6-Day Seoul Itinerary in October: Family Adventures in Korea’s Vibrant Capital (with Kids!)

Day 1 – Late Arrival in Seoul + Hotel Mishap

1.1. Night (Sep 29, Arrival Day)

We landed at Incheon International Airport at around 3 p.m., but due to some booking confusion with the hotel platform, our pre-arranged airport pickup didn’t show up. It then took me about 5 hours until we could reach our right hotel.

We had to flag a taxi ourselves at the airport taxi stand. It cost about ₩103,200 (~ USD 75) to get to the city. Unfortunately, the driver dropped us at the wrong Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro, which is on the same Supyo-ro Street. It added more stress as we were hungry, the kids were crying, and we had a lot of luggage to carry to the right one.

Eventually, we made it to the correct one: Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan. We then quickly checked into the hotel, dropped our luggage in our room, and found a nearby restaurant for dinner. It was a BBQ restaurant in the alley near the hotel. Because I was so hungry, my first meal in Korea happened so quickly, without a photo of the food or the restaurant, and I have memories of the flavor of Korean grilled beef and the dish of mandu. Anyways, it was a remarkable night from the first moment we stepped into Seoul, Korea. We came back to the hotel and went to bed. The kids slept early, not only because they were tired, but also with the excitement of discovering Seoul the next day.

Tip from Day 1

• Always confirm your hotel’s full Korean name and address. Save it on your phone or print it. Taxi drivers may not use English, but for sure, they know the hotel in Korean.
• I actually got a free airport transfer for my booking on Booking.com. But after many tries to get the information and confirmation from Booking.com, I had no support, and no one picked us up. So we caught a taxi, which was a little expensive for the transfer, and even took us to the wrong place. Fortunately, I kept the invoice and claimed it with Booking.com later.
• Always have snacks and drinks ready for the kids in case they are hungry or thirsty, while you have no idea of the new place you’re just getting to. We also prepared a stroller for my kids in case they are tired or we have to walk for a long time. The stroller turned out to be significantly helpful in our trip.
• Get the ride-hailing apps ready on your phone, such as Kakao T, Uber, TADA, or k.ride. It’s better to use public transport than to use taxis. However, looking for a car with seats for children is actually a challenge on the trip.

Day 2 – Palaces, Hanbok Photos & Myeongdong Night Market

2.1. Morning

We had a buffet breakfast at the hotel. It was included in our booking. Therefore, we could quickly fill our stomachs, recharge our energy 100%, and get ready to explore Seoul! We walked from the hotel toward Changdeokgung Palace, passing the peaceful Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Unfortunately, we didn’t check the schedule; Changdeokgung Palace was closed on Monday. Instead, we continued walking toward Gyeongbokgung Palace, passing by the Onion Café and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. As we walked for a long time and it was sunny, we stopped at a Starbucks to try our favorite drinks in Korea.

2.2. Noon to Afternoon

Before entering Gyeongbokgung, we visited a hanbok rental shop nearby. Renting hanbok for the kids and grandma costs ₩13,000 (~$9.35) per set for 90 minutes, including basic hairstyling.

Entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace was ₩3,000 (~$2.15) per adult, but FREE with a hanbok!

Tip:

• There are photographers offering instant printing services inside the palace grounds, expect to pay around ₩5,000 per print.
• Carrying an umbrella as it is so sunny. Or, you may face sudden rain.

2.3. Evening

We returned to the hotel to rest, then headed out for dinner and exploring at Myeongdong Night Market. This street market is heaven for families:

• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake): ₩4,000 (~$2.90)
• Grilled squid on a stick: ₩5,000 (~$3.60)
• Tofu skewers and cheese toast: ₩3,000–5,000 (~$2.15-$3.60)
• Kids loved browsing plush toy shops and cosmetics stands.

Tip:

• Bring cash or use T-money for small purchases. Many vendors don’t take cards.
• My wife told me that if I hadn’t gone to Olive Young here, I wouldn’t have been to Myeongdong. Is it true? I will need you to confirm for me.

Day 3 – Nami Island Day Tour & Hongdae Vibes

Booked via: Klook – “Nami Island + Petite France & Italian Village” tour.
Cost: ₩66,500 (~$47.79) per adult, ₩40,000 (~$28.69) per child (transportation included).

3.1. Morning

After the hotel’s buffet breakfast (included in our booking), we walked 15 minutes to the meeting point for our Klook tour bus.

The first stop was Pinocchio & Da Vinci Italian Village, a quirky spot styled like a Tuscan street with photo ops and little shops.

3.2. Afternoon

We had lunch at a local restaurant near the ferry dock. A set menu for 5 people, including BBQ beef, soup, rice, and side dishes, costs ₩70,000 (~$50.40) total. It was a good lunch. We met a Vietnamese lady working there, and she shared with us her life living in Korea for a long time.

After the short ferry ride, we spent a few hours wandering Nami Island. The kids especially enjoyed the open play areas and squirrels. October’s fall foliage made the whole island glow in warm reds and yellows.

3.3. Evening

The bus dropped us off at Hongdae Night Market. If you are a Pop Mart fan, there is a store here. We had a Korean BBQ dinner at a popular restaurant, ₩120,000 (~$86.45) for 5 people with meat sets, rice for the kids, and soft drinks. We also met another Vietnamese student who worked part-time there and learn more about their studying life in Seoul. Seems like Seoul, or Korea in general, is a good place for studying abroad.

Taxi back to hotel: ₩12,000 (~$8.65).

Tip:

• Bring snacks and water for kids during long tours. Not all rest stops have what picky eaters want!
• There is a kind of hot ice-cream. It’s good to try but too much for one person (at least it was to much for me).
• Watch out for your time wandering around the island, the tour time length is kinda short to explore everything. Moreover, consider the time the ferry comes to get you out.

Day 4 – Pho, Hotel Switch & Family Dinner

4.1. Morning

Back in Myeongdong, we strolled around again for last-minute shopping. We went to BRICKSAND for a light breakfast with their special brick-shaped pastries and coffee. Then, my wife particularly wanted to hop into Pop Mart to see if they had any special products that day. And the kids bought some toys and snacks to try.

4.2. Noon

We had lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant near the hotel, Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan. We had Phở Bò, Hủ Tiếu, and Cơm Tấm. Warm and familiar.

4.3. Afternoon

We checked out of Travelodge and took an Uber (₩14,000 (~$10)) to Yongsan KCC Weltz Tower, a serviced apartment where our cousin was staying. The place had a washer/dryer, a kitchen, and lots of space.

4.4. Night

We explored the area and then dined at a Korean BBQ restaurant, which cost ₩210,000 (~$150.80) for 8 adults and 4 kids, featuring premium cuts of beef. The place felt more local than touristy.

Tip:

• Yongsan is quieter than Myeongdong and great if you’re traveling with an extended family or need a home-style stay.
• The serviced apartment we stayed in is near an Emart, which has essential stuff needed for the kids.

Day 5 – Lotte World & Aquarium Adventure

5.1. Morning

The last two days were actually our planless wander. After the buffet breakfast at the apartment’s ground floor, we headed out to Lotte World via Uber, thinking that the place would have activities for the kids. It took about 40 minutes from Yongsan.

We decided to take the kids to the Aquarium, which would surely amaze them with the marine world. We bought tickets directly at the counter, specifically:

• ₩35,000 (~$25.10) per adult
• ₩31,000 (~$22.20) per child
• Free for children aged 0-2, but they need a document to confirm.

5.2. Afternoon

The aquarium was a big hit with the kids – interactive zones, tunnels, penguins, and a touch tank. Then we explored the indoor amusement park.

Lunch: quick Korean fast food at the food court – ₩9,000 (~$6.50) per set.

5.3. Night

We returned around 6 p.m. and had our final dinner at an open-air BBQ spot near our apartment. Again, we met a Vietnamese couple working there. They helped us to pick the best dishes at the restaurant. Prices were mid-range: ₩100,000 (~$72.50) for the meal, but the cool breeze, sizzling pork belly, and relaxed vibe made it feel like the perfect ending for our 6-day Seoul itinerary.

Tip of the day:

• If you plan to go to the Lotte World Aquarium, you should buy the tickets in advance. You will not only buy tickets cheaply, but you will also save your time queuing when buying the tickets directly.
• If you’re short on time, skip the rides and focus on Aquarium + food + photo zones.

Day 6 – Departure & Final Thoughts

We checked out early and took a pre-arranged taxi to Incheon Airport (₩75,000 (~$54) flat rate from Yongsan).

The airport was smooth, and just like that, our incredible 6-day Seoul family itinerary came to a close.