1) Is Seoul stroller friendly
Before the trip, I did researched on whether Korea, or more specifically Seoul is stroller friendly.
Before the trip, I did researched on whether Korea, or more specifically Seoul is stroller friendly.
After coming back from the trip, I do not actually have the answer.
That is because stroller was BOTH good and at the same time a burden.
Strollers are good for places where you need to travel on level ground for long distances like Nami Island but a real burden at places without elevator but just stairs.
That is why I did not even step into Daiso in Myeong-dong as is it located on the basement accessible only by stairs.
Also it will depend on how much your baby like to sit on stroller.
My baby was not fond of the stroller, hence whenever he is QUIETLY sitting or sleeping on the stroller and we came across stairs or escalators, we are reluctant to disturb him.
No choice but to lug and lift both the stroller and him on board up or down the stairs.
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| Strollers great for Nami Island |
That is why I did not even step into Daiso in Myeong-dong as is it located on the basement accessible only by stairs.
My baby was not fond of the stroller, hence whenever he is QUIETLY sitting or sleeping on the stroller and we came across stairs or escalators, we are reluctant to disturb him.
No choice but to lug and lift both the stroller and him on board up or down the stairs.
So it is no wonder that I develop a love hate relationship with the stroller.
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2) Baby carrier
For my trip, besides the Combi Quickids stroller, I used SUPPORI - a one shoulder baby sling.
I also have an i-Angel hipseat carrier but did not bring it as ALL my family members were protesting that it's too bulky.
Suppori was perfect because it's light and small so basically I just kept it in one of my front pockets (yeah it's that small when folded).
So whenever Ming Jun needs to be carried, I'll just whipped it out but since he learnt how to walk, I'll only carry him for max 30 minutes.
In Korea, I see mostly moms with hipseat carrier or Ergo type of carrier. So whenever I used Suppori, there will always be a few quick glances at my direction.
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For my trip, besides the Combi Quickids stroller, I used SUPPORI - a one shoulder baby sling.
I also have an i-Angel hipseat carrier but did not bring it as ALL my family members were protesting that it's too bulky.
Suppori was perfect because it's light and small so basically I just kept it in one of my front pockets (yeah it's that small when folded).
So whenever Ming Jun needs to be carried, I'll just whipped it out but since he learnt how to walk, I'll only carry him for max 30 minutes.
In Korea, I see mostly moms with hipseat carrier or Ergo type of carrier. So whenever I used Suppori, there will always be a few quick glances at my direction.
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| Using Suppori in front of Seoul Station |
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| Shopping at Lotte Mart |
So in the end, when travelling, the most important factor in your choice of stroller or carrier is WEIGHT!
Cos you ain't going to use it if it's heavy, bulky and cumbersome.
For a comparison between Suppori and i-Angel read my review.
For a comparison between Suppori and i-Angel read my review.
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3) Is Korea nursing friendly?
DEFINITE YES!! Because you can find nursing rooms in almost every subway station! Seriously! The bigger stations nursing rooms are so complete that they even provide nursing pillow, microwave and etc.
DEFINITE YES!! Because you can find nursing rooms in almost every subway station! Seriously! The bigger stations nursing rooms are so complete that they even provide nursing pillow, microwave and etc.
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| Nursing room in Seoul Station |
In Lotte World Mall @ Jamsil Station, the rooms are even staffed by 2 employees. Wow!!
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4) Korea is a great place to buy baby food
Korean made ones are more wallet friendly than the imported ones.
I find products such as Nurture Inc's Happy Yogis are more expensive in Korea compared with Malaysia.
But there are no complaining as there are many many Korean made baby food to choose from!
I find products such as Nurture Inc's Happy Yogis are more expensive in Korea compared with Malaysia.
But there are no complaining as there are many many Korean made baby food to choose from!
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5) Is it a good idea to bring baby to Everland?
Definitely yes but be prepared for the long journey because it will take at about 2 hours to get there one way (from Myeong-dong to Joendae Everland Station, via the Yongin Ever Line W3,350).
The journey also consist of 5 transfers of subway stations and finally a short walk to catch a free shuttle bus to Everland entrance.
And bear in mind that you will need to repeat same for the journey back to your hotel.
There's coach from Myeong-dong direct to Everland but it will costs more at W12,000 for round trip.
Link for transport to Everland's is here.
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Definitely yes but be prepared for the long journey because it will take at about 2 hours to get there one way (from Myeong-dong to Joendae Everland Station, via the Yongin Ever Line W3,350).
The journey also consist of 5 transfers of subway stations and finally a short walk to catch a free shuttle bus to Everland entrance.
And bear in mind that you will need to repeat same for the journey back to your hotel.
There's coach from Myeong-dong direct to Everland but it will costs more at W12,000 for round trip.
Link for transport to Everland's is here.
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6) Length of stay
For me, I went for 10 days and it was good because my baby came down with chicken pox so I was in isolation with baby for a few days. So the extra days came in handy.
Also every baby is different and mine was very well behaved during flight but he was either homesick or not feeling well because of chicken pox during the first 2 days.
Symptoms include crying whenever I am not around, so much so that I could not even go to the toilet in the hotel room and if I did, I have to leave the toilet door open.
When evening, he cried when I opened the hotel room door because he was expecting to see his familiar room.
Since every baby is different, you have to factor in homesickness in your planning but most important is that you must be patient and cool about a crying baby in restaurants, trains and even in your hotel room.
For me, I went for 10 days and it was good because my baby came down with chicken pox so I was in isolation with baby for a few days. So the extra days came in handy.
Also every baby is different and mine was very well behaved during flight but he was either homesick or not feeling well because of chicken pox during the first 2 days.
Symptoms include crying whenever I am not around, so much so that I could not even go to the toilet in the hotel room and if I did, I have to leave the toilet door open.
When evening, he cried when I opened the hotel room door because he was expecting to see his familiar room.
Since every baby is different, you have to factor in homesickness in your planning but most important is that you must be patient and cool about a crying baby in restaurants, trains and even in your hotel room.
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7) Special departure hall for passengers travelling with infant
When travelling out from Incheon Airport, there are special departure hall no. 1 and 6 for passengers with elderly or infants which made the whole immigration process much easier and faster.
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8) Bring diapers
I am glad I did because diapers like Huggies are super expensive in Korea. It cost about RM100 (more than 30,000Won) for 50+pcs.
As for Korean brands, I did not have the time to check them as I am not familiar with their brand and quality.
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For more practical tips on travelling to Seoul, Korea, you must read this and this if you fall sick in Korea.
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8) Bring diapers
I am glad I did because diapers like Huggies are super expensive in Korea. It cost about RM100 (more than 30,000Won) for 50+pcs.
As for Korean brands, I did not have the time to check them as I am not familiar with their brand and quality.
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For more practical tips on travelling to Seoul, Korea, you must read this and this if you fall sick in Korea.
