Summary: Planning a family trip to South Korea? This blog shares a real travel story, packed with tips for exploring lively Seoul, peaceful Jeju, and charming Busan. Discover how to find tasty vegetarian food and make your journey super fun for kids. Your amazing South Korean adventure begins here!
As someone whose life revolves around travel, I am always on the hunt for destinations that genuinely surprise and inspire. We, as a young family, have explored the familiar charms of India and the vibrant UAE, but this time, we craved something different. We wanted a story, not just a stamp in our passports.
With its reputation for K-pop, cutting-edge technology, and a complex history, South Korea felt like the perfect answer to our call. So, with Sid, my ever-game husband, and Sara, our energetic toddler, in tow, we decided to explore South Korea beyond the K-dramas.
As we took off for Seoul, one part of me wondered: Would the language, food, or pace be overwhelming for us, especially with a small kid? The other part – the traveller’s heart was simply eager to discover a fascinating country.
If you are also curious to know more about a family trip to South Korea, come along as I share our day-by-day story.
Our adventure began with a smooth Singapore Airlines flight via Singapore, landing us in Seoul. That feeling of anticipation as you step into a new country, with your little one beside you, is truly unparalleled, but it was raining! We really prayed and prayed for the rains to stop for our upcoming adventures in the country.
We touched down at Incheon after a long journey. Our first evening was intentionally gentle, just checking into our hotel and letting Sara adjust to the new time zone. After a nice rest, we went to explore the vibrant streets of Myeongdong. While strolling on the streets, we also visited the iconic Japanese brand Daiso.
Later, we had our Korean dinner at Arivalley Pub. Our Lotte City hotel window also gave a sneak peek into Seoul’s vibe – busy but not overwhelming, full of life but still calm.
Our first full day in Seoul felt like stepping onto a movie set. Seoul instantly grabbed me with its vibrant energy. It feels both ancient and ultra-modern at the same time, a city that pulses with a unique rhythm. Our plan was simple: immerse ourselves in the heart of Korean tradition.
We started our day by heading to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace. Now, here is a little secret we discovered and a fantastic tip for anyone planning a visit: wearing a Hanbok grants you free entry into Gyeongbokgung Palace! We would not miss this chance. By wearing Hanboks, the traditional Korean attire, we had a unique experience while exploring this palace. You really get to feel the vibe of the culture, plus, the pics turn out amazing! In our colourful silk robes (yes, even our daughter had one!), we explored the palace like we were in a movie.
The real magic happened as we watched the Change of Guard Ceremony. With the beat of the drums and the guards standing tall in their colourful outfits, it felt like history was coming to life.
After soaking in the royal vibe, we went to explore the charming alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. With its traditional Korean houses, it felt like stepping into a peaceful, traditional Korean village with beautiful Hanoks(local bungalows). This fancy neighborhood, with its old wooden houses, is filled with cute little shops and places to eat. Here, we found a delightful surprise – Monaka, a Japanese sweet made of Azuki bean paste sandwiched between crisp Mochi wafers.
The afternoon had a calmer vibe. We stopped by Myeongdong Cathedral, just a short walk from our hotel. It was simple but meaningful, and gave us a quiet moment to pause. Later, we visited Jogyesa Temple, which felt so peaceful. Watching a prayer session among the bright lanterns and soft chanting was a quiet break and a peek into the spiritual side of Korea.
As evening came, we browsed shops in the cute Insadong area, full of local stuff and souvenirs. But what really got me was how many coffee shops there were in Seoul! They were not just for coffee; they were cozy places to hang out, showing how Koreans like to enjoy their daily life. We ended our day with the fun NANTA show. It is a comedy without words, mixing Korean drumming with theatre. Also, the NANTA Show was extra special to us as this was Sara’s first show, and she was totally spellbound. Sara loved it and giggled a lot!
We ended our amazing day with a comforting Indian dinner at Saravana Bhavan.
Our next day in Seoul was all about exploring its cool, modern side. We used the metro a lot, and it was super easy with the Naver app telling us where to go. We explored Gangnam, a sleek, buzzing district that got global fame from the hit song. Our first stop was the amazing Starfield Library inside the Coex Mall in Gangnam. It is not just a library; it is a huge place with bookshelves reaching up high – really impressive!
Sid said Gangnam felt a bit like New York City, with its cool, modern buildings. We found that most people do not speak a lot of English, but they were always warm and tried to help. For lunch, we had our first taste of vegetarian Bibimbap. It is a bowl of warm rice with lots of sautéed veggies and a bit of chili paste. You mix it all up, and it’s delicious! Finding good vegetarian food in Korea became a fun daily mission for us.
Before calling it a day, we stopped by the Gangnam Style Statue – yes, the one with the iconic hand gesture and did a happy Gangnam dance too! If you are curious, the phrase “Gangnam Style” comes from a rich, trendy area of Seoul called Gangnam. The song by PSY is a joke about people who pretend to be fancy and high-class, but are actually just being silly.
Day 4 in Seoul was a really impactful day. We went on a DMZ tour – the Demilitarized Zone, which is the 4km-wide strip that separates North and South Korea. It was set up after the Korean War in 1953. It is one of the most guarded borders in the world, even though it is called demilitarized.
We went into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, one of the secret tunnels North Korea dug. They think it was for a surprise attack. Walking through that steep, tight tunnel was a bit creepy and a strong reminder of the tense history here. Not something we would suggest to all, but three of us did it. After that, we went to the Dora Observatory and looked through binoculars into North Korea. It is a strange, chilling feeling to see a country that is so close, yet a world away.
At Imjingak Park, we saw the Freedom Bridge, touching memorials, and a bullet-riddled train from the war. The park also has a cable car and hope tags with wishes for reunification.
The most powerful moment? Listening to a North Korean defector share her story. Her escape, the sacrifices, and the pain of leaving family behind it was emotional, raw, and unforgettable. This real story gave us a deep look at what life is like in North Korea. Still, many South Koreans hope the two countries will reunite one day. It really showed the strength and spirit of the people.
After such an emotional afternoon, we spent the evening on Hongdae Street. It was full of life, with young artists performing music and dance on the streets. The vibrant energy was exactly what we needed.
After the emotional day before, we all needed some simple, happy family time. So, today we planned to have a blend of leisure and work. We decided to spend the day together at the Seoul Children’s Grand Park, and it was the perfect choice! It had fountains, botanical gardens, a zoo, and lots of play areas. Sara had the best time just running around and exploring. It was just pure joy to watch her run around freely. Sometimes, the simple days are the most special. A big plus: Seoul is super stroller-friendly, even on the metro, which made getting around with Sara really easy. And the local people were always so warm and sweet with her. Later that evening, Sid switched into work mode for his agent meeting, which was followed by dinner at Saravana Bhavan.
Seoul is fast-paced and full of drive, reminding me of London. One thing I noticed: you do not see many young children in public places, hinting at a population shift. The trip inspired me to write a blog about Korea – capturing all these experiences, their work ethic, businesses, and cultural bits.
After five busy nights in Seoul, we needed a change! Our flight to Jeju Island, often called the Hawaii of Korea, was super smooth. Going from the city buzz to the calm, natural beauty of Jeju felt so refreshing right away.
We checked into our hotel, the Parnas Jeju, and spent the rest of the day swimming in their amazing indoor and outdoor pools. The next day was all about taking it slow. We went to the Jungmun Saekdal Beach right by our hotel, rested in the afternoon, and then took a little stroll to the nearby Teddy Bear Museum in the evening, which Sara thought was fascinating.
Today we went for a small hike to Mount Halla, the tallest mountain in South Korea. We could not finish the full hike, but we thoroughly enjoyed the nature trail walk. Later, we visited Hyapchae Beach, which has the most stunning crystal-clear water. We found a little spot there and ate local Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes and Korean Ramyeon – noodles. It was simple, delicious, and just a perfect Jeju experience. Our lovely guide, Jessica, and her UK-born husband, Tony, made the day even more memorable with their stories. We ended the day with another swim at the hotel.
After three beautiful nights on Jeju, we checked out and flew to our final city, Busan. The city felt so fresh and cool! Our hotel, the Grand Josun, was right on the waterfront, which was beautifully developed with lots of street performances going on. We settled in, enjoyed a comforting Indian meal, and just walked around the area. In the evening, we went to Busan Sea Aquarium, which Sara really enjoyed. Watching her get so excited was a highlight. Busan really impressed us with its beautiful waterfront and lively, friendly vibe.
If you are wondering what to do in Busan, this day was packed with amazing things! We took the Haeundae Beach Train along the coast and got off at the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a glass bridge that goes out over the water. You can see rocks underneath and the coastline. Sara loved the see-through floor while I held her hand.
Then, we rode the Haeundae Sky Capsule, a cute, private capsule that moves slowly along an aerial rail, giving you the most romantic views of the coast. This 30-minute ride is supposed to be romantic, but Sara made it a family adventure, pointing excitedly at everything below while Sid and I smiled at each other.
In the afternoon, we visited the unique Gamcheon Culture Village. It is popularly known as the Santorini of the South Sea and the Machu Picchu of Busan, because it is built on a hillside with houses painted in every colour! This village was once a home for refugees but now attracts visitors with its steep, cubicle-like houses, galleries, and cafes. Every corner was a photo op!
We also went to the ARTE MUSEUM, a modern museum with incredible high-tech exhibits that combine visuals, music, and even scents. A really unique experience!
Our last full day was a mix of shopping and sightseeing. We spent some time at the largest department store in the world – Shinsegae Centum City! But the evening was the real highlight. We went to Gwangalli Beach to see the awesome Gwangan Bridge. It is like the Golden Gate Bridge, and it looks amazingly lit up at night. And then, a spectacular drone light show started! Hundreds of drones lit up and moved together in the sky to create amazing shapes and stories. It was truly magical and felt like something out of the future – a perfect example of Korea, mixing technology with art.
Our last day in Busan started with a relaxing morning swim in the hotel in Busan. In the afternoon, we hopped on the super-fast KTX train back to Seoul. The KTX was awesome – smooth, fast, and surprisingly quiet. Everyone on board was respectful, no loud calls or chatter, which was great. The 2-hour 15-minute ride flew by!
Back in Seoul, after checking in at the hotel near the airport, we shared one last Indian dinner and started thinking about all the stories we would bring home.
This morning, we were all set to fly back from Seoul to Ahmedabad via Singapore on Singapore Airlines, tired but with our hearts and camera rolls full of memories.
Our trip to South Korea taught us a few things! Here are a few tips, straight from our experiences, to help yours be just as amazing.
South Korea left us with more than just memories. It made us pause and truly value what we experienced. It is the kind of trip that lingers in your heart and stays with you even after you are back home. Whether it was a serene temple, a crowded street market, or a toddler’s giggle on a beach, each moment felt alive. South Korea invites you to explore, connect, and be inspired. Go live your own story.
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Hi, This is Mukti Solia (Social Media Head-Flamingo Travels) I can say I am a lawyer turned travel curator. I completed my BBA in Finance and Marketing from HL college, Ahmedabad University. Later on, I moved to Mumbai to pursue Law. Currently, I work as Social Media Head at Flamingo group of companies as I believe that the Travel and tourism industry is no exception to digital transformation. Social media platforms give travel operators the chance to improve the customer experience.
