Planning and Researching
Planning a trip with kids takes a lot of effort, and for South Korea, it was no different.
We usually rely on Google Maps for most of our travel planning, but this time, it wasn’t as straightforward.
In South Korea, Google Maps doesn’t provide detailed or accurate route information, which made it less useful for navigation.
Instead, we had to switch to Naver Map, the native app used widely by locals.
Naver Map worked well for planning routes, but there was a steep learning curve.
Since it’s optimized for the Korean language, it wasn’t as intuitive for us to use.
We found ourselves going back and forth between Google Maps and Naver Map.
Google Maps was still handy for researching locations, reading reviews, and bookmarking places, while Naver Map handled the actual navigation.
The combination of these apps helped us figure out routes, check travel times, and plan our days efficiently.
It was a bit of extra work to switch between the two, but it paid off when we could confidently navigate the cities and find the best routes to our destinations.
Pro Tip: Download both Google Maps and Naver Map before your trip.
Take some time to explore how Naver Map works, as it will be your main tool for navigating in South Korea.
Bookmark key locations in both apps for easy reference during your travels.
Flying Into South Korea
Arriving in Jeju
We flew into Jeju via FlyScoot, and our flight landed bright and early at 8 a.m.
This timing was perfect because it gave us ample time to settle down before picking up our rental car at 10:30 a.m.
I am always chillax about traveling with kids on flights, and the snacks, toys, and devices did their job.
Since it is a red eye flight, we settled in and they dozed off after the plane took off.
Jeju Airport was a pleasant surprise.
It was clean, organized, and not overwhelmingly crowded.
After clearing immigration, we decided to grab a quick breakfast at one of the airport cafes.
The kids munched on their favorite rice and soup while sitting by the large windows, watching planes take off and land.
It was a quiet moment amidst the usual chaos of traveling with little ones.
Collecting the Rental Car
At 10:30 a.m., we headed to the car rental counter.
Renting a car in Jeju was one of the best decisions we made.
The process was smooth and quick, which is a big relief when you have kids impatiently tugging at your shirt.
Having a car gave us the flexibility to plan our day without worrying about public transport schedules.
The kids were thrilled to see their “road trip car,” and we were glad to have our own space for snacks, extra clothes, and their naps in between activities.
Pro Tip: When booking a car, make sure to allow at least 1 to 2 hours after landing for unexpected delays and to stretch after your flight.
It is because we planned to return the car at 1030am during our departure day. This is to avoid paying an extra day.
Transport
Jeju
Driving in Jeju was a mix of smooth sailing and a few challenges.
I was surprised by how modern the traffic infrastructure was.
There were plenty of speed and traffic cameras, which kept everyone in check.
However, traffic in the city areas could get heavy, and parking was sometimes a headache.
Once we left the city, though, the roads were clear, and driving became a breeze.
The scenery along the way was breathtaking—rolling hills, endless fields, and the ocean in the distance.
I had imagined Jeju would feel like Pulau Ubin, but it was far from that.
Jeju turned out to be a modern city with cultural attractions, lively streets, and well-paved roads.
Having a car also meant we could stop whenever the kids wanted.
Whether it was a roadside fruit stall or a scenic spot for photos, the freedom to pull over was priceless.
Busan
In Busan, we opted for a one-day guided tour with transport included.
You can use Klook for a 1 Day Tour
The traffic conditions were similar to Jeju—busy roads and plenty of cars, especially in the city center.
Having a guide and driver made things so much easier.
We didn’t have to worry about directions or parking, which gave us more time to focus on enjoying the sights with the kids.
Seoul
Seoul was all about convenience.
We relied on taxis and the metro system, and honestly, it was such a relief to not have to drive in the busy city.
Taxis were surprisingly affordable compared to Singapore, making them a great option for short trips.
We tried to register for the 3 apps, Kakao Taxi, K Ride and Uber. Only uber is able to work well to confirm our payment method.
The metro system in Seoul was fantastic.
It was clean, efficient, and well-connected. Just that the stairs climbing is really out of this world.
Staying near a metro station was a game-changer because it allowed us to access most of the city without hassle.
The kids enjoyed riding the trains, calling them “super trains” because of how fast and quiet they were.
For airport transfers, we used the limousine bus service.
It stopped right in front of our hotel, which made things incredibly convenient.
At $17 per adult and $12 per child, it was a great value, especially since they handled our luggage too.
Pro Tip: When traveling with kids, always stay near a metro station or a hotel with easy airport transfer options.
It makes life so much easier.
Exploring
Jeju
Jeju felt like a playground for families.
From the moment we started exploring, it was clear that this island had something for everyone.
We began with Pororo Park, which was an instant hit with the kids.
They ran around, laughed non-stop, and refused to leave.
Our plan included plenty of sightseeing stops and car naps to keep the kids fresh.
The beauty of Jeju is that every destination felt like an adventure.
Heongdajue Beach was a favorite.
The kids wanted to build sandcastles, but the evening chill had us packing up early.
Hiking Hallasan was a different kind of fun.
It was not easy with toddlers, but taking frequent breaks made it manageable. Somemore we chose the shortest trail.
And luckily the shortest. So you gotta be prepared to carry them.
Meimei hike up halfway, and needed some carrying.
It was exhaustive to be honest. And the motivation for her is the snack when we reach the top.
The views were incredible, and the kids were in awe of the waterfalls and cliffs.
Jeju’s natural beauty left a lasting impression on all of us.
Busan
Busan was a mix of excitement and culture, offering something for everyone in the family.
The kids loved the capsule train ride and the skywalk, both of which added an element of thrill to our day.
The fresh air and stunning views made these activities enjoyable for all of us.
Gamcheon Culture Village was a colorful treat.
The narrow alleys, vibrant murals, and quirky little shops kept the kids entertained.
Our tour guide shared fascinating stories about the village’s history, which gave us a deeper appreciation of the place.
The Little Prince statue was a fun photo spot for the kids, though we adults couldn’t quite understand the hype.
To wrap up the day, we visited a serene temple.
The kids had fun exploring the grounds, and we took a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Seoul
Seoul was a whirlwind of activity, balancing the busy city vibe with family-friendly adventures.
While the ladies in our family indulged in shopping sprees, I took the kids on their own mini-explorations.
Seoul Children’s Museum was a hit.
The hands-on exhibits and interactive activities kept the kids engaged for hours.
They could touch, play, and even build things, which they loved.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was another highlight.
Renting hanboks for the kids turned the visit into something magical.
They felt like little princes and princesses, and we took plenty of photos to remember the moment.
Exploring the palace grounds gave us a glimpse into Korean history while keeping it fun for the kids.
The markets, like Gwangjang, were lively and full of interesting sights and smells.
The kids enjoyed sampling snacks and watching the hustle and bustle.
It was a great way to experience the local culture.
The Train From Busan to Seoul
The KTX Train Ride
The KTX train ride from Busan to Seoul was a big highlight of our trip.
The kids were so excited about the “fast train” that they couldn’t stop staring out the windows.
The scenery zipped by, and they kept pointing out things like bridges, mountains, and even random animals.
We packed snacks, activity books, and downloaded their favorite shows to keep them busy.
To our surprise, they didn’t need much of it.
The ride itself was smooth, and the spacious seats gave us enough room to relax.
The train was clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with luggage storage conveniently available.
It felt like a quick and comfortable break between the two cities.
The journey lasted just over two hours, giving us parents some rare downtime to sit back and unwind.
Pro Tip: Always bring snacks, a couple of small toys, and headphones for kids during long train rides.
Even though the ride is comfortable, little distractions can be a lifesaver when they start to get restless.
Dining
Jeju
Dining in Jeju was straightforward, thanks to the flexibility of having a car.
We searched for kid-friendly restaurants on the go and found plenty of great options.
The kids enjoyed local dishes like noodle soups, rice bowls, and Jeju’s famous black pork BBQ.
The black pork was soft, flavorful, and easy for little ones to chew, making it a family favorite.
Convenience stores were our backup plan for snacks and quick meals.
They stocked everything from fresh fruit to instant noodles, which helped on days when the kids were fussy.
Pro Tip: Bring your own utensils and scissors for kids.
Most restaurants provide scissors, but having your own makes meal prep much faster and easier.
Busan
Busan offered a diverse dining experience, with options to suit everyone’s tastes.
Seafood was another highlight for us, but the kids stuck to their usual favorites like noodles and rice.
Fast food and convenience stores saved the day on occasions when local dishes didn’t appeal to them.
Having these fallback options made meal times stress-free for the whole family.
Seoul
Seoul was a food lover’s paradise with endless options, but we kept it simple for the kids.
Issac Toast became a breakfast tradition, and we had it three mornings in a row because the kids couldn’t get enough.
Street food was tempting, but not all of it was kid-friendly, so we opted for familiar options like McDonald’s and Lotteria.
The kids loved the fries and burgers, and it gave us a much-needed break from negotiating with them about trying new flavors.
The kids loved fried chicken, which became a staple during our stay.
They even nicknamed it “magic chicken” because of how crispy and delicious it was.
Toilets
Jeju
Jeju’s toilet facilities were clean, accessible, and easy to find, especially at tourist attractions and night markets.
Once, we even ducked into a random hotel’s restroom during an emergency.
Thankfully, it was clean and well-maintained, which made the experience less stressful.
Busan
In Busan, toilets were generally available near major attractions but harder to find in busy shopping areas.
Some fast-food restaurants required a purchase to access their restrooms, so we made sure to grab a drink or snack when needed.
Planning ahead was crucial to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Seoul
Seoul had the best toilet situation of all three places.
Public restrooms in subway stations, malls, and tourist areas were clean and modern.
In older parts of the city, some facilities were less updated but still manageable.
It was comforting to know that wherever we went, finding a restroom was never a problem.
Throwing Rubbish
Jeju
Jeju’s cleanliness was impressive, and trash bins were easy to find at parks and tourist spots.
We used this opportunity to teach the kids about proper rubbish disposal.
They enjoyed taking turns throwing things away and made it a fun little activity.
Busan
Busan was just as tidy, with plenty of trash bins in public areas.
The kids continued their new “responsibility” of helping to keep the city clean, and it was nice to see them so involved.
Seoul
Seoul took things up a notch with its focus on recycling.
The bins were clearly labeled for sorting waste, and we used it as a chance to teach the kids about recycling.
They found it interesting and asked plenty of questions, turning it into an educational moment during the trip.
Shopping
Jeju
Shopping in Jeju was a relaxed affair, focused mostly on local markets.
The kids loved picking out little trinkets and snacks to bring home.
The market atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Busan
Busan’s shopping streets, like Gwangbokdong, were full of energy and excitement.
There was a mix of trendy clothes, handmade crafts, and quirky souvenirs.
The kids had fun exploring the stalls and enjoyed the occasional treat from street vendors.
Seoul
Seoul was the ultimate shopping destination.
Staying in Myeongdong meant we were surrounded by endless stores and street vendors.
The kids loved the colorful displays and small snacks they could grab while we shopped.
It was a lively and fun experience that kept everyone engaged.
Weather
Jeju
Jeju’s weather in mid to late November ranged from 10°C to 17°C.
Mornings were sunny and perfect for exploring, with temperatures hovering around 12°C.
By afternoon, light rain showers could appear, and evenings dropped to about 10°C, especially with the coastal breeze.
The refreshing daytime weather was ideal for outdoor adventures, but the chill in the evening made lightweight jackets essential.
Layered clothing was a must to keep the kids comfortable throughout the day.
Busan
Busan’s coastal climate in mid to late November stayed between 9°C and 16°C.
The mornings were usually around 10°C, feeling crisp and refreshing, perfect for beach walks and sightseeing.
Afternoons warmed up to about 16°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities like walking along the skywalk or exploring Gamcheon Culture Village.
The coastal breeze picked up by late afternoon, dropping the temperature again to about 9°C by evening.
Light jackets and scarves were enough to keep us warm, especially near the beach or during evening strolls.
Seoul
Seoul’s near-winter weather in mid to late November had temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C.
Mornings started cold, with temperatures around 5°C, so we bundled up in jackets and scarves.
Afternoons warmed up slightly to about 12°C, making it comfortable for lighter layers or t-shirts during active sightseeing.
Evenings brought a sharp drop back to 0°C, requiring thick layers to stay warm.
A foldable umbrella came in handy for occasional rain, and dressing the kids in layers was key to adapting to the fluctuating temperatures.
We thought we were prepared for the cold, but Seoul had one last surprise for us.
On our final day, it snowed!
It wasn’t just a light dusting—it turned out to be the largest snowfall in centuries.
The temperature plummeted below freezing, and the city was transformed into a white wonderland.
The kids were beyond excited, as it was their first time seeing snow.
They ran outside and played in the fresh snow while we hurried to pack for our departure.
While it was a magical way to end the trip, the snowstorm caused our flight to be delayed by 8 hours.
The wait at the airport was long and tiring, but the kids kept busy with snacks and cartoons.
Why I Would Pick Jeju Over Seoul for Kids
Traveling with kids in South Korea was a mix of chaos, fun, and unforgettable memories.
If I had to choose between Jeju and Seoul, I’d pick Jeju for a family trip.
The scenic drives allowed the kids to nap between destinations, which made the days less tiring.
There were more kid-friendly activities, and having a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
Jeju’s relaxed vibe and natural beauty made it an ideal destination for families.
My advice?
Pack light, bring snacks, and embrace the unexpected.
South Korea is full of family-friendly adventures waiting to be discovered.
Are you ready to start your next trip?
Get your bags packed and create memories that will last a lifetime!