Seoul Travel Guide for Families with Toniolife

Here, I’ll share my experience: where I stayed in Seoul, the activities I enjoyed, and some must-visit places I discovered — a complete Seoul travel guide for families.

I’ve long been fascinated by South Korea — its music, dramas, culture, and constant evolution.

I first visited in 2024 for our honeymoon, and it was truly love at first sight.

So in 2025, we returned as a family, this time with our 7-month-old baby, to create new memories and explore more of what makes Seoul one of the best destinations in Asia.

A good trip always begins with a great place to stay. For this trip, we chose Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences, and it turned out to be the perfect choice — the ideal base for exploring central Seoul.

Here, we were immediately impressed by the warm welcome and attention to detail. The check-in was quick, the staff helped with our luggage, and they were always ready to assist — everything was designed to make us feel at ease. After a 12-hour flight with a 7-month-old baby, we needed space and calm.

The residence exceeded our expectations: spacious, peaceful, with a stunning view of the city. And once again, the professional touch — the crib had already been set up before our arrival, making it a perfect family-friendly hotel in Seoul.

• By Subway: Take AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, then transfer to Line 4 and stop at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Exit 12) —only a 3-minute walk away.

• By Limousine Bus: Take Bus #6001 toward Dongdaemun and get off at Novotel Seoul Dongdaemun Stop (approximately 70 minutes).

• By Taxi: Around ₩70,000–₩80,000*, and it usually takes 60–70 minutes depending on traffic.

This convenient location makes it easy to reach major attractions across Seoul. 

* Prices are for reference based on 2025 visits and are subject to change.

For many people, breakfast is essential. Here, it was simply perfect: dishes like scrambled eggs, omelets, and waffles were prepared right in front of us.

The buffet selection was huge — sweet, savory, and specialties from around the world… Even the orange juice, which I don’t usually like, was delicious.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Seoul with a great breakfast buffet, this is one of the best.

The hotel has two pools, including one on the rooftop which we didn’t get to try this time — just one more reason to return!

Special mention goes to the jacuzzi: the water was perfectly warm, and it was pure relaxation.

The gym was also very well equipped, much more than I expected. With all the delicious food in Korea, a few workouts were definitely welcome.

Plus, the gym overlooks Namsan N Seoul Tower, so walking on the treadmill with a view of the city was a real pleasure.   

For families, the kids’ area is a huge plus. Our baby had fun in a playroom of this size for the very first time — it was pure joy.

There are also gaming consoles for older kids. And since we’re big fans of games ourselves, we couldn’t resist joining in! It’s truly one of the top-rated family hotels in Seoul.

Even though I was on vacation, I still had to work a few days. The hotel offers several quiet spaces perfect for calls or focused work — some with breathtaking views of the city.

The hotel has an excellent restaurant, but we also tried the room service. The dishes were delicious, beautifully presented, and perfect for a cozy evening after a busy day.

If you want convenience and quality dining, Novotel Seoul Dongdaemun delivers both.

Seoul is a city full of energy, yet surprisingly calm at times. This trip, we focused more on walking, relaxing, and spending family time — but there are still many must-see attractions in Seoul I highly recommend.

No trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five royal palaces.

We rented Hanboks (traditional Korean outfits) and booked a photographer to capture the moment.

Walking through the palace dressed this way made the experience even more magical. The colors, serenity, and architecture make it truly one-of-a-kind.

How to get there: Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).

Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

A neighborhood we really love. Its Hanoks (traditional houses) host restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s the perfect place to stroll, eat, try new things, and take photos. We especially go for one restaurant that serves a signature rose pasta.

Ikseon-dong is one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods, blending old charm with a modern lifestyle.  

How to get there: Take Line 1 or 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 4), a 3-minute walk.

If you want to dive into Seoul’s food culture, Gwangjang Market is a must. You’ll find everything: mung bean pancakes, gimbap, tteokbokki, fried snacks, and for the adventurous, the famous live octopus.

We went countless times just to enjoy the kkwabaegi (sweet twisted doughnuts).

Don’t miss this iconic Seoul food market for an authentic Korean culinary experience.  

How to get there: Take Line 1 or 2 to Euljiro 4-ga Station (Exit 4) or Jongno 5-ga Station (Exit 8).

Tip: Go in the early afternoon to avoid crowds, and if you ’ re with a baby, bring a carrier instead of a stroller

Located in the COEX Mall in Gangnam, this library is breathtaking, with its 13-meter-high shelves and thousands of books.

It’s an iconic spot, often seen in vlogs and K-dramas, but still impressive when you see it in person.

Even if you’re not an avid reader, it’s worth visiting. Perfect for travelers looking for aesthetic places in Seoul.  

How to get there: Take Line 2 to Samseong Station (Exit 6) — directly connected to COEX.

One of my favorite places in Seoul. In the evenings, locals settle on the grass with blankets, order fried chicken, and enjoy the sunset. It’s the perfect spot to unwind.

We also rented bikes to ride along the river (there are models for families, ideal if you have a baby or kids who can’t yet cycle).

If you’re lucky, you might catch a drone or fountain show at night.

A must-visit spot for picnics and sunsets in Seoul.

How to get there: Take Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station (Exit 2).

If you love lively, festive atmospheres, Hongdae is the place for you. At night, you’ll see groups dancing or singing on the streets. It’s also great for arcade games, karaoke, darts, and of course — food.

This year, we didn’t explore it much because we preferred quieter areas for our son. Hongdae is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Seoul, famous for nightlife and K-culture.

How to get there: Take Line 2 to Hongik University Station (Exit 9).

One of our favorite things to do is to deliberately get lost in the streets or hop on a random bus and ride to the last stop to discover new areas. At the end of our trip, we finally explored the Dongdaemun district, right next to our hotel, and we regretted not doing it sooner!

Between malls, restaurants, and cafés, there’s so much to discover. Known for shopping and design, Dongdaemun is also home to the famous DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza).  

How to get there: Take Line 2, 4, or 5 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.

Be sure to check out temporary exhibitions or pop-up activities during your stay.

This year, we had the chance to see an immersive Pixar exhibition, which was amazing —it felt like stepping right into the worlds of these iconic animations.

Every season brings new pop-up events and art exhibitions in Seoul.

Seoul is special. This city surprises us every time. Our goal is to return every year if possible.

And the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun was an essential part of our trip; it wouldn’t have been the same without staying there.

Seoul offers a mix of culture, food, shopping, and family-friendly attractions that make every visit unique.