Planning a 10-Day Family Trip to South Korea
Focus your itinerary on Seoul and Busan, using the KTX high-speed train to bridge the two cities. Spend 6 days in Seoul for cultural immersion and 4 days in Busan for a mix of coastal sights and relaxed family pacing.
- Book your KTX tickets in advance. Purchase a Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) online before arrival if you plan to take more than two long-distance trips. It is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets for a family of four.
- Download the right maps. Google Maps does not provide walking or driving directions in Korea. Download 'Naver Map' or 'KakaoMap' to navigate effectively using public transit.
- Arrange T-Money cards. Pick up T-Money cards at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) upon arrival at the airport. Load them with 30,000 KRW each to cover initial subway and bus travel for the family.
- Book high-demand tickets early. If you want to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night or secure spots for popular workshops like kimchi making, book these at least 30 days out as they sell out fast.
- Is it easy to find kid-friendly food?
- Yes. Most Korean BBQ places, kimbap shops, and even fried chicken joints are very accommodating. Ask for 'an-mae-woyo' (not spicy) for children.
- Do I need to tip?
- No. Tipping is not part of the culture and can sometimes be seen as confusing or rude.