Do you have kids? Want to know more about child-friendly life in Korea? Here is the inside scoop. Child-Friendly Every culture has different views of what the term ‘child-friendly’ means. Sometimes the definition even changes between families or people within a culture. This makes it complicated for unsuspecting international families who ask a group of international strangers the simple but complicated question, “Any child-friendly activities?” Over the years, South of Seoul volunteers like me have seen this simple request spark great debates and feelings of betrayal. Let’s be honest, anyone asking this question is probably at their wit’s end. They are parents who need support who have gone to a local expat group to find something easy and non-stressful for their family. When the recommendations don’t work out based on unspoken expectations, it can create some pretty bad feelings. Since I have seen this happen, I thought I would share what I have learned about ‘child-friendly’ while living with my toddler in South Korea. Definitions of Child-Friendly One definition of “child-friendly” refers to something that is suitable, safe, and appealing for children. This can pertain to a wide range of things including environments, activities, content, products, services, and more. Let’s take a look at each of these factors more closely: Another definition of “child-friendly” looks at the broader societal context of the term. In this case, child-friendly refers to policies or practices that respect the rights of children, promote their well-being, and consider their perspectives in decision-making processes. This might include laws, urban planning decisions, or educational policies, among other things. ‘Child-Friendly’ and Culture Shock Families that move to a new country like Korea may experience culture shock when visiting child-friendly events or businesses. Such culture shock could be both positive and negative. Maybe some things seem better while other things seem more scary. Since international residents in South Korea come from a wide range of countries and cultures, it’s impossible to predict how each family will experience cultural differences. However, it can be helpful for all of us to know what impacts each culture’s definition of child-friendly: Once a person understands that child-friendly varies, it can help them navigate their expectations as well as prepare their children for navigating new experiences. I certainly went through this and I want to share my experience with you. My Experience with Child-Friendly Korea Honestly, especially since we arrived in Korea with a toddler, one of the things that I will miss about Korea is how child friendly this country is. For me, child-friendly means that my child is made to feel welcome by the community around her. There don’t have to be specific types of child-focused activities, although those help. The thoughtfulness and generosity bestowed upon our little one while living in Korea is so far unrivaled. Child-Friendly Havens Korea has a wide variety of businesses that cater to parents with kids. Therefore, we visited almost every one we could find. Such businesses include: Not to mention all of the free candy and toys that our little one has received from shops, cafes, and restaurant owners. At times, having children may make you feel like a celebrity. With the birth rate dropping early every month, kids get quite a lot of attention from older people in Korea. Of course, all of the child-friendly spots in the Korean countryside may have provided me the false perception that children were welcomed everywhere. I mean, they are mostly, but there are some exceptions. Child Free Zones Having visited quite a few cafes around Korea, I am now very much aware that there are exceptions and important details to keep in mind when traveling around Korea with a child. Oftentimes, the closer you get to a major city, like Seoul, but even in Pyeongtaek, you’ll find cafes and restaurants with signs either designating “Child Free Zone”, which is often the upper floors of cafes, or “No Children Allowed”. Please don’t feel rejected, as we can assure you, there are many more places in Korea that welcome families. Child-free zones are often on the upper level and/or rooftop level of restaurants and cafes. Often times these designations are just to keep your child safe and mitigate liability issues in these areas. Cafes and restaurants are not play areas. In addition, the staff shouldn’t be expected to monitor or police our children. Child-free locations also help to maintain a certain ambiance for more diverse patronage. In our 3 years in Korea, we rarely felt inconvenienced by “child-free” locations. We’ve been denied entry from 3 locations in 3 years, just because we have a toddler. And yet, we have had countless family adventures here. Tips for Communicating Your Definition of Child-Friendly If you’re trying to plan a family adventure, you may be inclined to contact business owners and/or throw your question out to the social-media-verse. Before you do, we’d like to recommend being specific about what your family’s needs are. Remember that members of the online groups also come from different cultures that may not share your definition of ‘child-friendly.’ Since the term has no shared meaning and often becomes extremely vague, providing specific questions about your family needs provides better results. Examples of How ‘Child-Friendly’ Differs Between People To understand what I mean by “different meaning of child-friendly” let’s look at a recent misunderstanding I had with another person who shares the same passport as I do: I long believed that noraebangs or karaoke rooms in Korea were all “Child Free Zones.” Specifically meaning that “children are not welcome at all.” However, a friend and fellow South of Seoul blogger recently visited a noraebang in Asan Techno Valley that welcomes families. In fact, I learned to noraebang is a favorite family activity in Korea. Therefore, there are often child and family-friendly noraebangs as well as child-free noraebangs. However, when I communicated to another friend that we found a “child-friendly” noraebang location, she thought I meant a location that includes a play area and kids activities, not simply that children were allowed. For here, simply allowing kids to attend with the family didn’t make it child-friendly. As you can see, “child-friendly” meant two different things to us. For me, the noraebang was perfect for me and my child but not what she needed at all. Another example of this form of miscommunication may happen when inquiring about “child-friendly” menu options. Make sure that you clearly communicate the hidden meaning you may hold. For example, while moderating groups, we have found this often means, “Is there Western food for kids?” However, many people offer international food options and the parents then feel frustrated due to miscommunication. Therefore, it is best to be clear and specific about what you might mean by child-friendly food. Does your child have food allergies? Will your child only eat fries and chicken nuggets? Does your child hate spicy food? Your family will definitely enjoy your experience just a little more if you know how to advocate for your family’s needs in clear and specific ways understood across cultures. Homework for Parents I recommend taking an hour to sit down and talk about what you mean by ‘child-friendly’ as it relates to different topics like: hiking, cafes, restaurants, museums, parks, etc. Ask yourself the following questions to get started: Managing Expectations Now that you understand your expectations, you may find it easier to communicate about them and manage them. Managing expectations and being open to new views of the world is half the battle to enjoying life in a new culture like Korea. Join The Pyeongtaek Family Fun Group Join our Pyeongtaek Family Fun group. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly families sharing their adventures in Pyeongtaek. Join The Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly travelers sharing their adventures across the country with their families. (Most of the members live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea). Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Looking for Instagrammable cafes with some serious WOW factor? I have visited hundreds of cafes across Korea and found the 10 most Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul. Visiting Cafes Beyond Seoul Here’s a list of my favorite photographable or Instagrammable cafes outside of Seoul.  Yes, Seoul has many beautiful cafes, but so does the rest of Korea. While Seoul receives a great deal of well-deserved attention, Korea has so much more to experience if you venture further. Cafe Culture In Korea The cafe scene in Korea, much like the rest of Korea, puts the “extra” in “extravagant” and “extraordinary”. Much like a fingerprint, from afar, cafes may seem similar. However, once you take a closer look, you’ll notice that no two cafes are exactly alike. Many cafes in Korea set up Instagrammable areas. However, some cafes go above and beyond for those who like the “extra.” This is definitely the case with this list of visually astounding cafes for photographers and social media selfies. How I Made My List I’m a mom who does everything with my toddler. This means I visit cafes that feel comfortable with kids. This includes the Instagrammable Cafes. Maybe things will change with time, but when I visited with my daughter these options felt comfortable and enjoyable. 10 Most Instagrammable Cafes Beyond Seoul Visit any of the following Instagrammable cafes and come away with photographs that will leave your followers impressed. Amoene Cafe in Incheon – While not recommended for those who experience vertigo or motion sickness, the unique architecture of this cafe and pension may leave you wondering which way is up. This cafe will give you very Instagrammable images that will entrance your followers. With tilted windows and doors, you will get some Alice in Wonderland vibes here. The bakery section includes some of the unique shapes of the cafe. In addition, they specialize in cakes and tarts. Susan Gongwon (or Susan Park Cafe) in Incheon – Located just 11 minutes from Amoene, this is also a filming location for “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”. This cafe will leave you feeling beach vibes without the sand in between your toes. With an epic-sized cafe and restaurant, there are lots of bakery options. In addition, it is next to an indoor marine park for kids. Every floor of this cafe includes unique, picturesque decor, including little boats on the first floor, and large stone structures on the rooftop. Cafe Daenerys in Namyangju – Not to be confused with the character from “Game of Thrones,” but similar in extravagance. Just off Bukhangang River (aka Bukhan River), this magnificent bakery cafe also serves brunch only on the weekdays. This location has many beautiful spots indoors and outdoors to get those Instagrammable photos. Dreamy Camera Cafe or Kkumkkuneun Camera in Yangpyeong – This cafe was featured in a July 2014 Buzzfeed article. It is not only filled with vintage cameras, but the architecture resembles a vintage camera. You can enjoy your coffee, as you admire the rural countryside through the lens-shaped window and consider your life goals. This cafe is small, so groups of 7 or more cannot enter together. Mudae Theater Cafe / Moodae Black Box in Songtan – This is one of two cafes created by a musical actor and a stage director. After you order your drink, you sit in the auditorium-like seating area, while your barista, dressed in hanbok, prepares your drink on a stage. Sip and enjoy, as a misty fog covers the rock formations on the floor. Or, if you’d prefer another artistically picturesque vibe, ascend the steep steps up to the second floor, with yin and yang mountain murals, or the rooftop for a poetic view. Mudae Bakery Cafe in Anseong – Much like Mudae Theater, Mudae Bakery Cafe offers picturesque seating but from an island or coastal perspective. Ascend the verdantly decorated steps to a more mountainous decor on the second floor. Also, this is a great location during the warmer weather because of the spacious lawn. There is a children’s area on the first floor and a pet area outdoors. Main Street Cafe in Pyeongtaek – While the 2D Cafe Greem in Seoul and Jeju receive a lot of social media attention, there are a number of cafes in Korea that offer a 2D atmosphere. Main Street Cafe in Pyeongtaek does just that and more. In fact, every corner of this three-story cafe is its own New York-inspired photo zone. Your followers will love all the Instagrammable photos you take in this cafe. Monamour in Asan – Monamour includes a cafe, bakery, fine-dining restaurant, and both indoor and outdoor art exhibits. Get a drink at the cafe, sit and enjoy the tranquil water art, then take a walk along the galleries for those Instagrammable shots. Photopia in Pohang – This is a cafe AND a photography zone with 4 floors of scenery, including the rooftop view of the sea with Santorini-esque architecture. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by epic Italian architecture, but make sure you walk through every area. The freshly baked bread at Photopia will not disappoint you. High Class 153 in Yeosu – This is a pension with an amazing view of the Yeosu Coast, which you can admire from the cafe, even if you are not a guest. If you purchase a drink, then you may also take it to the rooftop for an even better view. However, that’s not the only reason you are visiting this cafe. You may purchase a ticket at the cafe for individual swing opportunities. Please note that this swing is not for those who are afraid of heights, nor for children or anyone weighing over 200 pounds, for safety reasons. You may even rent a flowy dress on location. Many come to this location for this amazing Instagrammable photo opportunity. THIS WILL BE YOUR NEXT PROFILE PICTURE! Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. How To Source Additional Information About Locations For more detailed information like business hours for these Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. Join The Pyeongtaek Travelers Group If you are looking for more adventures in Korea outside of the Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul, you are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. There you may find many additional locations to get amazing visual images for Instagram. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country. Join The Cafes In Korea Group After checking out this list of Instagrammable cafes in Korea, then you should head over to Cafes in Korea to find additional locations to enjoy! Join our group to discover new cafes and share your cafe adventures. Also, you can discover more of the best cafes in South Korea for you personal list. Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Are you a film buff? Did you know that Korea has a variety of smaller film festivals across the country? Here is one in Jeonju to put on your list. About Film Festivals in Korea Korea’s film festival journey started in 1954 with the inaugural Daejong Film Awards. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) then entered the scene in 1996, spotlighting new films and first-time directors from Asia. Building on this momentum, the Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) launched in 2000. JIFF established itself as a haven for independent and experimental cinema. Based in the historic city of Jeonju, JIFF provides a platform for fresh and alternative voices in filmmaking. The festival’s focus on innovative cinematic expressions has garnered international acclaim. Over time, additional festivals were founded such as the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, the Seoul International Film Festival, and the Korea Queer Film Festival. Today, such festivals stand as vital platforms for Korean and international filmmakers. Such festivals promote creative exploration and cultural exchange and affirm Korea’s place in the global cinematic landscape. About Jeonju, South Korea The vibrant city of Jeonju, which hosts JIFF provides a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern energy. For example, Jeonju is also known as the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty. Such history makes Jeonju a historical treasure. In keeping with this history, the city holds over 800 new and old traditional Korean ‘hanok’ houses in it’s Hanok Village. But Jeonju’s appeal extends beyond history. It is also a culinary hotspot, famous as the home of bibimbap, a beloved Korean dish. Food lovers from around the world gather here to explore its rich and diverse food culture. An integral part of Jeonju’s cultural landscape is the Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF). Launched in 2000, JIFF has swiftly established itself as a beacon for independent and experimental cinema. Each spring, the city buzzes with film enthusiasts who flock here to discover new cinematic voices. Through JIFF, Jeonju champions creative innovation and cultural exchange, solidifying its position as a vital hub in the global film community. In essence, Jeonju is a city where the past, present, and future harmoniously coexist, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. About the Jeonju International Film Festival Since 2000, the Jeonju International Film Festival and Jeonju Digital Project, now Jeonju Cinema Project, began as a platform to showcase and produce films in the Asian Film Industry but has since expanded to include countries around the world. While JIFF recognizes around 200 films per year, the number of countries involved has more than doubled since the film festival’s inception twenty-three years ago. The area around Ogeori Culture Plaza comes to life at this time of year. You’ll see live music performances and interviews with actors and directors. As a cinephile, I enjoy attending film festivals, but the festival also includes free events for movie fans. Events may include such things as… Types of Events at the Jeonju International Film Festival Master Classes may be held with individuals who have made outstanding cinematic achievements and pioneered their own areas. A Master Class runs for 90 minutes after the film screening. It is provided with simultaneous interpretation in Korean and English and consecutive interpretation in French. The participation fee includes the film screening and Master Class goods​. JIFF’s representative may offer talk sessions, a casual discussion open to everyone, even those who did not watch the film. Attendees can enjoy listening to professionals share their vivid experiences of filmmaking. These sessions last for 40 minutes, and interpretation is not available. The participation fee does not include a film screening​. Special events to honor current events around the film industry. For example, Star Wars Day. Jeonju IFF 2023, in honor of the 40th Anniversary Celebration and theatrical rerelease of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, celebrated Star Wars Day on May 4th, otherwise known as “May the 4th Be With You” day. This was a super fun event that I attended. My Experience Attending A Special Event The day’s schedule included parades and picture-taking with the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion Korea, a marching band that played music from the Star Wars Soundtrack on the second level of a Star Wars Dome built across Ogeori Culture Plaza. The Star Wars dome included photo zones, of course, Star Wars Collectables Museum, with costumes signed by the actors themselves, such as Ming-Na Wen, who plays Fennec Shand, Star Wars trailer theater, a Star Wars Merchandise store, and a stamp tour which allowed players to go home with 2 Star Wars posters. My toddler enjoyed collecting stamps as much as earning new Star Wars posters. Things To Do Near The Jeonju International Film Festival From Ogeori Culture Plaza, we walked towards Jeonju Movie Street and Youth Culture Street, where we found restaurants, cafes, shopping, rides, arcades, and, of course, theaters, more photo zones, and free film festival merch. If you visit in the evening, you’ll also see movies projected on the walls of various alleys in the area. Additionally, if you have more time to spare, visit Palbok Art Factory, the Royal Portrait Museum, and Jeonju Hanok Village nearby. If you’re searching for Western cuisine, Ilu Ka, or Illu Car on Naver, offers steak and seafood. There’s also a Nomadic Brewing Company! We didn’t find many spots for street parking during this event, however, the Ramada Hotel, which is next to the film festival kiosks, offered parking from W1,000 to W3,000, depending on the length of stay. The public parking lots in this area also have reasonable rates and accepted foreign bank cards. For more information, such as films, event schedule, program, performances, and tickets visit the JIFF website. You may also purchase tickets to the film festival at the ticket box in Ogeori Culture Plaza. Jeonju’s Hanok Village: Tradition, Tips & Tastes Jeonju’s enchanting Hanok Village is a cultural gem, home to over 700 traditional hanok, Korean street food, immersive hanbok experiences, and a relaxed “Slow City” vibe where history and modern life coexist beautifully. Looking to plan your visit? Don’t miss the practical parking tips, highlights of must-see landmarks, and foodiest-approved attractions in this United on the RoK guide: Jeonju Hanok Village Guide: Parking, Attractions & Travel Tips. And for a deeper dive into its culinary delights, hanbok rentals, K-drama filming spots, and immersive cultural charm, check out: Discover Jeonju Hanok Village: Korea’s Cultural Escape into Tradition, Food, and History. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Let’s explore Korea’s relationship with Hawai’i. This post comes as I leave Korea to return to the US. The Historical Relationship Between Korea and Hawai’i Korea’s relationship with Hawai’i began during the Plantation Era. In 1902, the Korean Empire first issued passports, allowing Koreans to go to Hawai’i. After the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, plantation owners in Hawai’i sought to maintain low wages by manipulating ethnic division, which was easier for them to accomplish after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. For example, the Hawaiian Sugar Plantation Association, which was mostly controlled by American missionaries, encouraged Korean Immigration in order to quell the Japanese immigrants who were threatening to strike. American missionaries and an American businessman, David William Deschler, in Korea acted as intermediaries, recruiting Koreans through promises of prosperity. Deschler actually received income based on the number of Koreans he could convince to travel to work for the Hawai’i sugar plantations. In January 1903, 102 Koreans arrived in Honolulu Harbor, and within a couple of years, this number increased to around 7,000.  When Japan annexed Korea in 1910, these Korean expatriates were unable to return home and by 1928, most Koreans left the plantations and settled in Hawai’i, establishing their own businesses. This blog aims to highlight the many unique similarities between Korean and Hawaiian culture, including features that I have been comforted by over the past 3 years because they have made me feel closer to home. Shared cultural practices Now that we know a little bit more about the historical relationship between Korea and Hawai’i, let’s explore eight shared cultural practices: 1) Aquaculture via fish ponds (“loko i’a” in Hawaiian). While Korea describes this as an ancient practice, these fishponds are currently maintained throughout Hawai’i, and other island nations of Oceania, both to honor the culture and land, and provide more sustainable food sources. Seokbangnyeom in Namhae is a great example of this form of aquaculture.  You can also see examples of fishponds in Hawai’i that have been both preserved and cultivated for continued sustainable living. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P0E0nq7x6P8&feature=youtu.be 2) Rock formations – protection, fortification, and games Similar to the fishponds, rock formations were used by both Koreans and Hawaiians to create fortifications that can still be seen today. In fact, the next time you visit a fortress, palace, or temple in Korea, pay special attention to their use of rock formations in the architecture. Additionally, you will find doltap, or conical cairns, used to keep away misfortune, erected at village entrances, near temple hikes, and modeled in museums. If you visit a heiau, Hawaiian temple, you’ll also notice the use of rock formations. Please note in either situation, you should avoid removing rocks. In Hawai’i, it is important to know that each heiau serves a different purpose. Treat these locations with respect. If you are uncertain about customs and procedures in these locations, it helps to ask cultural experts. If you find that you are not being given direct answers, consider the “hidden cultural” aspect, which may be communicating (by not communicating) that you may not be welcome in certain areas. Korea, Japan, China, and Hawai’i used stones to play one of the oldest strategy games, which may look like the modern-day board game, Othello. In Korea, this game is known as baduk 바둑; In Hawai’i, konane. 3) Lunar Calendar Like Korea, and other countries across Asia and Oceania, Native Hawaiians also follow a lunar calendar based on moon phases, which provide guidance for farming, fishing, and daily life. In Hawai’i, each month has 3 anahulu, similar to weeks. Each anahulu lasts for 10 days, distinguishing between the waxing, rounding, and waning of the moon. https://www.hookuaaina.org/the-hawaiian-moon-phases/ The biggest festival in Korea today is Seollal (the traditional Korean New Year). Other important festivals include Daeboreum (the first full moon), Dano (spring festival), and Chuseok (harvest festival). https://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2021/12/06/lunar-new-year-in-south-korea/ 4) Food Migration Our long-standing history has resulted in a shared appreciation of food, arguably the real ambassadors of culture.  One need only type “Hawaii” into a Naver search to find hotels and restaurants with “Hawaiian” themes, likely decorated with palm trees, and including shrimp, coconut, and pineapples on the menu. If you’re really lucky, their beer menu may include something from Big Island Brewery. Though, of the things on the previously mentioned list, palm trees, specifically loulu palm trees, are the only ones native to Hawai’i; whereas shrimps, pineapples, and coconuts are not. Similarly, in Hawai’i, you’ll find Korean restaurants with dishes that are not typically found in Korea, such as meat jun, or thinly sliced beef, dipped and fried in egg batter, which is a local favorite at many of Hawai’i’s Korean fast food restaurants. As of 2018, just under 49,000 residents of Hawai’i identify themselves as being Korean so it’s very possible to find more authentic Korean culinary experiences. I would recommend restaurants in Honolulu, such as Choi’s Garden and Millions.  Or just take a stroll down Ke’eaumoku Street and you’ll find many Korean-owned restaurants and businesses. Sadly, while many Korean establishments on Ke’eaumoku have closed since the pandemic, others have also relocated.  https://www.honolulumagazine.com/jan-31-will-mark-the-end-for-a-whole-block-of-keeaumoku-eateries-heres-where-theyre-going/ For jjajangmyeon, I often go to Ong Dong, which is a Korean Chinese restaurant in Honolulu. And, if you’re looking for a ride in between locations, Pony Taxi is my go-to Korean-owned taxi company.  5) Spiritual connection with nature Korean and Hawaiian ancestors adapted to nature and became one with it. Native Hawaiians consider themselves to be stewards of the land and our identity is defined by our connection and responsibility to care for the land. Somewhat like the Korean history with shamanism, Hawaiians are polytheistic and are strongly connected to their ancestor “spirits”, including those that exist in nature. 6) Genealogy Korean families treasure their genealogies. While Koreans keep these records in treasured books, Native Hawaiians, originally an oral culture, trace their genealogy or mo’oku’auhau, through chants or ‘oli, which often includes the land or pai’aina that a person is from because, as previously referenced, the land is our ancestor. 7) The Rose of Sharon The Rose of Sharon or hibiscus can be found in both Korea and Hawai’i. The hibiscus syriacus is native to Korea and is often considered the national flower. Seven species of hibiscus are endemic to Hawai’i, but you may also find hibiscus rosa-sinensis, endemic to China, in Hawai’i as well. The yellow hibiscus brackenridgei is listed as an endangered species. 8) Appreciation for Hula You can find halau, school for hula, here in Korea, on Instagram, @susan_kukana_hula and @becoming.aloha If you’re interested in learning or watching performances, then you can reach out via their Instagram. Kumu, or teacher, Susan or Kukana, teaches in Korean. You may reach Kukana at 010-2252-3336 for inquiries. Kumu Kukana’s halau is located 5 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 4. Hula is a sacred practice. Hula praises Hawaiian gods, our ancestors, and therefore, nature as well. Thus it would be inappropriate to wear hula outfits and hanbok for Halloween because these are not costumes. Koreans wear hanbok for special occasions and in significant places. You will often find hanbok rental shops near palaces in Korea, where the shop keeper can help foreigners wear hanbok correctly. Your entrance fee to palaces is often waved if you are wearing a hanbok. On the other hand, Hawaiians have protocols and behavioral expectations for those who take on the honor of perpetuating the knowledge of hula. 9) Pacific Connections As an educator, my 9th and 10th grade curriculum required students to select cultures around the Pacific Ocean to compare to Hawaiian culture. Eventually, as we watched the Hokule’a circumnavigate the world in 2014, this unit expanded to include other cultures around the world. https://www.hokulea.com/worldwide-voyage/ The goal of this unit emphasized that we all have more in common than we may realize and, through those shared commonalities, perhaps we can also find resolutions for our differences and global solutions for our seemingly isolated concerns. My family cherished our short three-year stay in Korea. While I was accustomed to the food and language, coming from Hawai’i, I have grown to love so much more about this unique culture and nation that is so much more than what one may glean from Hallyu. Don’t get me wrong, I have long enjoyed the psychological thrillers of Park Chan-wook; I couldn’t help being swept up in the adventures of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young Woo”; and my little one often requests Black Pink songs, while we are driving around Korea. However, the screen doesn’t fully translate the magnificence of watching the sunset from Kkotji Beach, sitting in any one of Korea’s remarkable cafes and enjoying a unique signature drink, and the picture-painting-like landscapes of farmlands, mountain views, or seasonal flowers. While we long to return to my home, Hawai’i, Korea will always have a place in our hearts. Reading recommendations If you find this South of Seoul post interesting, I would like to recommend three books to read: LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Worried about your child transitioning to daycare in Korea? Honestly, when I first thought of writing this blog, I questioned whether there was an audience for this. The more time I spend in Korea, the more I’ve come to realize that we are not alone. Oftentimes, there’s someone else out there, wondering the same things, asking the same questions. To the stay-at-home moms and dads, the toddler parents, the international parents, this blog is for you. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Disclaimer The issues that I talk about in this blog post may not be specific to Korea. Sending a child to daycare for the first time is complicated for parents everywhere. Some of my struggles related to the fact this was my first time sending a child to a daycare program. The documented struggles of adjusting to daycare in Korea don’t exist as commentary on Korean society. Instead, such documentation exists as a resource for other parents to help them see how another family navigated this complicated process. This is important to say because when we have new experiences in a new country it’s easy to think our pain is related to the culture when really, it could be mostly related to doing something for the first time. Staying present with the knowledge may help you navigate the hurdles you face along the way. It’s scary to send our kids out into the world and even harder when we may feel powerless or fearful working within a new cultural context. My Lens on Life First a little background about myself so you know where I am coming from. I am Native Hawaiian, among a number of other ethnicities, and I have lived in Hawai’i for most of my life. Multicultural spaces feel like safe spaces to me. I have also been an educator for over 20 years. During that time, I have worked for public schools, private schools, high schools, and a university. I even briefly volunteered as a Native English guest speaker at a Korean school. I’ve coached and worked with various debate programs – public, private, and homeschool leagues, and attended competitions across the United States and China. So, international education isn’t new to me. Yet, I had a lot to adapt to when my child started school in Korea. My Different Lenses on Education My own experience and perspective of education began with a “Westernized” lens. As a military brat, I started school in England, near Lakenheath, until we moved to Nevada, and finally settled back home, in Hawai’i. Additionally, as an educator in Hawai’i, I became more in touch with my indigenous culture. I wanted my daughter to also experience educational diversity. This made me interested in exploring Korean daycare options. Despite all of my experience with education, nothing quite prepared me for dealing with education from a parent’s perspective. As a parent, I wasn’t prepared for the “culture shock” of not only transitioning my toddler to school but transitioning to an international school. My Choice For Korean Daycare When presented with an English-speaking Korean daycare/preschool that focused more on learning through play and nature, I was overjoyed. At my child’s school, students learn science through an introduction to planting, gardening, and observing animals. They even go outside to study when air quality and weather permits. Student lunches also include food grown on the farm at school. Students go on field trips to nearby arboretums and science centers. When the students aren’t exploring the natural world, it’s preschool as one may typically expect. Students study within four walls, playing, crafting, singing, and learning. The teachers help students develop verbal, physical, and social skills. Cost of Daycare A very good surprise about daycare in Korea, from a US citizen’s perspective, is its affordability. In Hawai’i, where my four-year-old niece already has homework on the weekends, the average cost is 1,000 USD per month. However, the Korean government subsidizes daycare, preschool, and kindergarten for citizens and legal residents. While my little one’s regular tuition would be 325,000 KRW per month. After the discount, the fee goes down to around 70,000 KRW per month. You can learn more by reading my blog post “Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts for Foreign Residents.” Meal Times In fact, their only complaint has been that they are occasionally required to eat kimchi. Our first culture shock experience was lunch. Coming from Hawai’i, with a sizable population of Koreans, I have always known that kimchi is an important part of mealtime. l also hoped that our child wouldn’t mind eating diverse foods. However, my toddler, having had little to no exposure to any spicy food, cried at the thought of eating kimchi. For a brief period of time after my child started school, simply feeding them anything red led to disagreements at the dinner table. Many foreign parents will defend the digestive benefits of eating kimchi, even for our little ones. My toddler still doesn’t like kimchi but will at least try it if it’s on their plate. As one would expect, the food in Korean daycares will likely follow Korean food traditions. This means the lunches and snacks include mostly Korean foods with Western-themed items sprinkled in as treats. Children who haven’t eaten a lot of Korean food may need time to adjust. Packing lunch might be an option. Daycare and Illness One of our biggest culture shock experiences was sick days and attendance. Allow me to preface this with the fact that we arrived in Korea in 2020, during peak uncertainties regarding the coronavirus. As parents, we chose all the safety precautions. We wore masks. We rarely ate out. In fact, for quite a while, US Military would not allow those on SOFA status to dine out even though Korean citizens were always allowed to eat out in groups of 4 or fewer. Due to such precautions, our child had very little social interaction and exposure to germs, outside of the usual playgrounds, kid cafes, and family friends. Additionally, I think we all know that children are walking petri dishes. In fact, there is even a name for it Daycare Syndrome. Daycare Syndrome describes the fact young children get frequent upper respiratory tract infections at school. Such infections may also include colds and secondary ear infections. Kids getting sick often at daycare happens worldwide and yet I was not ready. It felt like something was wrong with Korean daycare but after talking to parents back home, other early childhood education staff, and reading online I realized this exists as a common issue. Trying to predict or control the kinds of germs children will be exposed to at school is almost impossible. When our little one came home with a fever and cough, after their first week of school, we were frustrated. However, as our child’s school reminded us, they can’t control parents sending their kids to school sick. As happens in industrialized societies, working parents often don’t have the option to keep their kids home. When it progressed to vomiting and diarrhea, and the cough lingered for over six weeks, we became upset with the world. We felt helpless and our child’s inconsistent attendance in school made the transition even more complicated. We ran into some stressful issues such as building a stable routine. The Struggle to Establish Routine How do we establish structure and routine for our toddler when we couldn’t even get through a full week of school? After accepting that we could not control whether or not other parents brought their sick child to school, a fact that the school continued to remind us of, we realized that we needed to reassess our reasons for sending our child to daycare/preschool. For us, that reason was “social interaction”. Keep in mind, this reflects on our perspective of parenting and education. You may have different priorities and expectations that may impact how you want to approach solving issues you experience when you send your child to their early education course. Our choices aren’t advice, simply a documentation of our decision-making process. Adapting My Perspective I needed to adapt my educator’s perspective of “attendance” to include the realization that toddlers do not need to be around other toddlers every day to learn social skills and make friends. Korean schools, on the other, may need to justify attendance due to legal requirements and may persistently inquire via texts and phone calls about your child’s health if they are absent. We chose to keep our child home whenever they had a fever and any symptoms that may be contagious, which meant even after 2 months, our child has not gone through a full week of school. We also encourage our child to wear a mask throughout the day and the teachers have honored this request, for the most part. Vaccinations Korean schools will also require that your child is up to date on their vaccinations. You will need to provide vaccination records when attending a Korean school. School Supplies Much like public schools in the States, not only will you receive a school supply list prior to the first week of school, but the school may also accept donations for recyclables and craft supplies. For school supplies, we needed to purchase a nap mat, a stainless steel mug, a spoon set, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand soap, baby wipes, a water bottle with a carrying bag, for field trips, and a change of clothes. If you’re not really picky, then you can usually find everything you need at your local Panda Pam. Daycare Naptime Ever since we arrived in Korea, our child has been fairly consistent in taking 2-, sometimes 3-hour naps. Our preschool sets aside exactly one hour for nap time. So if your child is anything like mine, slow to sleep, even more so with distractions, then you may have a groggy, cranky little one on your hands after the school day is done. Since our child’s attendance was too inconsistent to develop consistent sleeping habits in school, we opted for half-school days, rather than full days. With toddlers, consistency is key so if you are determined to commit to the designated school naptimes and your little one is not, consider letting your child bring their lovey or stuffed animal to school and/or noise-canceling headphones. Potty Training and Daycare Potty Training? You really need to have this conversation with your child’s teachers because daycares and preschools vary in their expectations. Some will actually assist in potty training, and others will recommend that your child take the time to poo at home to prevent them from having accidents at school. The latter made my already-potty-trained four-year-old regress just a tad but after a month, they were back to their regular self. They also eventually became more comfortable going to the potty in school. Transportation Many preschools offer bus transportation if you live nearby, but you may also opt to transport your child regardless. Most schools have their own buses, including daycare and preschool, so your child will likely have field trips to nearby science centers, museums, and parks. Communication While toddlers are often communicative and bad at keeping surprises, they are also not reliable narrators. For example, my 4-year-old was under the impression that they were not allowed to poo at school and that they were required to eat all of the kimchi in their lunch. However, they had misunderstood both situations. Our toddler didn’t lie, she just didn’t fully understand. With patience and understanding, we all managed to find both clarity and peace of mind. Such confusion may be one most difficult parts of navigating through culture shock. You need to focus heavily on taking the time to clearly understand your...

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Do you have a kid(s) who are in need of daycare or kindergarten services? Did you know that Korea offers daycare and kindergarten discounts (Also known as subsidies) for Korean and foreign residents? We may have some information you may need in order to apply for subsidies for your kids. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. The Limits of the Information in This Post This post provides general information about daycare and kindergarten subsidies as well as more specific information for Pyeongtaek-si, Asan-si, and the US Military living in the area surrounding either Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Force Base. Keep in mind, every foreigner in South Korea lives here under a different social lens. Depending on what country you come from or what visa you have, you may experience additional hurdles or have additional support. Manage your expectations and understand that the process will likely have surprises. Daycare and kindergarten subsidies change based on the administrative district. Different districts may offer different amounts and management of the subsidies may occur in different ways. Language barriers and cultural differences may make it hard to figure out how to apply for the subsidies until you have started the process. Let Us Know Your Experiences Please let South of Seoul know about additional information needed in this blog Post. We always strive to update our information in order to become increasingly accurate over time. About Korean Daycare and Kindergarten Subsidies The Korean government(s) (federal or local) may provide a subsidy for daycare and kindergarten education to support families with young children. The subsidy exists as part of the national education system, and the Korean government designed it to make kindergarten education more affordable and accessible to all families. Such subsidies may include daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents. Additionally, such subsidies and rules may change over time. The subsidy covers a significant portion of the tuition fees for kindergarten education, varying depending on the family’s income level. Families with lower incomes receive a higher subsidy, while those with higher incomes receive a lower subsidy. To qualify for the subsidy, guardians must meet specific eligibility criteria. This may include enrolling their child in a kindergarten program approved by the Korean government. Families must also provide proof of income and other relevant documentation. To receive the subsidy, guardians must have a Korean bank account. This is not an issue for residents of South Korea. However, US military-affiliated people living in Korea under the SOFA Agreement often do not have Korean bank accounts. Therefore, they will need to open one to receive their subsidy. Overall, the Korean government’s kindergarten subsidy program aims to provide young children with a strong education foundation and support families in raising healthy and happy children. About Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts As of March 1, 2023, foreign toddlers (3-5 years old) with a Foreign Registration Card living in Seoul (see an article about Seoul subsidies here), Gyeonggi-do, Cheonan-si, and Asan-si, will be subsidized for daycare (up to W100,000) and Kindergarten (up to W350,000). The subsidy can be applied 90 days after your child receives their FRC. While foreigners typically apply for an FRC upon entering Korea, U.S. Military tend to rely on their SOFA status and put off getting an FRC until they realize they don’t have access to many comforts in Korea. One comfort is this subsidy and one of the many reasons U.S. Military dependents may want to consider applying for an FRC as soon as possible. Only Residents of Korea Receive Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts Korea provides support for residents and citizens of Korea. This means that families who want to apply for daycare services must be legally registered as Residents of Korea. Most families living and working in South Korea register when they arrive in South Korea, so applying for government programs is pretty straightforward. US Military and the FRC On the other hand, the US military need to become residents of Korea and then apply for subsidies. That is because the SOFA visa allows US military-affiliated soldiers, families, employees, and contractors to live in South Korea without registering as Residents of Korea. This means they must apply for Korean residency before applying for childcare benefits. We will give a quick review of this procedure here. It can take between 1-3 months to complete the FRC process, so getting started as soon as possible makes a big difference. Learn how to get started here. 90-Day Waiting Period A guardian can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents 90 days after receiving an FRC. However, US military-affiliated people who arrived on a SOFA visa can only count their days in South Korea after receiving their FRC. This is because living in Korea on the SOFA agreement does NOT count as living as a Korean resident. ***Important for US Military affiliated Persons: If you choose to live in South Korea on only the SOFA agreement, this specifically excludes you from many aspects of society, such as banking, legal protections, social subsidies, and more. Applying for Korean Daycare and Kindergarten Subsidies A guardian (parent or other legal guardians) can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents through various means. These may include: Although most articles online will make this seem like a cut-and-dried process, expect to experience many frustrations with the process if you are a foreigner who has not used Korean government services in the past. Expect to experience hidden culture (things they assume you know), struggle with language barriers, and surprise paperwork or procedures. This article works as a guide to let you know where to get started in the process, but we can only predict some of the surprises along the way. So always plan twice as long as you need to do any task and expect that you will need to go on many side quests before you achieve your goal. It’s not that the process is bad or does not work; it’s that the process is new and unfamiliar in a language that’s also new and unfamiliar. Happiness Account You will need a “Happiness Card” to receive and transfer the subsidy to the school. If you do not currently have a Korean bank account, the South of Seoul has you covered. Just read the Opening a Bank Account in South Korea blog post. I used this, and it made getting my bank account set up relatively easy. You just need W1,000 to set up a Happiness Account. You can see an example of the Happiness Account below. US Military Process for Applying for Residence Card To apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents, US Military may be able to get their FRC one of two ways. 1) Apply at your local immigration center, and 2) if you live in Pyeongtaek-si, you can hand in your paperwork at Osan Air Force Base 1. Military Apply at You Regions Immigration Center I followed this blog for my FRC: US Military: Getting Your Foreign Registration Card (FRC) in South Korea. You will need to apply for the FRC in your region. For example, if you live near Camp Humphreys, the following immigration centers may apply to you: Asan Immigration Center Pyeongtaek Immigration Center 2. Applying for an FRC on Osan Air Force Base If you have a home address in Pyeongtaek, you can avoid the immigration office and submit your paperwork to the Korean immigration office on Osan Air Force Base. However, each applicant needs to be physically present with their own copy of the following documents: 1. Passport Photo, which should be glued to #22. ARC application, which may be found at https://www.hikorea.go.kr/board/BoardApplicationListR.pt?page=1#this3. Copy of Lease, if the person requesting the FRC is NOT the person listed on the lease, then you also need to include a copy of the passport for the person who IS listed on the lease.4. Copy of Passport5. Copy of Birth Certificate for kids entering a Korean school6. Copy of ID or military ID, if applicable7. Copy of orders, if applicable Your FRC should be available within three weeks. The school should also provide you with the necessary documentation for the subsidy, but you will not need that information when applying for the FRC. Ensure you get all this done so you can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreigner residents. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Grab your kids or some friends and go explore science museums in Korea. Reasons to Visit Science Museums in Korea There are many science museums in Korea that both kids and adults may enjoy. Each of the museums offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of the many reasons to go to a science museum while living and traveling in South Korea: Overall, science museums offer a fun and educational experience that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Issues Expats May Face When Visiting Science Museums While visiting science museums in Korea can be a great experience, there may be some hurdles that expats face. Some of these hurdles may include: To overcome these hurdles, ex-pats visiting science museums in Korea can consider booking a guided tour in their native language, downloading translation apps, researching cultural differences before visiting, and checking for discounts or free admission days. Seven Science Museums in Korea Now that you know a little bit about what to expect, here are seven great science museums to visit with your friends and families. Located in Osan City, Eunsan Eoullim Ecology Museum recommends that you make a reservation for your visit. If you go without reservations, you may be disappointed because you will not be included in the class (or ongoing tour) and will be left on your own. However, reservations can be made by booking on Naver. This museum specializes in amphibians and reptiles. Environmental Science Center (or Asan Ecological Environment Insect Museum) is in Asan. This large park is dedicated to learning more about environmental science. There are various tropical plants, and the area includes over 40 types of creatures, including tarantulas and scorpions. Also, the site has the Green Tower Observation Deck, and the Asan Insect Museum included. Located in Busan, Hong Dae-yong Science Museum was named after the inventor who developed the first Korean-made sewing machine. The museum focuses on the life and work of Hong Dae-yong. Also, it is dedicated to the history and development of science and technology in Korea. Exhibits include displays of Hong Dae-yong’s inventions and interactive exhibits for exploring scientific concepts. Located in Daejeon, the National Museum of Science and Technology covers various sciences, from physics and chemistry to astronomy and biology. Exhibits include interactive displays, live demonstrations, and educational programs for children and adults. The Daegu National Science Museum is located in Daegu and features a variety of interactive exhibits covering a wide range of science topics. The presentations engage visitors by including hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations. More popular exhibits include a giant piano that visitors can play with their feet, a virtual reality space exploration exhibit, and a simulated earthquake experience. Also, this museum hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) established Naro Space Science Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. The museum features exhibits and activities educating visitors about the universe. The Planetarium features a 23-meter dome with state-of-the-art projection technology creating an immersive night sky and beyond. In addition to the museum, they operate a research center and a rocket launch site. Yangpyeong Insect Museum is located in Yangpyeong. Dedicated to insects, it features over 20,000 specimens from around the world. The exhibits educate visitors about the different types of insects and their importance in the natural world. The displays and activities include both live and preserved specimens. Popular exhibits include a silkworm room and a butterfly house. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly travelers sharing their adventures across the country. (Most of the members live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea). Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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If you come from a family of skiers and snowboarders, then you may not be my target audience for learning about winter activities in Korea for toddlers. You likely already have a winter plan. Unlike me, you’re confident enough with winter sports to know where to begin with teaching your little one how to enjoy the cold weather. However, if you come from warm weather this article might help you make some fun winter choices. Don’t worry if you live in a part of Korea that isn’t snowing because these locations specialize in maintaining and creating snow-like conditions. For example, we drove to Alps Village in the middle of January, after not seeing any snow for 2 weeks in Asan. We were a little concerned when we still didn’t see any snow on the drive, but were pleasantly surprised and excited once we arrived. Contacting the location ahead, or using 1330, may save you some anxiety. If the location is open, there will be snow! My Relationship with Winter I’m from Hawai’i. This means I’m more comfortable planning warm-weather fun, but not completely without cold-weather experiences. Hawai’i has an Ice Palace, open year-round on the island of O’ahu, so yes, I have years of experience ice skating; it was a middle school right of passage. In Korea, I can only hope that my knowledge of skateboarding and water sports can translate into enough muscle memory to enjoy sledding and snowboarding. This brings us to the following toddler recommendations for winter. Skiing Resorts Yes, I HAVE seen videos of toddlers skiing and snowboarding. Very impressive, but they are often raised by parents with lots of winter experience. If you don’t have winter experience, you can also get ski/snowboard lessons or go sledding at these ski resorts. Here are a few toddler-friendly ski resorts, in case you want to start slow: Vivaldi Park Toddler Notes: Music-themed winter fun for the family. Includes skiing, tube sledding, and snow play zones. Very popular location. Welli Hilli Park Toddler Notes: Resort destination that includes skiing, snowboarding, and an indoor water park among other things. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Toddler Notes: Great for beginners ages 3 years and up. Beginner-level slopes for skiing and sledding. Yangji Pine Resort Toddler Notes: Resort destination, much like Welli Helli Park, includes skiiing and sledding, as well as indoor sports and restaurants. Sledding Additionally, if you want to take your toddler sledding without the ski resort experience, you’ll find a few places near Pyeongtaek and Camp Humphreys. This can easily be a one-day activity without the need to stay overnight. I mention these since they are what I am familiar with. The sledding slopes may be busy with winter school vacations occurring in January and February. Waiting in lines for sledding can take a while so if your toddler is impatient in queues, then you may need a backup plan. Cheonan Sangnok Resort Toddler Notes: While this location includes an amusement park, it is closed for the Winter so if it looks exciting, then return for the rides in March. This location has 3 main slopes for different levels – Advanced (tube sled with long, steep climb to the top), Intermediate (tube sled with shorter course), and Toddlers (low slope with plastic sleds). Convenience store and restaurants on-site and in Sangnok Hotel. W14,000 on weekdays; W18,000 on the weekend. Sledding hours are from 10:00 to 16:30, closed Mondays and during rain. My favorite toddler family winter spot is Alps Village & Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival, also popular on Instagram and Tiktok for the majestic ice sculptures and magical Frozenesque background. Open daily, from 0900 to 2100 (with night show starting at 1800). For around W20,000 each, you can enjoy various slopes levels of tube sledding (eg. toddler only, beginner and toddler & parent, intermediate, and advanced), toboganning, snow play, ziplining, ice castles and ice sculptures, and a petting zoo. For a few extra won, you can purchase other things on site, like animal feed, food, coffee, roast chestnuts and sweet potato, train rides, to name a few. They also have gloves for purchase at the entrance, in case you forgot yours. If you decide that you want to stay longer, there are rental cottages, which can accommodate from 8 to 20 people, on location but they book quickly. For more information on sledding options Sledding in South Korea > The South of Seoul Blog Ice skating You don’t need to travel to Seoul to enjoy ice skating. Indoor and outdoor ice rinks exist in other areas of South Korea. You will need to check the free skate schedules before going and you can often use 1330 to do just that. You can also use the Konglish term “아이스깅크” or the Korean term “빙상장” to search for locations on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Gear Availability Locations require skaters to wear a helmet and gloves. Helmets are available in 3 different sizes but if your little one has a helmet that fits them perfectly, bring it. Locations also have snack and supply stores so if you want to purchase skate gear and accessories you may. Storing Your Things You’ll also need coins for the lockers. Skates are available for rent, but for your little ones, it may help to use 1330 to check available skate sizes before the drive. Yi Sun-Shin Ice Rink in Asan: If you enjoy watching the Asan Mugunghwa Football team, the Asan Owls, then you’re probably already familiar with the Yi Sun-Shin Stadium next door. Open from 0900 to 1800 weekdays; 0900 to 2000 weekends; closed Mondays. The skate rink is closed during lunch from 11:30 to 12:30 but you are welcome to eat in the snack shop while you wait. This location does NOT include skate aids so if your toddler isn’t ready, then I would not advise it unless you are a strong ice skater. Namseon Park Skating Rink may be your next adventure in Daejeon. This location includes ice skating, sledding, rides, and cute little penguin-shaped skate aids. Open from 10:00 to 20:00; closed Mondays. Daejeon could be an easy day trip from Pyeontaek but If you’d rather stay for the weekend. Winter-friendly Indoor Options If you and/or your toddler are “allergic” to the cold weather and just need a warm indoor location to play, you may want to consider: Choosing The Right Winter Toddler Activities In the end, your choices may depend on your toddlers courage and desire for adventure. Winter sports look easy when you’re watching animated princesses, gliding across a screen, but it’s good to have a back up plan in case your toddler doesn’t feel ready. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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As a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), who arrived in Korea with a one-year-old and later traveled back to the States with a three-year-old, I am now psychologically and emotionally ready to share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way about traveling with babies and toddlers. I have to thank all of the moms who share their stories on social media because their stories helped shape my content through my own travel experiences.  Choosing Flights When possible, opting for an overnight flight saved us the most both in setting up a quiet and more manageable flight and also in helping our little one acclimate to changing time zones. If you are able to secure an overnight flight, avoiding naps and sugar on the day of the flight, as well as dressing your little ones in comfortable, bedtime clothes help to set the tone for the night. Creating Comfort Creating a comfortable space for your little one during a long flight is in the best interest of everyone. While the FAA recommends safety harnesses for children under 40 pounds, don’t assume that your car seat is FAA approved. We were disappointed to discover ours was not because our one-year-old always slept comfortably in their car seat. Always check in advance.  We purchased an FAA-approved CARES or Child Aviation Restraint System. Looks like a complicated set of straps but the instructions are fairly simple and of course, flight attendants can help you.  CARES also works on bus rides, such as the shuttle bus to Camp Humphreys, and tours that you may opt to go on while in Korea.  During the flight, we brought an inflatable travel footrest, which fit comfortably in front of the seat on our Korean Airlines flights, which have much more leg room than some other airlines, such as Delta. The inflatable footrest just barely fit on our Delta flights . When fully inflated, the footrest creates an extension to the seat, much like a small bed. This recommendation came straight from Facebook moms and my husband and I were grateful. Our little one slept throughout most of the 9-hr flight, sometimes curled up in a ball, using the footrest as a pillow, other times, using it as a footrest. If you have a tall toddler, this option may not be very comfortable.  Another option, which worked on our flight back, was to place a small pillow on both arm rests, again Korean Airlines comes in clutch with pillows and blankets.  Once I reclined the chair, they were off to dreamland. In-flight entertainment  Comfortable headphones, both for entertainment purposes and as noise-canceling devices make traveling with babies and toddlers much easier. I have purchased window clings, travel magnets, activity books, magnetic erase boards, dry erase books, color wonder mess-free pens, and yet none of these options could compete with the availability of music, audiobooks, and screen entertainment during the flight. Bring activities that your little one enjoys prior to the flight. Remember that you also need to sleep and rest as much as possible.  If you’re traveling on a budget, Daiso has lots of affordable activity books, sticker books, and toys. Otherwise, consider creating inexpensive craft toys that are easy to pack prior to leaving, such as creating your own dry-erase boards with cardboard and clear packing tape. Maybe a fun activity to do with your toddler a month or so in advance.  Food options  Bring snacks that your babies or toddlers enjoy while traveling, as long as they’re not over 3.4 ounces of liquid or cream. Korean Airlines fed us two meals during our 9 or so hour flights to the States and back. Our persnickety toddler and I benefitted from the Western and Korean options for meals on Korean Airlines. You may also request ramyun as a snack.  For our non-Korean Airlines flights, I needed to purchase toddler-approved food and snacks in advance.  Don’t wait to stock up on expensive airport options.  If you’re traveling with babies, you should be able to bring a cooler with ice to store bottles. You’ll of course need to bring the formula and purchase water in the airport, after TSA screening.  Incheon Airport has a separate TSA screening area, with a much shorter wait, for those traveling with small children. Preparing a backup plan for the plane Adults don’t often think about how the changes in cabin pressure is experienced by children, who also may have trouble vocalizing their needs. My toddler started screaming that her ears hurt as the plane prepared for landing. I gave them a lollipop, since they’re not accustomed to chewing gum, and they were just fine. Prepare for messes, as usual, including slip-on diapers, extra clothes, and wipes. We tried to keep our one-year-old hydrated on our way to Korea, which resulted in diaper overflow.  My Final Thoughts Finally, when in doubt, bring all the tricks! Since we checked in most of our luggage, my carry-ons included 1) my purse and 2) a backpack strictly for airplane needs, which fit easily under my seat. Since I was alone with my toddler on our return to Korea, it helped to have everything within reach. If you aren’t carrying too much, consider bringing your stroller since you can check it in prior to boarding and it may help take the burden off your shoulders. Give yourself some grace.  Once, while traveling during my college years, a couple, with children, sitting next to me on a flight, purchased an in-flight meal for me, to apologize in advance for anything their children may do during the flight.  It wasn’t necessary and their children hardly drew attention to themselves. But what I did notice was the display of patience and understanding the couple gave to one another during the flight. We’re parents. We’re really trying our best. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Grab your family and your imagination for a fun day at Fairy Tale Village in Incheon. About Fairy Tale Village Songwol-dong 송월동 동화마을, Fairy Tale Village, is a vibrant, mural-themed village in Incheon with Disney Fairy tales, Korean Fairy tales, and other childhood story favorites. This truly is a delight for your senses. Your children will love it and your inner child will, too! If you just want a fanciful walk, this village is free and open year-round.  Also, this is another great spot for cherry blossoms and tulips in the Spring. This area was revitalized in 2013 and covered with fabulous scenes from fairy tales. Fairy Tale Village has wonderful street murals and areas for photos that are based on fairy tales from Korea and western ones as well. If you are looking for fun photos for your Instagram, there are many wonderful spots from which to choose. Other Places to Visit in the Area After you are done walking around Fairy Tale Village, you should check out some of the other fun things in the area. Chinatown – Created when the Incheon Port opened in 1883 & designated an extraterritorality by the Qing Dynasty in 1884. Great place to visit for the flavors of various regions of China. For more history, visit the Korea-Chinese Cultural Center and the Chinese History Museum. Jayu Park (Freedom Park) – Built in 1888, Korea’s first Western-Style modern park, with a view of Incheon Harbor, verdant walks, & cherry blossoms in the Spring. Samgukji Mural Street – This street has murals depicting scenes from Chinese history. Walking this area gives the feeling of reading a book. Trick Art Museum – Open 0900 to 1800, Closed Mondays. Entrance fee W9,000 Wolmido (or Wolmi Island) – Although this area was the location of King Hyojong’s temporary palace (built around 1653), there is no trace left behind. The Wolmi Culture Street is a great place to walk and feel the sea breeze. This area includes a theme park, nature hikes, cultural museums, restaurants, and cafes. Unique Cafes in Fairy Tale Village Looking for a unique cafe to visit while you are in the area? Then, you should check out these five locations to get your coffee and dessert fix. Cafe Oz – Open 1100 to 1700. Cafe for those who would follow the yellow brick road, but also for the anime fans. Donghwamaeul Cafe – Open 1300 to 1730 on weekdays; 1030 to 1800 on weekends. Rent a uniform and take black and white pics as well as enjoy a coffee. Donghwamaeul Puppet Show Cafe – 1000 to 1800, Closed Tuesday & Thursday. Visitors may create puppets a d watch puppet shows while enjoying their drinks. Children’s books and building blocks upstairs. The owner played games and brought out games for my toddler. The Present – Closed Thursday & Friday, Open 1200 – 2100. Go for lunch, but stay for the view because there’s no better time to sit and relax, then the present. Sit and enjoy cherry blossoms, if it’s Spring. Umul Yeop Geu House – You can’t miss the giraffes out front. Diverse drink menu, cookies, postcards, and trinkets. Where to Eat in the Area? While you are in the Fairy Tale Village area in Incheon, check out one of these great locations for a meal or dessert. Kkotbongja Donghwamaeul Branch – If you’ve never had ice cream cones that look like flowers, here’s a cute dessert stop Dolphin Pizza – Dolphin shaped desserts as well as pizza. Gaehangno Chicken – Very juicy and tender chicken! If you love Chinese food, we would recommend perusing Chinatown. You’ll find many restaurants with jjajangmyeon and dumplings. Here’s a recommendation. You can also find the Jjajangmyeon Museum in Chinatown, the birthplace of Jjajangmyeon in Korea. Sandong Kitchen Sinpo International Market – Walking through an international market is an experience everyone should have in Korea, also great places to find food. Parking & Transportation to Incheon While there’s a few parking lots around Jayu Park, here are a few recommendations for Public Parking. Since Incheon is a perfectly walkable area, we would recommend public transportation. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group If you are loved this blog about Fairytale Village in Incheon and are looking for more adventures in Korea, you are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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