Strawberry fields to magic tricks, this holiday has it

There are plenty of fun-filled options for children on Monday, Children’s Day. Here’s a selection of listing of events in Seoul and surrounding areas:
The Lotte World amusement park in Jamsil has a parade at 3:30 p.m. and fireworks after the sun goes down. Telephone: (02) 411-2104
The Samsung Children’s Museum in the Songpa district is hosting a performance for children, “Hey Kid, Raise Your Hand in the Air” (“Ggureogi Manse”), on the third floor at noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are 2,000 won. Outside the museum, artists will be painting faces from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: www.samsungkids.org or call (02) 2143-3600
Children’s book illustrator Ann James is touring Korea with Alison Lester, author and illustrator. They are hosting an exhibition at Seoul Arts Center until May 31. For information: c.mckenzie@asialink.unimelb.edu.au.
The Sejong Arts Center is hosting its 81st Children’s Day festival. The fun kicks off at 10 a.m. with a musical and a story reading. Telephone: (02) 399-1700
Take the youngsters to learn a few magic tricks at Sinna School. Lessons are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and cost 85,000 won for the family. The school is on the fourth floor of Yeoseong Plaza in Daebang-dong. Telephone: (02) 823-0979
The Grand Hilton has a buffet lunch (36,000 won for adults, 21,000 won for children). Kids can see a magic show, have their faces painted and get their own animal from a roaming balloon artist. Telephone: (02) 2287-8271
The Westin Chosun in the city center is featuring face painting for children under 10 at the Chosun Deli. The “Play and Enjoy” playroom at O’Kim’s will be filled with balloons. Family photos can be taken at O’Kim’s, Cafe Royale and Ho Kyeong Jeon. Telephone: (02) 771-0500
May is “Family Month” at the Lotte Hotel, and Venezia, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, is offering set menus (33,000 won to 38,000 won for lunch, 55,000 won to 60,000 won for dinner) featuring Milanese cuisine. The restaurant’s photographers are taking family photos and e-mailing the snapshots to customers. Telephone: (02) 317-7071

Outside of Seoul
On Monday, the Busan Aquarium is featuring synchronized swimmers putting on “A Little Mermaid” show at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. Admission is 14,000 won for adults; 9,000 won for children. Telephone: (051) 740-1700
Kids Tour is leading excursions to pick strawberries at a farm in South Chungcheong province on Monday, May 8 and 11. The cost is 38,000 won a person. Telephone: (032) 812-0032

by Joe Yong-hee