Korea with kids — this South Korea travel blog post & podcast will get you ready to buy flights! There are many things to do in Korea with kids...or without them. Surprisingly, travel in South Korea hasn't caught on like it has in Japan and China. But we're here to tell you that Korea is a great place to explore. Read on (and listen in!) for Korea travel tips, as well as advice on things to do in Seoul and exploring Korea's beautiful Jeju island.

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South Korea Travel Blog: Korea Travel Tips

Today I talk with Sejal Parekh to hear about travel in South Korea. Sejal and her husband have just spent time in Japan, Korea and now Bali, where we spoke from. In this Epic Education Radio episode, I ask Sejal all about exploring South Korea with kids. We talk about things to do in Seoul with kids, exploring Jeju Island with kids, and more.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

• 02:18 Intro convo - Bali plastic
• 06:47 Intro to Sejal's Family
• 08:49 Why Korea? Why Korea with Kids?
• 11:31 Things to do in Seoul
• 17:09 DMZ: Korea Travel Blog
• 23:14 The energy of the Hongdae neighborhood
• 28:20 Communication & food/eating in Seoul
• 35:08 Getting around Seoul
• 40:06 Pop band encounter
• 41:48 Things to do at Jeju Island
• 45:52 Accommodation on Jeju Island
• 48:50 Getting to Jeju Island from Seoul
• 50:40 More things to do at Jeju Island

 

ABOUT

 

• Names: Sejal Parekh, her husband, and their 4-year-old daughter
• Hold passports from: the UK (London)
• Type of travel: Living abroad (in the US) and long-term travel
• A few places they've been: Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Greece

 

FIND THEM ON

• Instagram

 

Things to Do in Seoul, Things to Do at Jeju Island & More

This episode is between two family travelers, but as you'll see, all the great things to do in South Korea are for everyone. Not just kids or families.

We discuss why they chose travel in Korea. We also talk about food, accommodation, getting around and more South Korea travel tips. If you're interested in exploring East Asia, then this South Korea travel blog post & podcast should whet your appetite!

Why Korea? Why Korea with Kids?

When I asked Sejal why they chose to travel in Korea, she explained that it had been on her list for a while. Some of her old coworkers had been and sent back pictures. In addition, we both agreed that Korea is in many ways the "it" place in East Asia right now. In fact, lots of cultural and commercial cues point to Korea. Whether it's in design, in music, in fashion or in the beauty industry, South Korea is at or near the center of many present trends.

Another reason why travel in South Korea with kids is worth your time is that it is a very safe and well-run country. The crime rates are extremely low, and the infrastructure is strong. Transportation is fast and effective, and you'll have no problem getting online.

Korea and Japan: Travel South Korea with Kids

You may already know this, but Korea and Japan are extremely close to each other. Sejal and I talk about how fast and easy it is to get back and forth between the two counties. Flights from Tokyo to Seoul are around 2.5 hours, where flights from Osaka to Seoul are much less.

If you're planning to visit Japan (and we certainly recommend that you do), then consider visiting Korea as well.

Sejal and her family had just spent over a month in Japan before they visited Korea. Their Korean trip was for three weeks. Yet Sejal says that if they hadn't already booked flights out, they would have extended their stay.

Where to Stay in Seoul: South Korea Travel Tips

 

Their first stop was Seoul. This is the capital of South Korea and (arguably) the most vibrant and dynamic city in the country. Sejal chose the Dongdaemun neighborhood because it had lots of the elements they like in city travel. There were cafes, restaurants, and bars on hand. It also holds the futuristic convention center designed by Zaha Hadid.

Things to Do Seoul: South Korea Travel Blog

One of their favorite things to do in Seoul was simply to pick a different neighborhood each day to walk through. In addition here are your (fairly touristy) things to do in Seoul with kids and how they felt about them.

The Hop-on, Hop-off Bus — Things to Do in Seoul With Kids

We have frequently recommended taking the open-top tourist buses in famous locations. This can be a great way to get your bearings in a new city and help you navigate your way later. However, Sejal says that they wouldn't do the hop-on, hop-off bus in Seoul again. Why? For one, it's hard to actually get your bearings because Google Maps don't work in Korea. Therefore, they couldn't orientate themselves as they would have liked to.

The DMZ - South Korea Travel Blog

Visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) may be considered a "touristy" activity by many. Yet Sejal and her husband found it very interesting and meaningful. In fact, they were there just days before the US President's famous 2018 visit.

Sejal describes taking a small tour group. They had excellent guides who told stories of the relationship between North and South Korea. We then talked about how one day Korea's DMZ would be like Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Hopefully. How nice it would be in the Korean DMZ was nothing more than a tourist attraction.

Hongdae

One of my favorite things to do in Korea is exploring Seoul's Hongdae District. Occupying the area of several colleges and universities, the Hongdae District is action-packed. Expect lots of cool restaurants, cafes, trendy clothing and design boutiques and more. It is a nightlife area, as well, but extremely lively 24-7.

Food & Communication: Things to Do in Korea with Kids

Sejal explains that English levels appeared to be lower than in Japan during their experiences in the country. They often ran into language barriers but found people to be very helpful.

Eating in Seoul: South Korean Food & Restaurants

Sejal recalls several times when they had to skip trying a restaurant because they couldn't read the menu. Unless there were pictures, they didn't risk it. Solo travelers may take the risk more often. However, when traveling with young kids like Sejal is, sometimes it's best to go with what you know.

Lots of Korean food is fried and/or meat-based. That said, it's still possible to eat vegetarian in Korea. Many places have veggie-friendly dishes, but you should be prepared to ask for them. Prepare a card with the word "vegetarian" written in Korean.

Getting Around Seoul: South Korea Travel Blog