1 evening in Seoul with family, what to do?

Question

Next June we fly to Japan and have a 15 hour layover in Seoul. We arrive at about 5 pm. I know it's not much time but I'd like to make the most of the evening (it'll be a Tuesday). Suggestions on what to eat and what to see if we have time? 2 adults and an 8 year old. We have never been to Korea but do have overseas experience.

ramonamoehring · Answer

15 hours is tight but doable. skip the super touristy spots and head straight to ikseon-dong - it's a maze of tiny alleyways with old hanok houses turned into cafes and restaurants. your 8 year old will love the little shops and the vibe is way more relaxed than myeongdong

for food, try a place called min's kitchen in that area, they do a mean kimchi jjigae and it's not crazy expensive. after that, walk to jongno 3-ga station and take the subway to seoul station (just 2 stops). the lotte mart there is open til midnight and it's great for grabbing snacks and souvenirs for the japan flight

you won't have time for palaces but the night view from n seoul tower is overrated anyway. better to just wander around the cheonggyecheon stream near city hall - it's lit up at night and peaceful, perfect for a family stroll before heading back

selmaheitmann · Answer

With a Tuesday evening, you'll get a more local feel since the crowds thin out after work. Take the AREX express train from the airport to Hongdae station, it's about 45 minutes and drops you right in a lively neighborhood that's great for families.

Hongdae has this energy that kids love, street performers everywhere and a pedestrian street called Hongdap Street that's closed to cars. For dinner, try a Korean fried chicken place called BHC, it's a chain but reliable, and your 8 year old will probably love the honey butter flavor.

After eating, walk over to the Hangang River, it's about 15 minutes on foot. The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show runs at 8pm and 9pm in June, and there's a park right there where you can sit on the grass and watch. It's free and the kids can run around a bit before you head back to the airport.

iris · Answer

The AREX train is the smart move, but skip Hongdae and head to Mapo-gu instead. Go to a place called "Mapo Galmaegi" near Mapo Station exit 2, they serve galmaegi (pork skirt meat) that you grill yourself at the table. Your 8 year old will enjoy cooking the meat and wrapping it in lettuce with ssamjang.

After dinner, take a 10 minute walk to the Mangwon neighborhood. There's a small park called Mangwon Hangang Park that's quieter than the big one near Banpo Bridge. You can rent a family bike for about 10,000 won for an hour and ride along the river path. The lights from the bridges reflect on the water and it feels really local, not touristy at all. Just make sure to leave the airport by 7pm to make your return flight.

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