The Ultimate 5D4N Muslim-Friendly Kid-friendly Seoul Itinerary

Are you planning a family trip to Seoul, South Korea? Look no further, as we've prepared the ultimate 5-day, 4-night itinerary that caters to both kid-friendly and Muslim-friendly experiences! From exploring cultural attractions to indulging in delicious halal food in Seoul, this itinerary has got you covered. So pack your bags because we're taking you see all the iconic attractions and shopping opportunities in the city! Let's dive right in!

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Travelling to Seoul

• Travelling with kids can be a difficult feat but there's a way help them sleep on the plane!
• Take a red-eye flight so that you’ll have the entire day to explore when you arrive! Of course, this is only possible if you can fall asleep on a plane.
• Make sure you check the weather ahead of time so you can pack accordingly for you and your kids to stay warm.

Going to your accommodation

• Take the airport bus or a taxi to your accommodation after you reach Seoul. DON'T take the train even though there's the AREX Express Train.
• The AREX Trains depart every 20 to 40 minutes from Incheon International Airport and take approximately 40 minutes to reach Seoul.
• We recommend you avoid this serves as it will take too long and be too stressful for you and the children.

DAY 1

Breakfast at CU convenient store

• If you're looking for light bites when your plan lands, look no further than the CU convenient store chains in Seoul!
• You can find one at the airport and one at every street in the neighbourhood.

• You can purchase breads, juices and the iconic Korean banana milk as a way to tie you and your kids over until lunch time.
• Don't forget to try the TikTok famous convenient store ice coffee that are available in packets for you to pour into cups of ice (think: fresh coffee every time you purchase one!).

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (2h)

• Situated in the heart of the capital, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the five grand palaces built in 1395 by the Joseon dynasty and a must-visit when you’re in Seoul!
• Don’t miss the Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony which happens at 10am and 2pm daily (except Tuesdays) at the main gate.
• Admire the beautiful, intricate architecture as you wander through the palace grounds and snap plenty of photos.
• The best times to visit the palace is before lunchtime and in spring as the winds are not as chilly that time of year.
• Don't forget to take memorable family photos against the backdrop of traditional Korean architecture.

Lunch at Eid Halal Korea (1hr)

• The best way to learn about a destination is through its food!
• Dine at Eid Halal Korea for lunch and dig into halal-certified Korean dishes like bibimbap, japchae, pajeon, sundubu jiggae and much more.
• The interior is one thats true and authentic to the typical dining experience you can get at many Korean eateries in the city.

• If your kids are not big fans of Korean food, Eid Halal Korea also serves Chicken and Mayo rice and Fried Chicken with rice as one of their newest menu items.
• The portion is enough for sharing so its perfect for your little ones with small appetites.

Eid Halal Korea

Halal status: Halal-certified

Address: 15 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: Daily; 11:30 - 9pm

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Shopping in Insadong (2hr)

• After lunch, make your way to Insadong, a vibrant neighborhood known for its traditional Korean crafts and art galleries.
• Explore the bustling streets, and browse the shops for unique souvenirs.
• Insadong is a great place to shop for traditional Korean souvenirs and gifts. You can find everything from kimchi pots to hanbok (traditional Korean clothing).

• If the kids get tired, there are many teahouses you can visit for a quick rest (for the kids) and tea appreciation (for the adults).
• You'll find that many locals often frequent the area to visit the cafes or window shop.
• This shopping area is less crowded than the famous Myeongdong and Dongdaemun marketplaces so its perfect for visiting on your first day as you and the kids get used to Seoul!
• If your kids like the outdoors, Insadong is also home to a number of parks, including Tapgol Park, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

P.S. Use Naver Maps instead of Google Maps. It's South Korea local map and more accurate!

See Alpacas at Nanum Farm

• You'll have to take taxi there and back, but it's so so quaint and cosy, you and your kid will love it!
• Nanum Farm has a variety of vegetables that visitors can pick themselves. This is a great way to learn about where your food comes from and to get some fresh air.
• Located in a beautiful setting, with plenty of green space and a stream running through it. You and your family can relax in the shade of the trees, take a walk along the stream, or have a picnic!

Be sure to take note of these tips:

• Visit during the spring or fall: The weather is mild during these seasons, making it a more pleasant time to visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days.
• Bring a water bottle: There is no drinking water available on site.
• Be respectful of the animals: Do not feed the animals without permission and do not disturb them while they are sleeping.

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Dinner at Busan Jib

• For a taste of Korean cuisine, head to Busan Jib, a halal-certified restaurant in Itaewon.
• Savour traditional Korean dishes like bulgogi (marinated beef) and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat).
• You can also order meat to be grilled and enjoy them hot!

• What's a trip to Korea without trying some delicious (and halal) Korean fried chicken?
• Busan Jib also serves halal Korean fried chicken.
• You can choose from the classic local favourites like - Fried (original battered), Yangyeom (sweet and spicy), or Garlic.
• P.S. There's even a prayer room available in the restaurant - simply approach their staff to ask for help.

Busan Jib

Halal status: Halal-certified

Address: 11-6 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: Daily; 12pm - 10pm

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Checking Into Your Accommodation

We recommend staying in Myeongdong as it’s more accessible! It’s the heart of the shopping area, street food, and halal restaurants, and is near N Seoul Tower!

Day 2

Grab breakfast at Olive Tree Cafe

• Olive Tree Cafe is a Middle Eastern cafe in Viva Mall in Seoul that serves a variety of traditional and modern Middle Eastern dishes.
• If you're overwhelmed by the options, here are some MUST-TRY dishes we'd recommend to you:
• Shakshuka: This is a North African dish of eggs poached in a tomato sauce flavoured with spices.
• Chicken shawarma: This is a pita bread filled with grilled chicken, vegetables, and tahini sauce.
• Lamb kebab: These are skewers of grilled lamb that are typically served with rice or pita bread.

Olive Tree Cafe

Halal status: Halal-certified

Address: 194 Pirun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: Daily; 11am - 9:30pm

Visit Lotte World (Full Day)

• Every kid loves amusement parks and rightfully so. Take your children to visit the popular Lotte World to experience thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and even a large ice-skating rink.
• What's best is that Lotte World is an indoor theme park meaning you get to avoid the hot sun and cranky kids!
• The theme park has over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and dark rides.

• Make sure you visit the merchandise store to grab a few trinkets to take home!
• The merchandise changes according to the season so you'll be surprised with something new at every visit

Additional theme park tips:

• Arrive early: The park gets crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat: The park can get hot, especially in the summer.
• Bring a refillable water bottle: This will save you money on drinks.
• Take breaks: The park can be overwhelming for kids, so take breaks throughout the day.

Dinner at Makan Halal Restaurant in Viva Mall

• From Malaysian favourites to Korean delights, Makan Halal Restaurant in Viva Mall offers delicious local and international breakfast and lunch menu items
• You can order Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Roti Canai and more!
• If you're feeling like giving Korean breakfast (for dinner) foods a try, you can't go wrong with Japchae or Bibimbap.

Makan Halal Restaurant

Halal status: Halal-certified

Address: 52 Usadan-ro 10 gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04407 South Korea

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#HHWT Tip: Most stations in Seoul is HUGE. Getting from one exit to another can take over 5 minutes or more factoring in flights of stairs. We suggest you don't plan your attraction visits too tightly!

Day 3

Grab breakfast at Kervan in Itaewon

• Begin your day with a satisfying halal breakfast at Kervan in Itaewon. This Turkish restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, including freshly baked bread, olives, and traditional Turkish tea.
• You must try their Börek a savory pastry that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, spinach, or ground meat.
• Another menu item you need to try is the Pide which is a Turkish flatbread.

Trip to Nami Island (Full Day Tour)

To maximise your family time in Korea, take a full day tour to Nami Island day trip tour which we booked on Klook! There are several tour options but we recommend the tour that takes you to Nami Island, Petite France and Gangchon Rail Bike. Plus, there is a halal meal included in this tour but do remember to request it in advance!

Petite France

• It’s as if you’ve arrived at a French village, the moment the bus pulls up at Petite France.
• Look out for snippets of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince throughout the village. In fact, most of the attractions here are related to this famous book, including a gallery dedicated to the author!
• If you love Korean shows, Petite France would probably look familiar to you too as it’s the filming site for popular K-Dramas like Secret Garden and My Love from the Star, as well as the famous variety show, Running Man.

P.S. There are nursing rooms and prayer rooms in Petite France in case you need make a visit to them - approach the tour staff for assistance!

• And if you need some downtime with your kids (or a breather from them), there are many play areas in the same building!
• From slides to storybooks and quaint sitting areas, there’s no way your kids will feel bored here.

• Chuncheon Dakgalbi meal – stir-fried South Korean spicy chicken - is to die for!
• Halal status: Halal meat is available, but alcohol is served. Do dine at your own discretion.

Day 4

Alpaca World (Full Day Tour)

• If your kids love animals (and alpaca), then you'll want to visit this place!
• Alpaca World is home to over 100 alpacas, and visitors can get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. You can feed them, pet them, and even take them for a walk!
• You can see animals like alpacas, llamas, deer, and rabbits.
• Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can buy alpaca wool products, such as sweaters, hats, and scarves. These make great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.

• We recommend you buy a little more feed to feed the alpacas and rabbits (they eat the same feed!)

Alpaca World

Address: 310 Pungcheon-ri, Hwachon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Book your ticket here!

Seoul Mosque (1hr)

• Stop for prayers at the beautiful Seoul mosque, which is the only mosque in the Seoul area.
• We love how there were newsletters and brochures outside the mosque to explain what Islam is and dispel stereotypes.

Dinner at Osegyehyang

• This restaurant has everything you need to enjoy halal Korean food in Seoul worry-free.
• From mock meats to vegetarian options, this restaurant will leave you full and satisfied. Plus, the seating arrangements give you an authentic Korean dining in experience.

Halal Status: Korea Muslim-Friendly Certified. Alcohol may be served on the premises, so do dine with discretion. 
Address: 14-5 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Turn off Insadong Road into Insadong 12-gil (lane), walk to the end, and you’ll see the restaurant.)

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Day 5

Grab breakfast at street stalls

• How about street food for breakfast? Hotteok and Gyeran Bbang (egg bread) would be perfect, especially in cold weather!

Shop till you drop at Myeongdong (2h)

• There's so many fun things to do and see for both adults and kids at Myeongdong
• To get you started, here are some of our favourite stores: Style Nanda (an affordable Korean label with an Instagrammable pink store), Artbox (unique, adorable stationery) and the LINE Friends store.
• #HHWT tip: Bring along your passport to enjoy tax-free purchases! Some stores like UNIQLO and LINE will deduct the taxes during payment but most shops require you to claim the tax refund at the airport.

Snack on street food

• Besides shopping, Myeongdong is well-known for its Korean street food too!
• Food items to try: Gyeran Bbang (egg bread), Taiyaki (pastry with different fillings – red bean, sweet potato, etc) and Hotteok (Korean sweet pancake).
• Halal status: Do note that food here is not halal-certified. While there are halal signs, these are not official so we recommend that you dine at your own discretion. If you’re unsure, having seafood or vegetarian food items is your best bet!

Dinner at Yell-O! Chicken

• Craving for Korean chicken?
• Before you leave the city, munch your way through them at Yell-O! Chicken, South Korea's first ever FULLY halal chicken stall!
• Located in Itaewon, this place is bound to satisfy your Korean chicken cravings with a variety of flavours: honey butter, sweet & spicy and more.

Halal status: Korea Halal-certified 
Address: 14 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 12pm-9.30pm daily

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