Dreaming of – Seoul, South Korea With Kids
I haven’t participated in Mondays are for Dreaming at Mara’s Mother of All Trips for a while. But it doesn’t mean that I haven’t been dreaming of places I want to visit with my kids.
My current obsession with K-dram (aka Korean Drama) has sprung a new destination for my Dreaming of Series – Seoul, South Korea.
Seoul is probably one of the destination that is not on the top list of many travelers. If you look at most of itineraries to Asia, you probably see Japan, China, Thailand, and India in most of those list. However, South Korea seems to be at the bottom of the list. I’m guilty of that as well. Until now..
After watching many series of K-Drama and starting to know more about Korean’s culture. I’m dreaming of a visit to check out many sights I have seen from my shows.
N Seoul Tower and Namsan Cable Car
It seems to be a very popular destination. A trip on the Namsan Cable car will take you up to N Seoul Tower where on a good day you will enjoy a view of Seoul’s skyline. Kids will love the ride up the cable car for sure. But they will also enjoy a hike and play at the surrounding park.
COEX Mall and Aquarium
COEX Mall is an underground mall in Seoul and is one of the largest shopping center in Seoul and one of the largest underground mall in Asia. This mega shopping center reminds me of Siam Discovery in Bangkok. It consists of hundreds of shops, COEX aquarium, Mega movie theatre and Kimchi Field Museum. Talking about all-in-on stop for the whole family.
The Palaces (Goong)
The Joseon dynasty built ‘Five Grand Palaces’ in Seoul. The main palace – Changdeokgung – will be one of my top destination to visit. Kids will probably enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. The other 4 palaces are Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung.
Shopping Markets
Shopping and Asian culture is like a pair of chopsticks. It goes together and can’t live without one another. Seoul is no different than other major cities in Asia like Bangkok, Tokyo or Beijing. Shopping is a big part of the city. There are several notable markets that I will definitely have to check them out.
Dongdaemun Market is probably one of my favorite to check out. What with opening from 10:30 am to 5:00 am.. This non-stop shopping area will be my best friend on a sleepless night.
And if you are looking for more high priced retail with brand name attached then Myeongdong will suit your need. It’s located at the financial district and is popular among young people so you can expect a great fun nightlife.
Insadong market will be perfect if you look for more arts and antique products. This market is where traditional and modern Korean artworks are sold. It’s also a great place to sightseeing and enjoy a leisure walk
Banpo Bridge
This might not be on many of Must-See list from major travel sites. But this one is purely for my own indulgence. Any fan of the popular K-Drama, F4 will remember this scene very well. I am determined to check them out when I visit Seoul. Plus I think my kids will get a kick out of a fabulous Rainbow Bridge fountain show as well.
Most of all, I’m dreaming of many great meals there. The Korean food has become my new obsession so I can’t wait to try them all out in Seoul.
Check out other travelers’ dream at Mother of All Trips.
Photo Credits: yeowatzup, hyku, ysjjhfox, jaytong
8 comments
Now, I need to check out this K-drama you speak of. :) Good list, I would like to visit all of these too.
These are great suggestions. I’ve wanted to visit South Korea ever since my husband and I tutored a couple from there in English. A real draw for me is the food – I love bulgogi!
Wow, thanks for taking me on this virtual vacation with you. I admit, I hadn’t thought of going there until now. Looks fantastic!
We’ve been to Seoul twice, and all the places on your list except COEX. One of the best bargain shopping places (but you need a native to bargain for you) is the Seoul Bus Station. Upstairs is a mall with textiles, art, and other fantastic finds that are much cheaper than the big shopping centers.
Min Suk Chon is a traditional village museum (think Colonial Williamsburg gone Korean) outside Seoul that is awesome for kids, too.
Love those K-Dramas, too!
My family / relatives in the Philippines often go to Seoul, Korea for vacation. I heard it’s good fun for the kids there. Lotte World, shopping, ‘fake’ ski villages, etc. I’ve only been on a stop-over in Seoul, Korea en route to Manila. The airport was great – solid shops, FREE internet, children’s play area, movie / tv area, shower area and spa services, even a transit hotel for $60 per 6 hours…a great way to kill some time during those long waits in between flights flights from North America!
It looks like a wonderful travel destination. I would certainly dive headfirst into the food and shopping as well.
You have sold me on Seoul. Those photographs look like Beijing! I have a friend teaching English in South Korea, you never know, maybe we will make a pit stop there during our Asian adventures! Thanks for the inspiration.
For people who are interested in Korea, please check out the travel blogs that I have been doing about Korea.
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