeper dive into nature, Hwadam Forest in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, has become one of the most sought-after spring destinations in recent years. The 165,000-square-meter forest is home to 16 themed gardens and more than 4,000 plant species, with magnolia, azalea and cherry blossoms in full bloom. A monorail winds through the forest for those who prefer a more relaxed visit. Reservations are required, and weekend slots fill quickly. Beyond individual destinations, the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute is hosting month-long programs across major sites in celebration of "Family Month." At Baekdudaegan National Arboretum in North Gyeongsang, a spring festival runs from Friday to Monday, offering hands-on activities such as plant potting and scavenger hunts for children. Sejong National Arboretum extends its experience into the evening with its "Night Garden" until May 31. The Korea National Arboretum of Native Plants will host a "Flower Week" event from May 15 to 25, focusing on Korea's rare plant species. Themed parks and family attractions Theme parks and attractions remain a go-to for family outings. Everland also joins with its "Ever Kids Club," offering 10 themed programs for children aged 5 to 8, including animal care, cooking and art. While children take part in guided one-hour sessions, parents can enjoy their own downtime. A season of festivals Spring festivals are bringing an extra layer of excitement to already appealing destinations. Meanwhile, the ever-popular picnic spot, the Han River, is offering leisure programs with its "Hangang River Festival: Spring," held from Saturday to May 10. At Ichon Hangang Park, a theater stages a reinterpretation of a traditional children's song, while a "stroller parade" invites families to walk a 1.2-kilometer (0.75 mile) forest path with strollers on May 9 and 10. Visitors can also join silent yoga sessions on May 9. Hwasun County in South Jeolla has extended its "Spring Flower Festival" through May 10 following strong public popularity. The "2026 Geochang On Spring Festival" will take place from May 14 to 17 in Geochang County, South Gyeongsang, bringing together the Geochang Arimia Flower Festival, the Geochang Wild-simulated Ginseng Festival and a barefoot walking event into one integrated spring celebration. Something educational Korea's museums and palaces are offering discounts and special programs for family outings in May. Up to two guardians per child aged 12 and younger will be offered free entry for four Seoul palaces - Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Changgyeong and Deoksu - as well as Jongmyo Shrine, royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty and the Tomb of King Sejong the Great (1397-1450) on Children's Day. Foreigners are eligible as well. On the day, the usual palace guard changing ceremony held in front of Gwanghwamun will be done by guards wearing cartoon-like costume heads at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A hands-on program recreating the Joseon-era military recruitment test will also be offered three times on the Children's Day. Application can be done online and on site on the day. At the National Museum of Korea, photo zones created in partnership with Kakao ...