Seoul Searching: A Family's Unforgettable South Korean Adventure
Day 1: The Luggage Fiasco and COEX Mall Escapades
After a restful night's sleep at the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, we woke up feeling refreshed and ready to explore. However, with our luggage still MIA, we had a new item on our itinerary: clothes shopping.
We started our day with a quick lunch at the hotel before heading to the Starfield Library at COEX Mall. Before diving into our adventure, here's a pro tip for navigating Seoul's subway system: Google Maps doesn't cut it here. Download NAVER Map or Kakao Map before you leave home. These apps will give you accurate locations and the correct subway exits. Also, get a T-money card for easy subway access. You can buy and load cash onto these cards at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or GS25.
With our T-money cards in hand, we hopped on the train to COEX Mall, Seoul's largest underground shopping center. The ride was smooth, with everyone quietly minding their own business—a bit less quiet than Tokyo, but still a peaceful journey.
Our first stop was clothes and toiletries shopping due to our missing luggage. Afterward, we visited the Starfield Library, a true Instagram hotspot with its towering bookshelves stretching 13 meters high and housing over 50,000 books. COEX Mall has much more to offer than just the library, so we explored a bit before heading to the food court for some tasty pork cutlets. Exhausted from the previous day's travel fiasco, we headed back to the hotel to rest.
Day 2: Palace Plots and Myeongdong Mania
The next day began with a quick breakfast near the hotel before heading to Gyeongbokgung Palace, only to find out it was closed on Tuesdays. Not to be discouraged, we quickly redirected our plans and took a taxi to Myeongdong, Seoul's bustling shopping district known for its luxury shops and vibrant atmosphere.
Historical Fun Fact: Myeongdong, meaning "bright neighborhood," has a rich history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty when it was called Myeongryebang. During the Japanese colonial period, the name changed to Myeongchijeong, and the area became a commercial hub.
In Myeongdong, we shopped at Olive Young, a must-visit for cosmetics, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at BHC Chicken, famous for its Korean fried chicken. We also tried tteokbokki on a stick, which was a hit with the kids.
After a quick rest at the hotel, we ventured out to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) after sunset. Designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo, DDP is the world's largest three-dimensional atypical building, made up of 45,133 aluminum panels. Even though the museum was closed, the plaza was stunning at night.
From DDP, we wandered over to Cheonggyecheon Stream, a 6.8-mile-long stream and public space in downtown Seoul. This beautifully restored stream was part of an urban renewal project and provided a peaceful backdrop for an evening stroll.
Our final stop of the night was the Myeongdong Night Market, famous for its Korean street food. We had a blast sampling different treats and exploring the lively market with our kids.
Day 3: A Royal Experience and BBQ Dreams
The next day, our lost luggage finally arrived. With our spirits high, we gave Gyeongbokgung Palace another try, and this time it was open. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace and seat of government. The entry fee is 3,000 won, but you can enter for free if you wear traditional Korean clothing, known as hanbok.
Pro Tip: We rented hanboks from Hanboknam. The process was simple: choose your clothing, change, and leave your passport with them as a deposit. Don't forget to bring your passport! You can also add hair services and other extras.
We spent about 2-3 hours exploring the palace, taking photos in our hanboks, and enjoying the free guided tours and reenactments.
Feeling hangry after our palace visit, we stumbled upon a hidden gem: Gogiyeon, a Korean BBQ place. Initially, we thought it was closed, but a friendly chef invited us in. Specializing in aged pork, this BBQ was the best we've ever had. The chef cooked most of the meat for us, guiding us through the process and recommending we try each cut with just a pinch of salt first. The kids made a new friend in the chef, and we left with full bellies and happy hearts.
Craving something sweet, we headed to Nakwon in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. This area is known for its narrow, maze-like alleys, traditional hanoks, and modern cafes. Nakwon's train station-style decor was charming, and we enjoyed our desserts before heading back to COEX Mall for a quick dinner.
Day 4: Sayonara, Seoul!
After an action-packed few days in Seoul, it was time to pack our bags (now with our recovered luggage) and head to Yokohama, Japan. Our South Korean adventure was one for the books, filled with delicious food, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories. Until next time, Seoul!