Planning a family vacation to Korea but unsure where to go? Worried about not making the most of your trip? Or maybe you’re concerned about the itinerary being too exhausting for toddlers and elderly family members? Well, you’ve come to the right article because I’m here to share my experience from a recent family trip to Seoul with a toddler.
First, keep in mind that traveling with toddlers or elderly people is completely different from solo travel or traveling with friends or a partner. One thing is for sure: the pace of the trip slows down. In a day, you might only be able to visit 2-3 attractions since both children and seniors might not have the same energy level as you do.
In essence, family vacations tend to lean towards slow travel. Sure, you could rush from place to place, but that could lead to exhaustion or cranky children, which would make the vacation less enjoyable. There’s no point in taking a trip together if the mood is sour and no one’s happy, right? Personally, I prefer to focus on a few key spots where everyone can be content rather than ambitiously cramming in too many activities.
6 Days 5 Nights Family Trip to Korea Itinerary
Day 1: Departure
We departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 11:10 PM on a Garuda Indonesia flight. We specifically chose a night flight because it was the only direct option, with no layovers. I actually prefer night flights for several reasons: the traffic to the airport is smoother, and once onboard, you can sleep through the flight. By the time you wake up, you’ll have arrived in Korea feeling refreshed and ready for the vacation!
Day 2: Arrival, Myeongdong Cathedral, Insadong Market
We landed at Incheon International Airport (INC) at 8:30 AM. After immigration checks and picking up our luggage, we took the MRT to STAZ Hotel in Myeongdong, arriving in under an hour. Since check-in wasn’t until 3 PM, we left our bags at the hotel and set out for some sightseeing and lunch.
Our first stop was Myeongdong Cathedral, just a short walk from the hotel. Using GPS, we made our way through the streets, enjoying the polite locals and well-organized traffic. We had lunch near the cathedral, trying local favorites like *Japchae* and *Jajangmyeon*. After eating, we explored the beautiful, peaceful cathedral before returning to the hotel for a rest. In the evening, we headed to Insadong Market for some shopping, ensuring we didn’t miss out on any items.
Day 3: Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, Namsangol Traditional Garden
On the third day, we visited Bukchon Hanok Village, exploring the traditional Korean houses nestled in narrow alleys. Then, we walked to the nearby Changdeokgung Palace, enjoying the stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. Afterward, we strolled through Namsangol Traditional Garden, where we were lucky enough to catch a night market and cultural performances.
Day 4: Namsan Tower, Namsan Park, Itaewon, Myeongdong Market
We took a cable car to Namsan Tower and enjoyed breathtaking views from the observation deck. After exploring Namsan Park, we shopped at Myeongdong Market in the evening, picking up souvenirs like sheet masks, cute socks, and cosmetics.
Day 5: Nami Island, Petite France
We dedicated the fifth day to exploring Nami Island, famous for being the filming location of *Winter Sonata*. Afterward, we visited Petite France, a charming French-themed village.
Day 6: Departure
Our flight back to Jakarta was at 10:35 AM, so we left the hotel early in the morning and headed to the airport. After packing the night before, we were all set to return home, refreshed and ready for reality.
Thoughts on Our Korea Trip
Traveling to South Korea was a delight. The country is very family-friendly, with clean air, well-organized cities, and polite locals. We received so many warm greetings for our toddler, and even free food at restaurants! Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to explore more of Korea on our next visit.