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On our way to Guam, we had the chance to spend a few days in Seoul. Visiting in March meant chilly weather, so we made sure to pack jackets and umbrellas. This was our third visit to Seoul as a family, and we focused on making the most of our short stopover with a mix of attractions, delicious food, and some well-earned rest.

Tips for Visiting Seoul in March

• Pack for the Weather: Warm clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella are essential.
• Plan by Area: Group attractions by location to minimize travel time.
• Food: You’ll find plenty of great dining options near major attractions.
• Language Barrier: Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so use Google Translate or prepare the address in Korean.

Where We Stayed

This time, we chose the G2 Hotel, located near the touristic Myeongdong district.

• Why we recommend it:
  • Excellent location close to attractions.
  • Large corner room under $100 per night.
  • Plenty of food options nearby.
  • Near Myeongdong Station (Line 4), making it easy to get around.

While the rooms were decent and we opted out of the breakfast, the convenience of being near Myeongdong made it a great choice for this trip.

Getting Around

In South Korea, your go-to apps for transportation are:

• Kakao T: Popular for taxis, with many drivers available.
• Uber: We used it and had no issues.

Note: Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so having Google Translate ready is essential.

Day 1: Arrival and Korean BBQ

We arrived late afternoon, and by the time we reached the hotel (about an hour from the airport), we were ready for dinner. A short walk around the hotel led us to a cozy restaurant serving Korean BBQ—a perfect start to our trip.

Day 2: Seoul Zoo and Myeongdong

It was a cold but sunny day, and we decided to visit Seoul Zoo (₩5,000 for adults, ₩1,400 for kids).

• Highlights:
  • Skylift ride from the entrance, which the kid loved.
  • Spacious, clean zoo with well-maintained exhibits.
  • Amenities like benches, food kiosks, and restrooms were readily available.

After two hours exploring the zoo, we headed back to the hotel for a rest.

In the evening, we strolled through Myeongdong Shopping Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere, street food, and shops. While there’s a popular show called NANTA at the Myeongdong Theatre, we skipped it this time as we were too tired from the day.

Day 3: CoEx Library, Lotte Aquarium, and Seafood

We ventured to CoEx Library and Lotte Aquarium, about 45 minutes from the hotel.

• CoEx Library: A stunning, Instagram-worthy space for a quick visit.
• Lotte Aquarium:
  • Similar in size to those in Bangkok or Singapore.
  • Unique highlights include Bella the Beluga, otters, and penguins.
  • Descriptions are mostly in Korean, but visuals suffice for enjoyment.

For food: We visited the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market—a must for seafood lovers.

• How it works: Choose your seafood on the lower levels, and it’s cooked in restaurants upstairs.
• Our pick: A snow crab split into two dishes—steamed legs and claws, with fried rice made from the rest. Absolutely delicious!

Day 4: Bukchon Hanok Village and Marinated Crab

With our evening flight, we made the most of the day by exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming area filled with traditional Korean houses. While many visitors pair this with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace in traditional outfits, we skipped the palace as we’d done it on a previous trip.

For lunch, we stumbled upon Keunkiwajip, a restaurant known for its soy sauce marinated crab.

• Our experience:
  • Fresh and juicy crab, paired with a generous spread of banchan (side dishes).
  • Although pricey, it was worth it for the quality and flavor.

To wrap up, we stopped by JeokDang, a café famous for its Yang-gaeng (sweet jelly desserts). Their chestnut jelly is a must-try!

After a satisfying day, we picked up our luggage from the hotel and headed to the airport.

Seoul in March may be chilly, but it’s full of charm and unique experiences. From zoo adventures to delicious seafood, this trip was another memorable chapter in our family travels. Until next time, Seoul! ✈️🇰🇷