[태그:] Seoul pop culture

  • A Guide to Korean Travel with Kids: A K-Pop Themed 3-Day Itinerary for Your Family Trip

    The recent global sensation of “K-pop Demon Hunters” has turned Korea into a must-visit destination for countless fans. I am so excited to introduce you to this beautiful country, a place known for its warmth, safety, and vibrant culture. Welcome to Korea!

    K-Pop Demon Hunters: A 3-Day Seoul Tour (Upgraded)

    This tour has been redesigned to be more family-friendly and efficient, incorporating your feedback on logistics and adding more cultural and culinary experiences.

    Day 1: A Fusion of History and K-Pop Culture

    On the first day, you’ll explore the Gwanghwamun area, a perfect blend of modern Seoul and historical Korea. You can immerse yourselves in traditional culture by wearing a hanbok and trying some of the best Korean food.

    • Morning: Gwanghwamun Square & Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Experience
      • Theme: The start of your tour! Begin at the symbolic Gwanghwamun Square, just like in the movie. You’ll feel like a main character as you explore Korea’s majestic past. Wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) gets you free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
      • Activities: Let the kids run free in Gwanghwamun Square while you take photos with the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. You can rent hanboks at one of the many shops near Gwanghwamun or Gyeongbokgung and have fun picking out your favorites.
      • Food Tip: The Gwanghwamun area has many great Korean restaurants. Kkangjangjip is famous for its delicious barley rice and gangjang (thick soybean paste stew), and Andong Guksi Homyeonjeong is well-known for its beef bone broth noodle soup.
      • Restaurant Details:
        • Kkangjangjip: Address – 82 Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | Phone – 02-720-6152
        • Andong Guksi Homyeonjeong: Address – B1, Gwajeong Building, 35 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | Phone – 02-722-2133
      • Official Websites: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul City Tour Bus
    • Afternoon: UNESCO World Heritage Bonus Course (Changdeokgung & Jongmyo)
      • Theme: Since you’re already in the area, you can easily visit two of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites located near Gyeongbokgung.
      • Activities:
        • Changdeokgung Palace: This palace is a masterpiece of Korean architecture, harmonizing beautifully with its natural surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll with your family through its serene gardens.
        • Jongmyo Shrine: A majestic shrine dedicated to the ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty. It showcases the pinnacle of Confucian architecture and offers a meaningful look into Korea’s history.
      • Official Websites: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine
    • Late Afternoon: HiKR Ground & Bukchon Hanok Village
      • Theme: From historical landmarks to the heart of K-pop culture! Experience a mix of traditional and modern Seoul in one afternoon.
      • Activities:
        • HiKR Ground: This is a great K-pop complex run by the Korea Tourism Organization. Your kids can dance in front of a giant media wall at the “HiKR ART” zone and even record their own K-pop video. It’s free and a blast for K-pop fans.
        • Bukchon Hanok Village: After all the K-pop excitement, take a calming walk through the beautiful alleys of this traditional village, just like Lumi and Jin-woo.
      • Official Website: HiKR Ground

    Day 2: The Romance of Seoul & a Bustling Market

    On your second day, you’ll dive into the lively energy of Seoul’s markets and cap it off with a stunning night view from Namsan Tower.

    • Morning to Afternoon: Myeongdong & Namdaemun Market
      • Theme: Just like the “Saja Boyz” busking scene, you’ll feel the vibrant energy of Myeongdong. Then, find some great deals on kids’ clothes at the nearby Namdaemun Market.
      • Activities:
        • Myeongdong: Try different street foods like tteokbokki, gimbap, and eomuk (fish cakes). The street food here is a perfect way to recreate the movie’s atmosphere. You can even try a “one-bite gimbap” challenge!
        • Namdaemun Market: This is the perfect place to get affordable clothes and shoes for the kids. The lively market atmosphere is an adventure in itself.
      • Official Website: Namdaemun Market
    • Evening: Namsan & N Seoul Tower
      • Theme: The location of the final battle in the movie! Ride the cable car up Namsan Mountain and take in the beautiful Seoul skyline.
      • Activities: The cable car ride is a thrill for kids. At the top, enjoy the panoramic view from the observatory and hang a “love lock” on the fence for a memorable family moment.
      • Tip: It’s best to eat dinner in Myeongdong before heading up to the tower.

    Day 3: Culture and a Modern Metropolis

    On your last day, you’ll explore some of Seoul’s most significant cultural and modern landmarks, which are a bit farther from the city center but are well worth the trip.

    • Morning: National Museum of Korea
      • Theme: This is where the movie’s merchandise shop scene was filmed. Beyond that, the museum is an incredible place to explore Korean history and art.
      • Activities:
        • Children’s Museum: The museum has a fantastic, interactive section just for kids. It’s a great way for them to learn while having fun. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made on the National Museum of Korea Children’s Museum website.
      • Tip: The museum is connected to Ichon Station by an underground walkway, making it easy to get to, rain or shine.
      • Official Website: National Museum of Korea
    • Afternoon: COEX in Samseong-dong
      • Theme: Experience the modern, digital side of Seoul, just like in the movie’s giant billboard scenes.
      • Activities:
        • COEX Aquarium: One of the kids’ favorite places! They’ll love seeing all the different marine life.
        • Starfield Library: Take a break and snap some photos in this stunning library with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
        • Megabox: You could even catch a movie together at this theater if the kids need a quiet break.
      • Official Website: COEX