After enjoying all that Busan had to offer, it was time to board a train to Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital.
The kids were excited about the fast KTX train ride, and we were curious to experience the unique mix of traditional and modern in Seoul.
From the stunning palaces and temples to the high-energy shopping districts, we knew Seoul would give us a whole new adventure to cherish.
So, with Busan behind us, we hopped onto the train to kick off the next leg of our journey in Seoul!
Our 13-Day Family Adventure in South Korea: A 3-Part Series
Join us as we take you through an unforgettable family trip across Jeju, Busan, and Seoul. From scenic landscapes and volcanic peaks to bustling city streets and cultural landmarks, we explored it all.
This 3-part series will walk you through each destination, highlighting the best spots, hidden gems, and family-friendly activities.
Day 9: Navigating Seoul
Stepping into Seoul Station felt like stepping into a new world.
The city was alive with energy, and navigating the busy crowds with luggage and two kids was a bit overwhelming at first.
Our hotel, Stanford Myeongdong, was just two metro stops away.
At 1,500 KRW (about $1.50) per adult, the subway was an affordable and convenient choice, though juggling luggage and kids on a crowded train took some effort.
The kids enjoyed the subway ride, pointing out colorful signs and station artwork.
Check-In at Stanford Myeongdong
The hotel was a welcome sight after the morning’s travel.
Our room was spacious, with two queen beds and a cozy bathtub that the kids immediately declared their “swimming pool.”
After freshening up, we decided to explore the city and catch the sunset at a famous Seoul landmark.
Seoul Sky Attempt
We headed to Seoul Sky, the observation deck at Lotte World Tower, hoping to catch a beautiful sunset.
Sunset is 5:30 PM by the way.
However, when we arrived which is also 5:30PM , the massive queue dampened our excitement.
At 25,000 KRW (about $25) per person, we realized the long wait meant we would miss the sunset altogether.
Rather than rush through the experience, we decided to come back another day when it might be less crowded.
Dinner at Lotteria
After our change of plans, we opted for a casual dinner at Lotteria, a popular fast-food chain in Korea.
The kids were thrilled to eat burgers and fries, something simple after days of traditional Korean food.
The menu had a few unique options, like bulgogi burgers, which we decided to try.
The bulgogi burger had a sweet and savory sauce that we all enjoyed, and the fries were crispy and delicious.
It was a quick and satisfying meal that gave us a chance to relax before dessert.
Waffles at Waffle University
We capped off the night with dessert at Waffle University, a cozy café specializing in waffles.
The kids’ eyes lit up as they saw the menu, filled with creative toppings and ice cream combinations.
We ordered a classic waffle with whipped cream and strawberries, as well as a chocolate waffle topped with vanilla ice cream.
Charlene couldn’t stop giggling as she dug into the whipped cream, while Charlotte savored every bite of her chocolate waffle.
The waffles were light, crispy, and sweet—just the perfect way to end the day.
Day 10: Exploring Seoul’s Culture and Fun for the Kids
Day 10 was packed with a mix of family fun and some much-needed downtime.
While the ladies went to the hair spa, I decided to take the kids to the Seoul Kids Museum, knowing how torturous it would be to drag them around on a shopping trip with them whining the whole time.
The day turned out to be a great balance of exploration, relaxation, and delicious food.
Seoul Kids Museum – A Fun Morning for the Kids
We started the day at the Seoul Kids Museum at Children’s Grand Park, and it was immediately clear that this would be the perfect place to keep the kids entertained while offering them some educational value.
The museum is designed specifically for children, with interactive exhibits that allow them to learn through play, and I could already tell it would keep them both busy for hours.
We entered the museum, and Charlotte immediately ran towards the sound section. She was eager to try out all the musical instruments and spent the next hour experimenting with different sounds.
She loved playing the drums and xylophone, happily tapping away and trying to match the rhythms displayed on the screens.
Charlene, on the other hand, headed straight for the physical play area. It had climbing walls, tunnels, and balance beams that allowed her to stretch her legs after a few days of sightseeing.
I could hear her giggling as she tried to balance on the beams and race around the soft, bouncy obstacle course.
What really caught their attention, though, was the water play zone.
It had water tables where they could splash around, pour water into different containers, and watch it flow through the channels.
I had to laugh when Charlene, despite my warnings, ended up with water splashing all over her shirt. Charlotte, equally excited, joined her, and they were completely soaked by the time they finished playing.
I was happy to let them enjoy this—it was such a nice break from the usual sightseeing or shopping, and they were both so engaged in the activities.
The best part was that the museum allowed them to interact with the exhibits at their own pace, without the usual rush or pressure.
They took their time moving from section to section, exploring every corner and thoroughly enjoying each part of the museum.
I was able to sit back and relax as they explored, knowing they were learning and having fun at the same time.
By the time we finished, they were both so absorbed in their play that I had to gently encourage them to move on.
It felt like the perfect start to the day, and I was grateful for the museum's thoughtful design, which kept them entertained while also teaching them new things in a fun, hands-on way.
McDonald's Break and a Much-Needed Rest
After the museum, we headed to a nearby McDonald's for a quick meal.
The kids were starting to get tired, so I figured it would be the perfect place for them to rest and recharge.
I let them nap right there in the booth while I sat and enjoyed some peace and quiet.
We stayed at McDonald's from around 4 PM to 7 PM, with the kids taking a much-needed nap while I just sat back and relaxed.
It was probably the most peaceful three hours of the whole trip, and I was thankful for the break.
Meeting the Gang at Nyunyu Dongdaemun
Once the kids woke up, I took a taxi to Nyunyu Dongdaemun, where I was meeting the rest of the gang.
The journey was quick, and I was glad the kids were refreshed and ready for more fun.
When we arrived, we caught up with the others, and it felt great to have the whole group together again.
Ending the Night
After some time with the group, we wrapped up the night with a relaxed walk around the area.
We headed back to the hotel soon after, as the kids were exhausted from the day’s activities.
They were asleep the moment we got to the hotel.
Day 11: Exploring Seoul’s Historic Sights and a Special Photoshoot
Day 11 was filled with unforgettable memories.
We explored the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, had a wonderful time in traditional Hanbok!
Choosing Our Hanbok for the Photoshoot
We began the day by heading to a Hanbok rental shop for the photoshoot.
We had two main options: Hanboknam and One Day Hanbok.
After considering both, we decided to go with Hanboknam because the store was much more spacious and they had a great selection of hanboks, including one that was perfect for Charlene.
The process of choosing the right hanbok for everyone took a bit longer than we expected, which meant we lost about 30 minutes of our photography session at the palace.
To make up for it, we topped up to extend the photography session at Gyeongbokgung Palace, ensuring we’d have enough time to get all the photos we wanted.
Hanbok Photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Once we were all dressed in our hanboks, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace for the photoshoot.
The palace grounds were absolutely stunning, and the grandeur of the architecture made the perfect backdrop for our traditional outfits.
The kids were thrilled to pose like royalty, and we spent about an hour walking around the palace and capturing beautiful family moments.
It was truly a magical experience, and the extra time we added for the session allowed us to take some incredible photos that we will cherish forever.
Lunch at Insadong-Gil
After the photoshoot, we headed to Insadong-Gil, a charming neighborhood known for its traditional art galleries, shops, and street food.
We had a wonderful traditional Korean lunch of bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables, egg, and spicy sauce) and kimchi jjigae (spicy kimchi stew).
The kids loved the bibimbap, and we adjusted the spice level to suit their tastes.
We also tried stir-fried cockles, a local delicacy that was new to us. Although the kids didn’t love it, they appreciated trying something different.
After lunch, we wandered the streets of Insadong, browsing the galleries and picking up a few traditional souvenirs.
Jogyesa Temple
After lunch, we visited Jogyesa Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Seoul.
The calm and serene atmosphere was a nice break after the busy streets of Insadong.
The kids enjoyed walking around the temple grounds, admiring the large Buddha statues and colorful lanterns.
We spent some time there, reflecting on the peaceful environment and letting the kids ask questions about Buddhism and the temple’s history.
Rest at the Hotel
After the temple visit, I decided it was time to head back to the hotel for a much-needed rest.
The kids had been walking a lot, and I could tell they were starting to get tired.
They both fell asleep as soon as we got back to the room, and I enjoyed a quiet few hours of downtime.
It was the perfect opportunity to recharge.
Stroll at Myeongdong Street for Shopping
Once the kids woke up from their nap, we decided to head out for a stroll at Myeongdong Street for some shopping.
Myeongdong is famous for its bustling atmosphere, trendy fashion shops, and street food stalls.
We walked through the vibrant streets, browsing the shops, trying on clothes, and picking out some gifts for family and friends back home.
The kids enjoyed picking out some fun souvenirs and exploring the stores.
We also grabbed a few snacks from the street food vendors, including tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).
The lively energy of Myeongdong was the perfect way to spend our evening, and it gave us a taste of the modern, fast-paced side of Seoul.
Dinner at BHC Chicken
For dinner, we met up with the rest of the group for some Korean fried chicken at BHC Chicken, a popular fried chicken chain in Korea.
The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and we tried both the classic crispy chicken and the soy sauce-glazed chicken.
The kids loved the soy sauce chicken, and we all agreed that it was some of the best fried chicken we had ever tasted.
Day 12: A Chill Day of Shopping, Eating, and Resting
After all the excitement in the past few days, Day 12 was a much-needed break.
It was a slow, laid-back day spent in the heart of Myeongdong, doing a bit of shopping, eating some delicious fried chicken, and mostly just chilling out.
Lazy Start to the Day
The kids were totally wiped out from the past few days, so they slept in till late.
I wasn’t complaining though. It felt good to just relax and not rush into anything.
We had no major plans for the morning—just taking it easy. The rain outside made it even easier to just enjoy a quiet morning in.
Everyone was happy to sleep in, and it gave me some time to sit back and enjoy the peace before heading out again.
Shopping at Myeongdong
By noon, the rain had settled a bit, so we decided to make our way to Myeongdong for some shopping.
I figured since it was a rainy day, staying close to the hotel was a good idea. Myeongdong was just perfect for that—plenty of shops and things to do without having to go far.
We wandered through the shopping streets, checking out the stores. The kids were super into the little accessories shops, while Mummy took time looking at skincare products and some souvenirs to bring back.
It wasn’t a mad rush to get everything—just a casual stroll around.
We stopped every now and then to grab some food or just take in the sights.
Lunch at BHC Chicken
By the time we were ready to eat, the hunger hit us, so we went back to BHC Chicken—yes, again!
This time, we tried the soy sauce whole chicken, and I must say, it did not disappoint!
The chicken was perfectly tender, with the soy sauce giving it that sweet and savory punch that hit just right.
The kids dug in, and of course, we couldn’t stop at one serving. The crispy skin was amazing, and we all agreed it was the perfect midday treat.
After a hearty meal, everyone was full and happy, and it was time for a little rest.
Afternoon Nap
Back to the hotel for some quiet time.
The kids had been going non-stop for days, so I decided to let them have a nice nap.
It felt great to take a breather. I took a nap too, and we just relaxed.
No need to rush around. The peace and quiet was exactly what we all needed after a packed itinerary.
Evening Stroll and More Shopping
After the nap, the kids were up and ready to go again. We decided to head back to Myeongdong for a little more shopping.
The rain had stopped, so it was the perfect time to walk around the busy streets.
We grabbed some bite at a local korean store with authentic korean food.
Day 13: Departure Day – A Snowy Send-Off and A Long Wait
Day 13 was our departure day, and little did we know, it was going to be full of surprises. From unexpected snow to long delays, the day was a mix of excitement, patience, and a lot of waiting. But we finally made it back to Singapore, even if it took much longer than planned.
Airport Transfer and Travel to Incheon
Our hotel was conveniently located near the pickup point for the Airport Limousine 6015, making the ride to the airport smooth and easy.
At $17 for adults and $12 for kids, it was a great deal, especially considering we were able to avoid the hassle of taking public transport.
The bus made about 8-10 stops before hitting the highway, but at that price, it was very much worth it—considering the cost of taxis would have been much higher for 4 passengers and 4 large suitcases.
Kids under 6 can ride for free, though they had to sit on laps, which was fine for us. The ride took about 100 minutes, and it gave us time to relax and prepare for the flight ahead.
The Surprise Snowfall
When we arrived at the airport, we checked the news and saw that Seoul was completely blanketed in snow.
We had heard about the light snowfall from the weather reports earlier in the day, but nothing could have prepared us for the heavy snow we saw.
What was supposed to be a light 0.5 cm snowfall turned into a full-on snowstorm, with about 10 cm of snow across the city and even up to 20 cm in some areas.
It felt like we had been caught in the middle of a winter wonderland, but at the same time, it made us realize how much more challenging it would have been to travel in snowy conditions.
I kept thinking—was it a blessing to see the snow?
Or was it better we hadn’t been driving in it?
Still, it was beautiful, but the thought of slushy roads and icy sidewalks made me a little glad we were safely indoors, waiting to board our flight.
Flight Delays and Waiting at the Airport
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 4:45 PM, but as we waited, it became clear the snowstorm was causing some significant delays.
By 8 PM, we were still at the airport, with no idea when we would actually board the plane.
By then, we had read multiple reports about the first snowfall of November in over 100 years in Seoul, and it was causing delays for many flights, including ours.
Eventually, at 10 PM, we were called to board, but then we were told we would need to wait for another 1 to 2 hours due to the need for deicing.
What Is Deicing?
For those who are not familiar with the process, deicing is when the aircraft is sprayed with a special fluid to remove any ice or snow that has accumulated on the plane’s wings and other surfaces.
This is a crucial safety measure to ensure the plane can fly smoothly, as ice can affect the plane's aerodynamics and safety.
It added another layer of delay, but we understood it had to be done for safety reasons.
The Long Wait Before Takeoff
After the deicing process, we were finally cleared for takeoff. The total delay was around 8 hours, and by the time we boarded, it was already 10 PM.
We were all feeling the fatigue, but finally, we were on our way.
When we finally took off, we felt relieved, even though the long delay and the snowstorm had taken a toll on us.
The journey back home was far from smooth, but we were just grateful to be on the plane.
Arrival in Singapore – 8-Hour Delay
We landed in Singapore at 6 AM, 8 hours later than expected. We were exhausted but thankful to be home.
Looking back, the snow was both a blessing and a sway? We are lucky that we were stuck in airport instead of in the traffic.
Snow?
It was beautiful to see, but I would have preferred not to travel in such challenging weather conditions.
Still, we made it home, and the whole experience will definitely be one for the books.