What to Pack for Traveling to Seoul with Kids in October?

1. Travel Insurance

Although travel insurance isn’t a physical product, I keep mentioning it in every packing tips article. Indeed, it is vital even when you solo travel, adventurous travel, or family travel,…

When traveling to Seoul with kids in October, securing comprehensive travel insurance is a must. This ensures that your family is protected against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. When your mind is primarily focusing on taking care of your kids, it isn’t easy to look after everything on the trip, especially when you are in a new place far from home. I almost forgot a suitcase because we brought many pieces of luggage and carry-on bags for the trip.

You should look for an insurance policy that covers all family members, including children, and offers 24/7 assistance. Having travel insurance provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

2. Stroller

A stroller is extremely essential and effective for my kids because we walked a lot in Seoul, my kids were tired of following us the whole time and they couldn’t walk as fast as we did. Therefore, the stroller was so helpful as they could rest or take a nap on it. I even used the BABYZEN YOYO2 stroller to carry my two children.

Moreover, the stroller was equipped with compartments and hangers that I used to store other stuff and my bag. When the kids didn’t use it, it became the cart for me to carry things I bought at stores or supermarkets. Trust me, it is significantly useful as you don’t have to buy a reusable bag every time at the supermarket (if you forget to bring one), or when you buy so many things that they are heavy to carry by hand.

3. Nappies, Wet Wipes, and Baby Towels

Packing enough nappies, wet wipes, and baby towels is crucial for maintaining your child’s hygiene and comfort. Seoul is a bustling city, and while you can find baby supplies in local stores, it’s best to bring your preferred brands to avoid any inconvenience.

Wet wipes are versatile and can be used for quick clean-ups of spills and messes. Whereas, baby towels are soft and light that comforts your babies and prevents them from bacteria in hotels’ towels. Ensure you have a sufficient supply to last the duration of your trip.

4. Milk and Prepared Baby food, Snacks, Chocolate

Keeping your kids well-fed and hydrated is key to a smooth travel experience. Pack enough milk and prepared baby food to last the trip if your child has specific dietary needs. Otherwise, you can consider packing milk and food for the first days, then buy them more in Seoul. As my experience, milk and baby food in Korea are quite good and tasty, my kids actually loved them. Additionally, your luggage will be lighter if you don’t take so much milk and food.

Snacks like fruit, crackers, and chocolate can keep hunger at bay during long sightseeing days or flights.

5. Favorite Pillows

I’m not sure if your child is the same but my babies have their favorite pillows. Thus, I brought along their favorite pillows to make them significantly comfortable and have quality sleep. My kids couldn’t sleep without the pillows.

Indeed, familiar pillows provide a sense of security and help children settle down more easily in unfamiliar environments. Whether it’s a small travel pillow or their regular bedtime pillow, having this comfort item can ensure better rest during flights, car rides, and hotel stays. Plus, it can help maintain your child’s sleep routine, making the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

6. Entertainment

Keeping kids entertained during travel is essential to avoid boredom and meltdowns. Pack a variety of entertainment options to keep them engaged. This could include books, coloring supplies, small toys, and electronic devices loaded with their favorite movies, games, and educational apps. If your child is familiar with headphones, don’t forget to keep the noise level down as public transportation in Seoul is quite silent. Having a mix of entertainment options ensures that your kids stay happy and occupied throughout the trip.

7. SIM and VPN

Staying connected while traveling is essential, especially when navigating a foreign city like Seoul. Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for affordable data and call rates. Furthermore, with the data, you can easily book Uber or taxi to conveniently move around the city. Trust me, public transportation isn’t efficient when you travel with the kids in Seoul.

If you work online when traveling, like me, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) ensures your online activities are secure and private. In addition, a VPN is particularly useful for accessing geo-restricted content, which helps my kids watch their favorite channels from Vietnam. It also protects your personal information on public Wi-Fi networks. In fact, even though Korea is a strong, modern, developed country, it’s vulnerable to cyber attacks.

8. Universal Travel Adapter

South Korea uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets, which may differ from what you’re used to at home. A universal travel adapter ensures that you can charge all your electronic devices, from smartphones and tablets to cameras and laptops, without any hassle. This is particularly important for keeping your kids’ entertainment devices powered up during your trip.

If you follow my series about traveling to Seoul with kids in October, you may know that I bought a universal travel adapter to keep my devices alive. Nevertheless, when getting ready to charge my laptop, I realized that Vietnam uses a similar electrical socket, which meant I didn’t need the adapter anymore. Yet, check your devices to see if it’s compatible and have one adapter just to be sure.

9. Daypack

A versatile daypack is a must-have for any family trip to Seoul. It allows you to carry all the daily essentials, such as snacks, water bottles, extra clothes, and entertainment items for the kids, in one convenient place. Choose a lightweight, comfortable daypack with multiple compartments to keep everything organized and easily accessible. This way, you’ll be prepared for any situation, whether it’s a sudden change in weather or an impromptu picnic in one of Seoul’s beautiful parks.

Besides that, if you take a stroller on the trip, you can put this daypack into the stroller’s compartment. It will be more comfortable.

10. Warm Clothes and Comfortable Shoes

October in Seoul can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack warm clothes for your kids, including jackets, sweaters, and hats. Layering is a good strategy to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Comfortable shoes are also a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Ensuring your children are dressed appropriately for the weather will keep them comfortable and happy during your trip.

11. Umbrella

When traveling to Seoul with kids in October, an umbrella is a practical addition to your packing list. Even though some hotels may prepare umbrellas for their customers, having one in your package will be a good preparation just in case your hotel doesn’t provide it.

October can bring unexpected rain showers, and having a compact, lightweight umbrella ensures that your family stays dry and comfortable while exploring the city. Opt for a sturdy, wind-resistant umbrella that can withstand the occasional gusts of wind. An umbrella not only protects against rain but can also provide shade on sunny days, making it a versatile travel accessory.

12. Portable Handheld Fan

A portable handheld fan is another essential item. While the weather is generally cooler, there can still be warm and sunny days, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or in crowded places like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village.

A portable fan helps keep your kids cool and comfortable, preventing overheating and ensuring they enjoy their activities. Look for a rechargeable fan with adjustable speeds for maximum convenience. This small but mighty gadget can make a big difference in your family’s comfort during your trip. Furthermore, some portable fans can be attached to the stroller to make the kids more comfortable when they rest.

13. Sunscreen

Even in October, it’s important to protect your family’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Seoul can still have sunny days, and spending time outdoors means exposure to UV radiation. Pack a good sunscreen with a high SPF to apply regularly, especially if you’ll be visiting outdoor attractions like parks, palaces, or hiking trails. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring your family stays safe and comfortable.

14. Hand Sanitizer and Tissues

Maintaining hygiene is crucial, especially when traveling with kids. Pack hand sanitizer and tissues for quick clean-ups and to use in public restrooms that may not always have supplies. Hand sanitizer is particularly useful for disinfecting hands before meals or after touching surfaces in crowded places. Tissues come in handy for wiping noses, cleaning up spills, and other unexpected messes. These small items can make a big difference in keeping your family healthy and comfortable.

15. Travel Toiletry Bag

A travel toiletry bag helps keep all your hygiene products organized and easily accessible. Include essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and any other personal care items your family needs. We have one toiletry bag to use everywhere we go, just make small changes or additions sometimes to the items.

You should opt for a waterproof bag with multiple compartments to prevent leaks and spills. Having a dedicated toiletry bag ensures that you can quickly find what you need, whether you’re freshening up at the hotel or on the go. Particularly with hotels with small bathrooms like Travelodge Myeongdong Namsan, a toiletry bag is very helpful for us to stay organized.

16. First Aid Kit & Medicine

A well-stocked first aid kit is a travel essential, particularly when traveling with kids. Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Additionally, pack any prescription medications your family may need, along with a copy of the prescriptions. It’s also wise to include remedies for common travel ailments such as motion sickness, allergies, and colds. Commonly, the first symptom of a child’s illness is fever. Make sure you prepare fever relief too. Having these items on hand can save you a trip to the pharmacy and ensure your family stays healthy.

17. Reusable Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is important, and reusable water bottles are an eco-friendly way to ensure your family has access to water throughout the day. Many hotels and places in Seoul have water refill stations, making it easy to top up your bottles and helping you save a little from buying the water at stores. Moreover, reusable water bottles reduce the need for single-use plastics, helping to protect the environment and reduce carbon footprint. Choose bottles that are durable, leak-proof, and easy for kids to use.

18. Biodegradable Bags

Biodegradable bags are a practical and eco-friendly addition to your packing list when traveling with kids. These bags are perfect for disposing of nappies, wet wipes, and other waste while on the go. In Seoul, it’s hard to find public trashpin. They are also useful for storing dirty clothes, keeping your luggage organized and odor-free. By choosing biodegradable bags, you contribute to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment. Make sure to pack enough bags to last the entire trip, and you’ll find them handy in various situations.

19. Portable Charger

A portable charger is an essential item for keeping your devices powered up while exploring Seoul. Long days of sightseeing can quickly drain your phone’s battery, especially if you’re using it for navigation, taking photos, or keeping kids entertained with games and videos. A high-capacity portable charger ensures that you won’t run out of power at a critical moment. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your travel experience.

Indeed, with a portable charger, I can take many photos and videos to use for my blog and vlog. Also, a charger is surely cheaper than buying another phone or camera.

20. Travel Apps

Mobile apps are essential resources to support your daily activities and make the most of your trip. Travel apps offer real-time updates and can help you navigate the city more efficiently. Having the apps ready on your phone will surely make your trip to Seoul more comfortable and convenient, especially when traveling with kids.

There is a list of travel apps that are practical for exploring Seoul, I will write the blog later and share it with you soon.