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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If you want to see the beauty of autumn in Korea, you must check out Asan Gingko Tree Road. It is easily one of Korea’s most photogenic walking roads and is located in the Asan-si countryside. About Asan-si Asan-si is located in the Chungcheongnam-do province of South Korea. The administrative district hosts a vibrant city and extensive rural areas. Situated approximately 90 kilometers south of Seoul, Asan-s is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its role in Korea’s history during the Joseon Dynasty. Asan-si contains various historical sites, such as the renowned Oeam Village, where visitors can experience traditional Korean architecture and lifestyles. Its proximity to natural landmarks like the Asan Spavis hot springs further enhances its appeal as a destination for relaxation and cultural exploration. In recent years, Asan has seen significant urban growth, driven by its thriving industrial sector, especially in the fields of technology and manufacturing. The city is part of the wider Asan Bay Industrial Complex, which attracts both local and international investment. Additionally, the region is a key player in South Korea’s transportation network, with the KTX high-speed rail connecting it to major cities like Seoul and Busan. Asan also offers a blend of modern amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, making it an attractive location for both residents and visitors. One of Asan’s most scenic and unique attractions is its famous Ginkgo Road, a tree-lined path that stretches through the city and is renowned for its breathtaking display of golden ginkgo leaves in autumn. This picturesque area provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and a connection to nature. Asan Gingko Tree Road (은행나무길) Eunhaeng namu-gil 은행나무길 is also known as Asan Gingko Tree Road. This is probably one of the most popular Autumn walks, especially if you’re anywhere near Pyeongtaek. While it’s a beautiful walk at any time of year, you won’t want to miss it during the Autumn Season. This area is great for a walk or run, alone or accompanied. And for movers of any age, it is also stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, and bicycle-friendly. There’s even a spot to rent bikes. However, please note that the pedestrian walk and bike trails are separate. This walk is lined with a few cafes, such as Eunhaengnamu-gil Cafe (Gingko Road Cafe), which also has tarot card readings. Also, Underhill or Eondeohil, has lunch options and a rooftop level. However, Gallery Cafe Monet has the best view of Gingko Tree Road and also has its own, albeit small, parking area. Parking for Asan Gingko Tree Road You’ll likely see a few parking lots along the path which fill up quickly and may be difficult to get in and out of during peak season. While I tend to prefer finding street parking nearby and walk to Asan Gingko Tree Road, here are a couple of recommendations since parking becomes quite competitive during the Autumn season. Visit Hyeongchungsa Shrine (현충사) While in the area, make sure to also visit the Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사) nearby, which is my favorite Autumn experience. Hyeonchungsa Shrine is free and in walking distance to Asan Gingko Road, so you can visit both and not have to search for parking twice. Explore Asan Beyond the Ginkgo Trees When most people think of Asan, the golden ginkgo tree road comes to mind—but there’s so much more to discover. From folk villages and mountain trails to markets and family-friendly attractions, Asan offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Check out United on the RoK Magazine’s full guide here: Asan: Beyond the Ginkgo Trees. How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours regarding the Asan Gingko Tree cafes and restaurants, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. We enjoy seeing the posts for Pyeongtaek and the immediate areas: Osan, Yongin, Anseong, Cheonan, Asan, Hwaseong, and Suwon. 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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Korea has a plethora of folk villages where you can learn about Korean history during different eras. Take a day for this Yongin Korean Folk Village itinerary and enjoy all the expansive, family-friendly park has to offer. Also, this particularly itinerary happens all in one place! About Folk Villages In South Korea Korea has many different types of folk villages across the country. Folk villages provide a way for Korean citizens, residents, and tourists to learn more about Korean culture. Each folk village may focus on one particular historical time period or may have different areas of the village dedicated to a variety of historical time periods. Korean folk villages focus on Korean history from a Korean education standpoint. This means that the villages are designed for those who live and travel in South Korea. They aren’t designed specifically for foreign visitors. This means most information may be in Korean. Arrive at Folk Village Early It’s a great idea to arrive around 10 am – 11 am so that you can enjoy 5-8 hours since tickets aren’t cheap. There is more about ticket costs later. As I mention later in the blog, we spent 5 hours and wished we had more time. Additionally, arriving early means cooler weather during the hot months. Our Experience at Yongin Folk Village While you may find a number of folk villages across the peninsula, which we encourage you to visit, the Korean Folk Village in Yongin offers the most immersive, traditional cultural experience.  This folk village stands out against the rest. While MOST of the folk village is stroller-friendly, you may find the folk village dirt path bumpy at times. Thankfully, the markets and amusement parks are paved. Just keep in mind that there may be easy areas and more difficult areas. We recommend blocking out your day for this trip. When my toddler and I visited, we arrived when the Korean Folk Village opened and stayed for almost 5 hours.  I felt unfulfilled because there were SO many things that we did not experience but such is the life of a toddler mom.  The folk village is wonderful day and night. The evening experience looks like a beautiful moonlit walk, including shadow performances in traditional houses and a haunted house, which you can also experience during the day.  Things to Do The Yongin Korean Folk Village offers many things to do. Experience includes traditional food, performances, educational classes on traditional craftwork, Korean architecture, horseback riding, riverboat rides, and an amusement park. Overall Experiences Stroll through the houses of a traditional Korean village, from farmers and tradesmen to scholars and nobility.  Participate in crafts, such as pottery, woodshop, silk-thread making, mask painting, straw shoe making, traditional fan making, and bamboo flute making, located in different houses.  Peruse exhibits and demonstrations in the museums.  Horseback riding, swings, and ferryboats are also in this part of the village.  Enjoy a breathtaking walk to Keum Ryeon Sa (Buddhist Temple).  * The temple walk is not stroller-friendly. Lots of stone steps. Performances Performances begin at 10:00 and run every hour with the last performance at 14:00.  Each performance showcases a different traditional instrument or dance so you may want to circle back to the stage to catch each one.  The schedule may change due to weather conditions. Amusement Park Park rides for children and adults of various sizes.  My toddler was limited to 4 rides – the Merry-Go-Round, Mini-Viking, Magic Tea Cup, and Bounce Spin because of the height requirement but there are 11 other rides for those less vertically challenged.  You’ll also find toys, arcades, a photo area, a folk museum, a shooting range, western-style food options, and a haunted house.  Definitely go through the haunted house, which includes recreations of ghosts that have been seen in Korea. Lunch or Dinner Breaks Hungry?  You’ll find a variety of Korean dishes, street food, desserts, and cafes at the Yongin Korean Folks Village.  For the cafe experience, stop at Darakbang, in the Market Village, near the entrance to the folk village.  Otherwise, you will find coffee and street food at the kiosks in the Market Village.  If you have more of an appetite, the Market Village and the Marketplace, at the opposite end of the folk village, offer touchscreen ordering with a cafeteria-like experience.  The kid’s plate includes orange juice, soup, rice, a hamburger patty, and sotteok (rice cakes and sausage).  If you require something more Western-inspired, visit the Amusement Village.  Lockers are available at a price. Seasonal Attractions The pool opens during the Summer and a snow sled field during the Winter.  The folk village also hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Romantic Fall by Joseon during the Autumn, rice cake on New Year’s, Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon), Dano (hair washing in flower water), Chuseok Farmers’ Performance, Dongji (Winter Solstice) red bean soup. Accessibility Stroller, wheelchair, and audio guide rentals are available at the entrance. The availability of mobility support means that Korean Folk Village in Yongin may be perfect for multi-generational travel. Yongin Korean Folk Village is family-friendly. You’ll find nursing stations throughout the park.  If your toddler is potty-training, like me, the restrooms include toddler-sized toilets. Yongin Folk Village Listing and Location Additional Information for Yongin Folk Village Remember that all Yongin Folk Village policies, prices, and opening hours may change over time or during different seasons and holidays. You may want to confirm details via their website or by contacting 1330. Hours of Operation Open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 to 21:30 on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) Shuttle Service The Korean Folk Village offers a free shuttle service 3 times a day, to Suwon Station and back, on a first come-first served basis. The shuttle leaves Suwon Station Exit No. 4 at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:30; Korean Folk Village at 13:50 and 16:00. Please remember that times may change due to traffic. Parking If you have a Hi-Pass, there’s a fast parking option that will charge your Hi-Pass card.  Just keep an eye out for the usual Hi-Pass blue lane and sign. Otherwise, don’t forget to cover your parking fees before you leave. Ticket Prices Adults & Youth (14yo to 64yo) admission costs W32,000; Children (36 months to 13yo), W26,000; and Over 65, W22,000.  Under 36 months are free. The price was a bit more than I wanted to pay but if you stay for the day, then you’ll discover that it’s worth it.  You may purchase annual memberships, ranging from W90,000 to 190,000.  The Amusement Village, museum, and exhibition halls are included in the cost of admission. Pet Policy Pets are not allowed.  Bikes, Scooters, Etc Policy While strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are not.  Drone Policy Drones are not permitted. Join a Facebook Group I hope you enjoyed the Yongin Korean Folk Village Itinerary. Looking for more travel itineraries or ideas for families? Join some Facebook groups. Explore More Korean Travel Itineraries South of Seoul has over 52 travel itineraries that extend across Korea. That’s one trip every week for a year! Many itineraries range from 1 to 3-day plans which can be combined to create extended trips across the country. 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 a small, relaxed way to spend your day close to home in Pyeongtaek-si? Try this relaxing Ma an-san hike itinerary. About Hiking in Korea Koreans view hiking as a national pastime. However, hiking in Korea may look different than hiking in your home country. Let’s take a look at some of the differences that may catch you off guard when you get started. Definition of Mountain In Korea “mountain” (산) means just about any rise in the ground. For many English speakers, it can be confusing since we linguistically and conceptually distinguish between mountains and hills. You may feel “lied to” when you arrive to hike a mountain and discover it’s just a small hill. Definition of Hike A “hike” in South Korea could be anything from a leisurely stroll through a park to a terrifying mountain ascent. Just go with it. Leave your expectations behind and try to enjoy each surprise experience as it occurs. Trail Maintenance Korea’s most popular hikes may be mostly stairs or highly groomed paths. For ‘wild’ hikers this may feel like a letdown as it creates a relaxed and cozy little walk that doesn’t feel much like a hard-days hike. A Social Endeavor In other countries hiking might be seen as a quiet rural experience that you do mostly alone. However, in South Korea hiking often exists as a community activity which means you spend a lot of time with people. During fall colors the famous hikes may be packed with people from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the mountain. This experience may sound terrible to some, but it’s actually quite lovely. It’s a time to bond with our friends and the wider culture. This experience of “going together” may even become something that you deeply look forward to each year. About Hiking in Pyeongtaek Pyeongtaek has no difficult hikes. All of the hikes are easy for most levels. Pyeongtaek hikes also tend to be a bit more ‘wild’ than the popular hiking areas since they are only visited by local hikers out to enjoy a bit of forest time with family and friends. About the Geography of Pyeongtaek-si Pyeongtaek-si sits on the southern border of Gyeonggi-do. Historically known as a farming region, Pyeongtaek-si has very few hills. Instead, the region consists mostly of flat sprawling farmland and industrial campuses. That said, the east border of Pyeongtaek-si marks where the mountains begin and extend east through Anseong. You can find a variety of moderate hikes which extend into the neighboring provinces. Just check Naver Maps to see the different trails and trailheads. Todays Recommended Hike Ma an-san Today’s itinerary looks at a small Ma an Mountain area near Pyeongtaek Lake. This hike provides a few different short, relaxing trails. If you stay on the ridge the hike doesn’t get difficult. However, you can raise your heart rate by hiking down toward the lake and then back up again. Who will enjoy this hike? Generally speaking, we would recommend driving from another area to hike this mountain but if you live nearby it’s a perfect day out. Especially for families, a relaxed date, or just fun with friends. It’s a healing experience that lets you get rid of some stress without driving across the country. Ma an Mountain Hike Itinerary For my perfect Saturday hike, I like to go slow and not rush to the mountain. We eat breakfast at home, take care of chores, and maybe even relax in the rooftop hammocks or do a little rooftop yoga. However, before we go to the mountain we do a little calorie loading with a burger and fries from somewhere wonderful like Coco Salsa. After lunch, we head to the hiking area where we grab another coffee and maybe some ice cream before tackling the day’s exercise. Fully caffeinated, we hit the hills at a pace one might describe as sloth-like. We then proceed to lay down on every napping platform we find and generally lollygag. Sometimes we just take a long nap and forget about hiking completely. After pretending to hike for a few hours, we head back to the car. Since we now feel relaxed, it’s a great time to visit a local temple for some reflection time. Meditation has always been something I enjoy and temples create the right environment for letting go of worries. Now that we have reached peak relaxation, it’s time for a delicious and soothing dinner filled with the tastes of earth and nature. If you plan ahead and make a reservation you can try Gungsanghwang Mushroom Samgyetang’s baeksuk but if you didn’t plan ahead you can get the individual samgytang. It’s winning either way. Should You Go Hiking in Pyeongtaek Today? You will enjoy hiking the most if you go either on a day with good air quality or your preferred weather. However, you may also enjoy hiking if you go prepared for incidental weather and the current air conditions. Here is what is happening currently in Pyeongtaek so that you can determine what is right for you right now. Current Air Quality in Pyeongtaek Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts. Pyeongtaek Air Quality Current Pyeongtaek Weather Additional Hikes Near Pyeongtaek Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. Want More? Check Out the Ultimate Hiking in South Korea Guide If today’s blog has you ready to lace up your boots, don’t stop here! We’ve partnered with United on the RoK Magazine to bring you a full resource on hiking across Korea — from beginner trails and Dulle-gil walks to epic mountain climbs and seasonal tips. Check out the Hiking in South Korea Guide Whether you’re an expat, military family, or traveler, this guide will help you plan your next adventure and discover the trails that make Korea a hiker’s paradise. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking for a Nami Island and Petit France Family Itinerary? Come along on my family trip Nami Island and Petit France with additional stops such as Italian Village and Gangchon Rail Bikes. I find this itinerary super easy to do from either Seoul or Pyeongtaek. This blog article aims to share my experiences to maximize your time should you wish to spend a weekend in this area. Nami Island and Petit France are in Gapyeong-gun (가평군) First, let’s talk about Gapyeong-gun and where it exists in South Korea. You can just skip to the next part if you already know this information. However, getting to know the country and how different locations relate to each other may feel like a challenge at first. We try to always include this information to help give context to those unfamiliar with Korea. Gapyeong is located east of Seoul and is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. The area has many mountains and rivers filled with fun, relaxation, and things to do with your family and friends. Gapyeong does not have a huge city, instead, it’s small towns and rural living. Weekenders from Seoul escape to Gapyeong for healing time. Since many weekend visitors want to find “mung” the activities in Gapyeong tend to focus on the slow life, food, cafes and walks. Come along with me and my family as we rest and relax in the Gapyeong countryside. We visit the very popular Nami Island and Petite France. We choose to spend three days on this adventure but you can easily do much of it in 1 or 2 days if you need to hurry. Day 1 – Afternoon Travel and Brewery The first day of our trip usually involves only travel and dinner. We leave after my husband finishes work. This allows us to avoid some of the heavy traffic that often occurs on Saturday mornings. It also means that the family feels rested when visiting Nami Island. No need to rush. When traveling with our daughter I find that the family enjoys the trip more if we don’t try to pack too much into a short time. We all need to be able to rest and enjoy things along the way. On the first day, I recommend stopping for dinner at Kraemerlee Brewing Co. The food options are great for the entire family and parents definitely enjoy their beer selection.  We ordered the pilsner and stout. The mac and cheese is not only cheesy but sweet and topped with nuts. Our toddler loved it. The fact that many Korean breweries welcome kids makes them a fun stop on any family weekend. After dinner, consider stopping by a cafe scene with a view, an aquarium, and an excessively grand display of the Eiffel Tower on top, visit Cafe Paris. You can’t possibly miss it. It’s not the most beautiful or cool cafe in Korea but it has fun elements for the kids. In the evening we checked into our hotel room. I’m a big fan of SS Resort but you can find many different options online or in the South of Seoul app. Day 2 – Big Day of Exploring We try to fit the majority of our exploring into the second day of our three-day trip. This will allow us to slowly return to our home on the third day early enough to rest and prepare for the week. The day starts with the most important part of the trip, the famous mountain river island of Nami. About Nami Island If you want to find all of the colors of Korea in one location, Nami Island (남이삼) is the destination. Of course, that means you have to visit each season. The good news is, that Nami Island is a worthwhile day trip at any time of year. The recreational island of Nami, featured in many dramas, sits in the middle of a wide river. The island does not allow cars and does not have places to stay on the island. Nami Island provides fun for kids, dogs,  families, couples, the thinkers, the artists, the recluse (but probably more so on the weekdays when it’s not as crowded), the social media influencers, Korean drama (especially “Winter Sonata”) fans, and photographers. You can’t go wrong with a weekend visit to Nami. Nami Island sits 3.8 km from Gapyeong County and belongs to Chuncheon in Gangwon-do. It is 430,000 square meters in area and approximately 4 km in diameter. What that means is that the island is not big. It’s easily walkable and doesn’t often take all day. With breathtaking tree paths, river walks, art exhibits, books, shopping, live music, sculptures, ostriches, bunnies, peacocks, and a diverse range of gardens, Nami Island may feel like sensory overload. These unique visions may also be enjoyed from different perspectives. For example, why walk around Nami Island when you can rent a tandem bike, hop on a tour bus, rent a small boat, or get on a train? Access Points and Entrance Fees to Nami Island Since you can’t drive on Nami Island you will need to leave your chosen type of transportation behind. You can access the island via a pedestrian ferry or zip line. Obviously, our toddler family chose the Nami Island Ferry but we encourage you to explore both options based on your kids’ age and love of adventure. Ferry to Nami Island W13,000. Depending on the time you arrive, the ferry departs for the island every 30 minutes from 0730 to 2130, EXCEPT 0900 to 1800, where it’s often closer to every 10 to 20 minutes. We arrived at 1100, with maybe 25 people on the ferry, but when we left at around 1700, the ferry was packed with people. If you decide to catch the ferry, keep your eyes on the left of the landing dock as you near Nami Island. The female sculpture on the coast is The Little Mermaid. Admission Price W16,000 Adults / W13,000 Youth / W10,000 Children / Under 36 months are free. Zipline to Nami Island is W49,900. You’ll glide about 1km from the 80m-high tower at a speed of 80km/h while looking out over the Bukhangang River. Remember that the zipline may stop operation without any notice because of the bad weather condition. Nami Island Ferry Parking Notes If the Nami Island Ferry parking lot is closed or runs out of stalls you have options. Many business owners will offer their parking at a nominal fee. We experienced this and paid W4,000 to park at an alternate location. Full parking lots often happen in Korea during high seasons. Food and Drink Options on Nami Island Nami Island has several dining, cafe, and food options. Try the restaurants and cafes or the quick stops with Korean picnic food options, basically, food that may be easy to transform or eat on the go such as pizza, steamed buns, and skewered meats, but also soups and savory Korean pancakes. Here is how I recommend tackling food and drinks. While you may be immediately drawn to the first cafe when you disembark. However, I recommend going to Swing Cafe for coffee. Especially for einspänner fans or those who want to try this refreshing cold, cream coffee. Swing cafe sits away from the other cafes more toward the northern part of Nami Island. If coffee does not tickle your fancy try Tea House Chadam. This cafe site is near the center of the island and has many options for tea and matcha fans. For a snack and adult beverage, make sure that you try the makgeolli, a pine nut flavored rice wine at one of the restaurants. Slightly effervescent when served cold; great for hot weather, and goes well with food. It is the oldest alcoholic beverage in Korea. I don’t have a favorite place for this. Instead, I simply go with a spot that has seating. You’ll also find many cafes and restaurants around the parking lot where you board the ferry. Consider Winter Sonata Cafe, named after the K-Drama, which also serves lunch and dinner items, opens at 09:00 am. Additionally, you can check out the skywalk and rooftop of The Steel Cafe, which has a large bakery selection, and opens at 10:00 am. If you’re in search of dinner afterward, there are many dakgalbi and barbecue restaurants around the Nami Island parking lot. You will need to exit Nami Island to access these restaurants so plan your visit to Nami Island well before mealtime. Day 2 – Museum & European Style Villages Once you have finished your morning at Nami Island make your way back across the water, grab your car, and head to a few different tourist locations in the area. These spots offer beautiful opportunities for art, photos, food, views, and quality time. First, how about coffee and art at Yellow Bridge Museum & Cafe – Indoor & outdoor museum space, including a small arboretum with cafe and art. 4-minutes from Petit France. You will love a little rest time and art before walking outside and touring the European villages. Make sure to apply lots of sunblock and maybe even grab an umbrella for shade if you tour Petite France in the spring and summer. About Petite France (Plus Italian Village) Korea has many faux international villages like Petite France. They create unique travel experiences for those living in Korea. Over the years, they have also become popular with international travelers. This particular village became famous for its French facades but their Italian Village has also become more popular. Inside these mini-theme parks, you’ll find theaters, music, live performances, education presented, gorgeous walks, and, of course, photo zones. If you’re familiar with these stories, you’ll geek out at all of the references throughout the park. Entrance Fees And Hours Petit France and Italian Village now have separate entrance fees but you can purchase a pass for both. You will find places to eat, snack, shop, and stay here but we’ve also highlighted a couple of nearby spots in this blog. A must for those who love the Little Prince and French architecture and/or Pinocchio and Italian architecture. Open hours: 9:00 am ~ 6:00 pmW10,000 Adults / W8,000 Youths / W6,000 Children http://www.pfcamp.com Food inside Petit France and Italian Village You’ll find a few kiosks with cafes and fast food, as well as convenience stores for snacks and bottled drinks. Mostly croffles, hot dogs, pizza, potato wedges, fish cake, etc. My family and I usually just browse around and find the snacks that sound good on any particular trip. Finish with Dinner and Dessert Nearby Doseonjae – Excellent spot for Tteokgalbi and dumplings, 2-minutes from Petit France. If you drive up the mountain from Petit France, you’ll reach a beautiful, though winding mountain road with many gorgeous mountain views and cafes, such as Latin Jeongwon. [Naver Map]Latin Jeongwon경기 가평군 가평읍 상지로 949http://naver.me/5j7thDyz Day 3 – Rail-bike Trips On day three I try not to pack too much into the day. It’s our goal to take it slow and head back home before it gets too late. This makes it the perfect day for a relaxing railbike ride. The Gangchon Rail-biking takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the route starts from Gimyujeong Station and passes through tree canopy tunnels along the Bukhangang River. You’ll stop for a 10-minute break after the river before you’re turned around for the trip back. Take note of the Photo Zone sign on the way back. Cart for 2 people W35,000                             Cart for 4 people W48,000 You may request a pet car so your pup may enjoy the ride. If you have enough time for another railbike trip, you’ll find one just 7-minutes away, Gapyeong Rail Park. Grab Lunch a Fast Lunch Since we like to keep things quick and easy with the kiddo, from here we picked up burgers and fries for the ride home. You don’t always need to worry about grabbing a fancy lunch. Instead, try some of...

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Learn how to create a custom travel itinerary in Korea with places you find online. This blog offers helpful tips for you to plan your next adventure. Using Naver to Create Itineraries I don’t speak Korean and I use Naver Maps in English to plan all of my Korean travel. The following video will tell you more about Naver Maps. It’s a great introduction that will help you get started quickly. After you finish the video, the rest of my blog will walk you through how I plan my trips. Why do I love Naver links? Creating unique travel itineraries in South Korea means learning how to use tools such as Naver Maps. To begin you will need to download Naver Maps which you can find in Google Play or in the Apple App Store. You may be accustomed to Waze in the States but in South Korea, Naver and Kakao maps should become your new best friends. You can learn more about navigation apps in South Korea by reading the South of Seoul blog “Nav Apps: Options, Strengths, and Failures”. Using Naver Maps to Create Itineraries The following step-by-step process walks you through how I create my many travel plans for my family. These plans also work as my outline for my blogs later. Learning how to create a custom travel itinerary in Korea makes life smoother. Let’s go. Save Locations Into Naver Folders Many Korean travelers and bloggers share Naver links on their Facebook posts. You may easily organize them into categories and color-code them for future reference. The following photo shows the folders I use for keeping track of what I am interested in. Everyone has a different system that works for them and Naver Maps allows you to make your own folder names. You can also see how each category populates on the map using the same color and icon I chose for my folder. It makes it easy to conceptualize what each pin means. PRO TIP; You may also find a location on Naver by adding a business phone number into the search bar. You will notice in the following image that I have typed in the business phone number and the location of the business populated with the name of the business. It’s an elegant solution if you find typing in Hangul (the Korean alphabet) difficult. Pro Tip: You may also use your translation app, like Papago or Google Translate, to search for something on Naver, including searches in a specific location. Here’s an example of a search for cafes 카페 in Daejeon. The following video will make the search come alive. What if you can’t read Hangul? If you need assistance with understanding Korean or Hangul you have a few options: Get to know the above tools and you will be unstoppable. Using Papago to translate screenshots If you have never used a translation app to translate photos I will walk you through how it works. First, take a screenshot of the image you need to translate. Second, click on “image”. You can see it as the option second from the bottom in the following photo. It has the image of a camera on it. Third, select this icon which I pointed at with the green arrow, which should bring you to your photo gallery from which you may select to the image you want to translate. Finally, Papago will scan the image and create a translated image. You can see that the translation works pretty well. In fact, Papago often translates far better than Google since Papago is developed by Naver (a Korean company). After inputting your locations, the rest should be fairly easy. Here’s a 5-minute video example. The following video will help all the previous steps make more sense. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most 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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Want to know more about a family weekend in Namhae? You may find this itinerary very helpful. Frugal Travel in Namhae on the Off Season While my husband and I love traveling around Korea, long-distance driving is something we reserve for longer weekends. If you are really trying to be frugal and can travel on weekdays or off-peak seasons, then you’ll find lower room rates. About Namhae-gun Namhae-gun sits along the southern coast of South Korea. The island offers stunning mountainous terrain, peaceful beaches, cute towns, and a German Village. Traveling to Namhae with Family Namhae is a worthwhile family adventure because you can easily enjoy the south shore, island vibes at a reasonable cost for larger families. You will have a rich and wonderful family weekend itinerary in Namhae that won’t break the budget. About Hotels and Pensions for Families Many hotel and pension rooms with Western-style beds tend to comfortably fit 2 people, at the most. Trying to find larger rooms with more than one Western-style bed can be pricy so we often sacrifice a comfortable full night’s sleep just to save on cost. We recently purchased an air mattress just for the kiddo so we could have more options. This blog aims to help larger families travel without breaking the bank. Family-friendly pensions in Namhae German Village (East Side of Namhae) – Why stay in German Village? It’s super convenient because you can easily walk to the many restaurants, cafes, bars, ice cream shops, gift shops in German Village. And, most importantly, the view of the marina from this spot on the mountain is simply gorgeous.  Travel Notes: Heidelberg Pension – At W150,000 to W200,000 per night, depending on the season, their Baheu Room 바흐 has 2 Western-style beds in separate bedrooms upstairs and downstairs there’s a couch in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Maximum number of guests for this room is 8. Travel Notes: Lounge 32 Resort (on the South East Side) – At W160,000 to W310,000 per night, depending on  the season, is a bit pricier. However, they do have rooms with 2 Western-style beds. This pension also has private beach access, foot spa, infinity pool, cafe, and a convenience store. If you’re looking for a better price and don’t need 2 Western-style beds, there are 2 other pensions near by that share the private beach and convenient access to this pensions amenities.  Travel Notes: U.S.A Village – While this location does not have the amazing views and restaurants of German Village, it does have pensions furnished for those missing the pleasures of the United States, like larger beds and outdoor grills. For example, at W80,000 to W140,000 U.S.A. Village Sante Fe Pension has rooms with 2 Western-style beds.  Friday Night or Arrival Night After driving for 3 to 4 hrs, you may want something simple so you can relax. Travel Notes: Pizza & Chicken Love Letter – small family-run restaurant. We had to park on the street. A woman, who lived next door, cooked our food and we took everything to go so we could relax in our room. She practically fried the entire chicken, we loved it. Our toddler loved the pizza. Travel Notes: Seolli Skywalk & Observatory – Get there before 1700 for a beautiful Oceanside view of Namhae. From the parking lot, it’s just an elevator ride up. Snacks and cafes at the top. Stay for the sunset. Travel Notes: Sangju Beach – For a lovely evening Beach walk OR, if you’re tired, return in the day. This is easily one of the most beautiful beaches on the East side of Namhae.  Saturday or Day Two Travel Notes: Cafe Here and Now (opens at 1000). Park at the large parking area for Daerangi Village because that’s where you’re heading next. Travel Notes: Daerangi Village – Very meditative walk down to a number of gazebos on the steep coast. Beautiful tiered-rice-paddies, small restaurants, and cafes.  Travel Notes: Sachon Beach – Since I’m from Hawai’i, I’m used to going to the beach right after a good hike. Sachon is just a few minutes away, with fine sand and calm waters. Usually not as packed as the more popular beaches. Great for kids. Travel Notes: Haesarang Abalone Maeul – For those who love marine snails and dining with an ocean view. For 100,000 you can get everything on the menu and easily share with 2 to 4 people.  If you do not like raw abalone, they will grill it for you, which I recommend because it’s so tender, even a toddler could eat it.  Sunday or Day Three As you get ready to drive out, plan for another hike.  Travel Notes: Cafe 15 Gram – Opens at 1100, lovely view of the marina. Great place to grab coffee and snacks while you plan out the day. Travel Notes: Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park has many hikes, ecological tours, beaches, and, Boriam Temple, which is a must-see before leaving Namhae. More Ideas for Your Family Namhae Weekend For more ideas of things to do in Namhae, see “Everything you need to fall in love with Namhae” blog Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most 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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Looking for a fun family itinerary day in Seosan, South Korea near Pyeongtaek-si? This area is beautiful, family-friendly, and fun.

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