Seoul with Kids in October (Pt. 1): How to Prepare for a Family-Friendly Adventure

Why Seoul in October is Great for Kids

Visiting Seoul with kids in October is an experience filled with vibrant colors, pleasant weather, and a host of family-friendly activities. Here are some reasons why October is the perfect time to explore Seoul with your little ones:

1. Beautiful Autumn Foliage

October is when Seoul’s parks and streets are adorned with stunning autumn foliage. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows create a picturesque backdrop for family photos and outdoor adventures. Popular spots like Namsan Park, Seoul Forest, and the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Kids will love playing in the fallen leaves and exploring the scenic trails.

2. Pleasant Weather

The weather in Seoul during October is cool and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. With average temperatures ranging from 7°C to 22°C (45°F to 72°F), it’s neither too hot nor too cold, allowing families to enjoy the city’s attractions without the discomfort of extreme weather. This is the perfect time to visit outdoor markets, amusement parks, and cultural sites.

3. Festivals and Events

October is a festive month in Seoul, with numerous events and festivals that are perfect for families. The Seoul Lantern Festival, held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, features beautiful lantern displays that captivate both kids and adults. The Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival offers a fun, hands-on experience where families can learn about and make Korea’s famous dish. These events provide unique cultural experiences that are both educational and entertaining for children.

4. Outdoor Activities

Seoul offers a variety of outdoor activities that are especially enjoyable in October. Families can hike up Namsan Mountain to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city, or visit the Han River parks for biking, picnicking, and water sports. The cooler weather makes these activities more enjoyable and less tiring for kids.

5. Cultural Experiences

October is a great time to immerse your kids in Korean culture. Many cultural sites, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, offer special programs and tours during this season. Kids can participate in traditional crafts, try on hanbok, and learn about Korean history in an engaging way. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and create lasting memories.

6. Seasonal Foods

Autumn in Seoul brings a variety of seasonal foods that kids will love. Street vendors and markets offer treats like roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and hotteok (sweet pancakes). These snacks are perfect for keeping kids energized during your explorations. Additionally, many restaurants feature seasonal dishes that highlight the flavors of autumn, providing a delicious culinary experience for the whole family.

By visiting Seoul with kids in October, you can take advantage of the beautiful scenery, pleasant weather, and numerous family-friendly activities. These factors make October an ideal time for a memorable and enjoyable family trip to Seoul.

October Season in Korea: Weather Overview

October is one of the best months to visit Korea, especially for families traveling with kids. The weather during this time is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in terms of weather when visiting Seoul with kids in October:

1. Temperature

In October, Seoul experiences comfortable daytime average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). The mornings and evenings can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F). This range of temperatures makes it perfect for exploring the city without the discomfort of extreme heat or cold.

2. Rainfall

October is relatively dry compared to the summer months. Seoul receives an average of about 54 mm of rain during the month. Rainy days are infrequent, typically around 4 days in the entire month. This means you can enjoy mostly clear skies and sunny days, which is ideal for outdoor activities with kids.

3. Humidity

The humidity levels in October are much lower than in the summer, making the weather feel more comfortable. The crisp autumn air is refreshing and perfect for spending time outdoors. This is a great time to visit parks, gardens, and other open spaces where kids can run around and play.

4. Wind

October in Seoul can be slightly breezy, especially in the evenings. A light jacket or windbreaker is recommended to keep warm during these cooler periods. The gentle breeze adds to the overall pleasantness of the season, making it enjoyable to walk around and explore the city.

Just a reminder, the factors above don’t go solely. A combination of these factors will bring the true feeling of the weather, as shown in the “Feels Like” section in the phone’s weather app. By understanding the weather in Seoul during October, you can better prepare for your trip and ensure that your family stays comfortable and enjoys all the activities the city has to offer.

Preparing for the Trip

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip to Seoul with kids. Here are some essential travel tips as well as a checklist to help you get ready:

1. Travel Documents and Visas

Before you embark on your adventure, make sure all travel documents are in order. Check the visa requirements for your country and ensure that passports are valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. It’s also a good idea to have both soft and hard copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and travel insurance, in case of emergencies.

2. Health and Safety

Ensuring the health and safety of your family is paramount. Schedule a visit to your pediatrician to discuss any necessary vaccinations or health precautions for traveling to South Korea. Pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications your children may need. Familiarize yourself with the location of nearby hospitals and clinics in Seoul.

3. Packing Essentials

Packing for a trip with kids requires careful planning. Here are some items that I prepare for this trip:

3.1. For the Kids Particularly

• A lightweight & compact BABYZEN YOYO2 stroller for children. This foldable stroller can be easily put in the overhead compartment of the airplane. Moreover, some flight supports free check-in luggage with the stroller.
• Nappies, wet wipes, and baby towels.
• Milk and prepared baby food, in case they aren’t familiar with Korean food. Also snacks, chocolate, and water bottles.
• Their favorite pillows. Yes, my daughters cannot sleep without their favorite pillows.
• Entertainment during the journey with books, toys, and electronic devices loaded with their favorite games and shows.

3.2. For Me and Family

• Comfortable clothes and jackets to accommodate Seoul’s weather conditions. There are also hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• Biodegradable bags to put waste before you can find a trash bin when you are on the street. It’s hard to find a public trash bin in Seoul.
• A backpack with enough space to carry the children’s essentials. We will put this bag in the stroller’s undertray.
• A laptop 17″ backpack to put my laptop and videography gear for this trip including a ULANZI chest mount, a GoPro HERO10, and a DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Please follow my YouTube channel for the videos of our family trip to Seoul!
• A Tamayoko travel adapter to keep the devices live. In Korea, power plugs and sockets of types C and F are utilized. The typical voltage is 220 V with a 60 Hz frequency.
• Staying connected is vital, so we ordered SIM cards, with data included, that can be picked up at the airport for convenience. There are a lot of choices for SIM, some including a T-money alongside the SIM or eSIM, just get the most suitable one for your trip.
• There are apps that you should have on your phone to make the trip more comfortable and convenient. I will update this part later with the necessary apps that we use in our trip. So make sure you follow my blog and media channels to get up-to-date with the latest travel tips!

Where to Stay in Seoul with Kids

Choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference in your trip. Look for family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities like cribs, high chairs, and play areas. Popular neighborhoods for families include Insadong, Myeongdong, and Gangnam, which offer easy access to attractions and dining options. Booking accommodations with kitchen facilities can also be convenient for preparing meals for picky eaters.

We booked two accommodations for our trip, one on Agoda and one on Airbnb. We will meet our cousins in the last two days in Seoul and they have kids too. Thus, we need more significant space for the big family. We will move from the hotel to the Airbnb rooms. Here are the places that we booked:

For the hotel and the Airbnb room that we will stay. I will write another review blog in detail so you can have more views of accommodations in Seoul.