Bismillahirrahmanirrahim and hi!
We kicked off our 2026 adventure with a winter escape to Seoul and Pyeongchang, complete with a long (almost 12 hours!) transit in Ho Chi Minh.
After our unforgettable trip to Hokkaido last year, which we enjoyed to the very last snowflake, especially the sledding (still one of our all-time favourite memories!), we decided to set our own little travel KPI:
👉 Collect at least one passport stamp every year… preferably from a snowy country. Okay the later part is my own KPI hahaha.
Why snowy countries?
- First, because I absolutely love winter. It’s cold, calm, and everything just feels extra magical.
- Even better? Winter is fashion on easy mode. No overthinking, no “does this match,” no last-minute outfit crisis. Just layer, zip, and go. And somehow, everything still manages to cover aurah so beautifully. Modest, cosy, and effortlessly chic. ❄️ Basically, winter understands me.
- Second… let’s be honest. We already invested in padded jackets, so why not make full use of them? 😆
And so, with our winter coats ready and our excitement packed, we began another chapter of our travel story. Chasing snow, memories, and new passport stamps. ✈️
ps. For those who are planning to go to South Korea especially with toddler (as trips with a group of adults often have very different travel priorities), it is highly suggested to go through my writing even the small bebel bebel one instead of scrolling laju-laju baca the bold one je hahaha cause... who knows it may help you plan your itineraries and expectations!
But it can be too long as i'm compressing the whole trip in 1 post. If it does, you can baca ber episode. today day 1-3 , tomorrow 4-6 ke hah gituhhh.
ps/s. Timing is more or less the exact time, but not accurately accurate, as most of the time, I refer to the time photo is taken hehe.
Prelogue.
This is actually Muadz and I second time in South Korea.
Our first was way back in… 2018-ish (you can verify on the right side of this blog. My brain has politely retired some memory files), just before I started housemanship.
1. Back then, our travel compass was set to one true north:
📍 K-drama locations
📍 K-pop
📍 Makeup, skincare, and more skincare
We could pack many itineraris into one day. Run here, rush there, chase this and that... and still look cute doing it. Our energy had no expiry date. We were even cycling railbike hahahaha.
2. This time, our direction has gently (and realistically) shifted.
We (read: I) are no longer chasing idols. We are chasing naps, smiles, and meltdown-free afternoons.
Our mission is now about creating happy memories, slowing down, refreshing our souls from everyday hectic life, and catering to what would make a 3–4-year-old toddler genuinely happy.
Which means…
Animals.
Playgrounds.
Wide open spaces.
I did plan to visit K-pop merchandise shops and beauty stores… but those plans were gently postponed by nap schedules and stroller lanes, and surprisingly… the mature version of me didn’t mind at all! Hahahah.
Honestly?
I wouldn’t trade this version of South Korea for anything. 💛
Preparation.
After confirming our flight tickets and locking in our accommodations, the real sport began; itineraries and checklists. I planned everything based on what I thought would suit us best. But of course, this is still a plan. And plans, especially when travelling with a toddler, are made to be… lovingly negotiated day by day.
So here’s what we prepared:
- Flight and accommodation details: the non-negotiables. I really enjoyed booking my flight through trip.com because it is easy to use and interface are really user friendly. Whereas for accommodation, since my student year, booking.com has been always being my top booking site for travelling.
- Itineraries and directions: NAVER Map deserves its own trophy. From trains to buses, cars to walking routes (even while driving), everything was easy to understand.
- Estimated total costs: ground transport, entrance tickets, K-ETA (don’t forget to apply!), travel insurance, and our international driving licence.
- Souvenir checklist: because we are professionally last-minute and tend to panic-buy.
- Hand-carry and check-in luggage lists: so we don’t forget socks but somehow remember five jackets.
- Halal restaurant list with estimated prices: because makan is serious business. And to go those special restaurants, we need to to travel some distance hehe.
- Weather forecast.
- Prayer times: always.
- Subway maps.
- Suggested apps, the one that we used the most: Naver Map, Papago Translate, and Mufko Halal.
Planned? Yes.
Flexible? Also yes.
Because with a toddler, the only fixed schedule is happy time!
1700 hrs: To KLIA.
1950 hrs: KUL-SGN
We flew with Vietnam Airlines and intentionally chose a long transit, because every layover is just an undeclared mini-trip waiting to happen. Jauh pemandangan, luas pengalaman gituuu. We got 23kgs check in bag each, and meal in every flights!
Weeks before we took off, I emailed Vietnam Airlines Malaysia to request MOML (halal) meals. Their reply came faster than expected and they were very accommodating. And the best part? The food onboard was delicious.
During our 12-hour layover, we booked a hotel near the airport called Sunshine Airport Hotel, only about 5–10 minutes’ drive away. Since we arrived at night and didn’t want to exhaust ourselves before the early morning flight, we kept things simple.
We strolled around the hotel’s neighbourhood, just enough to absorb a little of their culture, hear the language, feel the environment, walk into convenience stores, and collect tiny “first impressions” of Ho Chi Minh.
No rushing. No overplanning.
Just a gentle pause before our snowy adventure truly began.
Before heading out, we spent a little time at the airport, mostly because of the decorations that had Muhammad absolutely mesmerized. His excitement was contagious, and honestly, it made our first moments in Korea feel even more magical. ❄️
2230 hrs : Back to hotel and rest.
For this tour bus, we only needed to buy one ticket for the whole day, which let us hop on and off at all the destinations we planned to visit. The unlimited 1-day pass cost about 8,000 KRW per pax, free of charge for Muhammad's age.
Pro tip: keep the physical ticket handy! Driver will ask for it before letting you on, so don’t be that parent frantically digging through your bag. 😅
1125 hrs : To Nami Island.
1132 hrs : Arrived at the Nami Island bus stop and wharf.
We walked about 5 minutes toward the ticket counter/ferry wharf (we hadn’t bought tickets in advance).
Luckily, we got a small discount thanks to an ongoing promotion by scanning through Trip.com at the counter or self-service ticket area. A few percent off may not sound like much, but every bit counts when travelling. Fares: 12600 KRW (1 kid), 35200 KRW (2 adults) - promotion price.
For lunch and prayer, we stopped at Asian Family Restaurant on Nami Island. They have dedicated prayer room that separated mens' from womens' and have in-house ablution area.
The restaurant has a canteen-style concept: first, you pick your menu, then head to the cashier to order and pay. After that, you wait for the little device to beep, grab your food at the counter, and return your tray when you’re done. Free-flow side dishes and plain water.
1530 hrs : Hop on bus to Garden of Morning Calm.
Unexpectedly, from Nami Island to Garden of Morning Calm took us about 1 hr journey (we thought it would be like 30 mins++ like that hehe). But it's okay, our little one can have a short nap inside the bus.
1700 hrs : Arrived Garden of Morning Calm.
Night weather was really cold, and Muhammad refused to leave the stroller... which is understandable... until we stopped by a little shop and he laid eyes on a motorcycle toy and pawww his father hahaha. Suddenly, all that stroller grumbling disappeared, replaced with wide eyes and unstoppable excitement. Sometimes, a tiny toy is all it takes to warm up a frozen toddler… and the hearts of parents following behind. 😆
This place is a beautiful place! On a winter night, it transforms into a magical garden, glowing with sparkling lights. ✨
1915 hrs : Back to Seoul.
2050 hrs : Dinner at Cherry Garden Restaurant, Jongnu.
This place came to our attention last minute, while I was scrolling through Instagram and stumbled upon someone’s recommendation and I’m so glad I did!
It has a truly authentic Korean vibe. From the cozy environment to the warm hospitality of the Sajang-nim and Ahjumma-nim, who made us feel completely welcome. And… the food! It serves a tremendous amount of banchan. I think this was my first time experiencing so many side dishes at once! We ordered jeon (I think it was a ginseng pancake), samgyetang, tteokbokki, and ramen.
Muadz even got cups of free coffee, and the kind Ahjumma handed a handful of warmer to Muhammad. Such little gestures made the meal feel extra special. Thank you, Ahjumma! 🥰
2230 hrs : Some convenience store shopping and heading to hotel.
Day 4. Retro vibe, castle hopping in hanbok and heading to Pyeongchang.
0845 hrs : Strolling around Ikseon-dong Hanok Village.
I’ve always had a soft spot for traditional houses and old-world vibes. Back in our 2018 trip, we visited Bukchon Hanok Village, where rows of beautiful hanok houses sat quietly along hilly paths, carrying stories from another time.
But this time, we decided to skip it, because as charming as Bukchon is, it’s also very hill-y, and not exactly stroller-friendly. So this time around, we went to Ikseon-dong, where the hanok charm still lives, but in a flatter, more walkable, stroller-approved version of traditional Korea.
Old wooden houses line the narrow lanes, now lovingly transformed into cozy cafés, dessert shops, little boutiques, and hidden restaurants. It feels like walking through a living museum, except this one smells like freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries. We did arrive a little too early, though. Most of the cafés were still closed, quietly stretching and waking up for the day. But that didn’t stop us from admiring the beauty of their traditional designs.
It’s traditional, yet trendy.
Quiet, yet alive.
And somehow, perfectly balanced between old soul and modern charm. We strolled slowly, snapped photos and soaked in the calm, warm atmosphere.
0945 hrs : Princess Hanbok Rental Shop, Insadong.
I’ve booked hanbok rentals for all three of us at Princess Hanbok Rental Shop through Klook. We purposely chose this shop because this time around, we decided to visit a different palace: Unhyeongung Palace, instead of repeating our 2018 route (we had already visited Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace back then).
Another bonus? The rental shop is only about a 15-minute walk to the palace. And oh my… the hanboks there are really, really pretty. So pretty that I honestly couldn’t decide. Pastel colours, elegant embroidery, soft layers, every rack felt like a quiet fashion show. The staffs are also kind and really helpful!
I did read somewhere that there are plenty of hanbok rental shops around the palace where you can simply walk in and choose on the spot. But this time, I wanted to save time and avoid wandering around comparing shops, so I booked ours online in advance.
1015 hrs : Unhyeongung Palace.
Unhyeongung Palace feels like a quiet secret tucked right in the heart of busy Seoul.
Unlike the grand, crowded palaces, this one welcomes you with calm pathways, wooden halls, and open courtyards that let you breathe and slow down. It’s smaller, yes, but that’s exactly what makes it special. You can wander without rushing, admire the traditional architecture up close, and actually hear your own footsteps on the stone paths.
1126 hrs : Return back Hanbok.
Although we actually had ample time to wear our hanbok and even explore a few more places, our day took a slightly different turn. We were running a little behind schedule for checking out and picking up our rental car, so we ended up returning the hanbok much earlier than planned.
A little sad, yes… but also a quiet reminder that this trip wasn’t about rushing anymore. Some moments are meant to be short, sweet, and softly remembered.
12:50 hrs : Check out.
Thankfully, the staff kindly allowed us to check out a little later, which gave us enough time to perform our jama’ prayer peacefully before heading off to our next itinerary. A small kindness that made our journey feel even more calm and blessed.
1329 hrs : Picking up our rental car at Yongsan.
We took a taxi to get to the rental car place since we had two big suitcases with us. It was simply easier (and much kinder to our arms and backs) than changing subways while dragging our entire winter wardrobe around. 😅 Sometimes, convenience really is the best travel choice.
We booked a Hyundai Avante with extra coverage from Gogo rent a Car through Klook, a comfortable choice that easily accommodated all our luggage (yes, all of it). Alhamdulillah, navigation was easy. The directions were clear, and everything from speed limits to speed bumps and coloured lanes was well guided from Naver Map: calm, accurate, and very trustworthy on Korean roads. 🚗
1635 hrs : Arrived Sicily Pension (Or Sisilli pension), Pyeongchang.
A veryyyyy pretty pension tucked away in the calmest little corner of winter. The environment was peaceful, quiet, and felt like the kind of place where time naturally slows down.
We were actually expecting fully snow-covered side roads and white grassy fields as a few days (or weeks) before, heavy snow had blanketed the land. But by the time we arrived, most of it had already melted, leaving only soft patches of snow here and there.
Still… it was beautiful.
Calm.
And yes, very cold. Hahahah. ❄️
The Ahjussi was really, really kind. He introduced himself as Haraboji to Muhammad. His hospitality was truly top-tier. The rooms were thoughtfully set up, with everything we could possibly need for a winter stay. The bed warmers were a lifesaver after stepping in from the chilly outdoors, and the warm carpets made it feel extra homey: perfect for Muhammad (and Muadz) to crawl or toddle around safely while watching TV.
We spent the evening snuggled in layers, sipping hot drinks, and just soaking in the calm vibes, while having home cooked dinner that night (after having some groceries shopping at nearby town - lotte mart). Outside, the snow may have mostly melted, but inside, it felt like our own little winter retreat.
Honestly, this pension wasn’t just a place to sleep, it felt like a home away from home, where every little detail, from the cozy interiors to Haraboji’s warm smile, added to the magic of our snowy getaway.
1727 hrs : Groceries shopping.
We made a quick stop at a nearby supermarket in Jinbu to stock up on some groceries. And that night… I cooked dinner!
Yes ladies and gentleman, my very first cooking show in South Korea.
Hehehehe. Honestly, I should’ve recorded it. 😂
Nothing fancy, but it felt extra special cooking a homemade meal in the middle of our snowy getaway.
Day 5. Snow, sheep and ski.
While planning our itineraries, I was actually torn between renting a car or relying on trains and taxis to get around Pyeongchang. But looking back, I can confidently say, we made a great choice by renting a car.
It gave us the freedom to move around easily, stop whenever we wanted, and travel at our own pace. Public transport in Pyeongchang isn’t as extensive as in Seoul, so having our own car made everything feel smoother, faster, and far less stressful, especially with luggage and a toddler in tow.
0800 hrs : IT'S SNOWING!
The night before, I was closely watching the weather forecast and it predicted snow somewhere around 6 to 7 a.m.. So, being the dedicated snow-chaser that I am, I set my alarm and woke up around that time (subuh in winter comes a little later and around that time anyway).
I peeked outside… No white sky powder. Nothing. So I went back to sleep. Hahahah.
But while we were getting ready for the day, around 8 a.m., I noticed something magical, tiny snowflakes resting gently on the wooden bench outside. Then slowly, more flakes began to fall. Bigger. Softer. Whiter. I got so excited and immediately called out to Muadz and Muhammad “It’s snowing!” And just like that, our winter morning officially began. ❄️
It was so beautiful and magical, especially with the picturesque views surrounding us. The kind of scenery that makes you pause, breathe in deeply, and whisper a quiet wow.
And of course… 📸 Photography session: activated. Muhammad happily played in the snow, building his own tiny snow castles and pressing his little duck mould into thicker snowy patches. We even tried a bit of sledding... though the snow wasn’t quite thick enough yet, it was still enough to make memories.
1300 hrs : Yangtte Sheep Ranch
Yangtte Sheep Ranch was such a nice and relaxing stop in Pyeongchang.
The area is wide, open, and very peaceful (I saw some photos during heavy snow, the whole ranch transforms; the land turns into a soft white area) and nice destination to travel with kids. The paths are moderately easy as there are quite a few hill-y areas, so we decided not to bring our stroller here. Comfortable shoes are definitely a good idea and there’s plenty of space for little ones to run around freely without feeling crowded.
The sheep were super fluffy and friendly. Muhammad as usual, excited but malu-malu takut hahaha to see them up close, and feeding them (read: ASK umi walid to feed the sheep instead of feed them himself) was definitely one of his favourite parts.
We took lots of photos, enjoyed the cold fresh but sometime super windy especially up-the-hill-air, and just took our time walking around. No rushing, no pressure, just a calm, happy place to enjoy as a family. Admission fees (not including feeding price) : 9000 KRW per adult, 7000 KRW per children.
1500 hrs : Mona Yongpyong Ski Resort
Our visit to Mona Yongpyong Ski Resort was a last-minute decision. We had originally planned for Muhammad (and Muadz) to enjoy sledding on the snow, but the only option available there was the tube-type sled, which wasn’t suitable for his age and height. We searched for the normal sled type, hoping to buy one, but it is not sold there.
So instead, we headed to the small amusement park at the centre of the beginner ski are, and it turned out to be the greattt alternative. Muhammad literally had the time of his life! He rode the little train and even got to “drive” by himself. Watching his excitement made the change of plans more than worth it.
Our travel concept in Pyeongchang was simple; slow down, relax, and truly enjoy the moment. We intentionally kept our itinerary light, with no packed schedules or rushed plans. Especially in winter, when daylight is shorter and nights are much colder, we wanted our days to feel gentle and unhurried, allowing us to move at our own pace and savour every little experience.
Day 6. Check-out and In, Seoul Children Grand Park, Daiso, Myeondong
1030 hrs : Checked out.
1325 hrs : Drop luggage at our next stay : Monoplan House Seoungsu 1
1420 hrs : Return rental car at Yongsan
1545 hrs : Seoul's Children Grand Park
We also made a stop at Seoul Children’s Grand Park, a lovely space filled with colour, laughter, and childlike wonder. It felt refreshing to let Muhammad roam freely, explore at his own pace, and simply enjoy being a kid amidst nature and playful surroundings. It was a gentle, happy pause in our journey, perfectly matching the slow and relaxed rhythm of our trip.
We originally went there to visit the mini zoo, hoping Muhammad could see the animals up close. However, we couldn’t spot any in the open areas. Perhaps it was because of the winter season. Even so, the park itself remained charming, and the walk through its wide paths and playful corners still felt worthwhile and.... Muhammad's really enjoyed the outdoor playground!
1700 hrs : Check in at Monoplan House Seoungsu 1
From the very beginning, communicating with Monoplan House Seongsu 1 via Booking.com chat was effortless. Their responses were warm, clear, and helpful. Prior to check-in, they sent us detailed messages with the exact address, directions on how to get there, house rules, Wi-Fi details, and the passcode for entry. Everything was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to check in smoothly without any face-to-face interaction. It felt seamless, reassuring, and convenient.
Being located in a semi-basement means there is no need to climb many stairs. With its welcoming vibe, effortless check-in process, family-friendly convenience, adorable café-filled surroundings, and an outstanding host, this place genuinely assisting our 'Seoul My Soul' journey. A big plus point for us besides having a kitchen and utilities, they even provide a washing machine and the detergent! This was such a blessing during our trip, as we could easily do our laundry and travel lighter and more comfortably.
1950 hrs : Dinner at Kampungku Restaurant, Myeondong
We ordered some fried chickens, Soondubu Jjigae, Ramen and Roti Canai!
2100 hrs : Try to shop at Namdaemun but..... shops are all closed!
Maybe because it is winter or, we got the wrong exit? Hahaha i dont know but the signage said Namdaemun.
2130 hrs : Shop at 12 storey-Daiso store, Myeondong!
Again, this was a very last-minute stop, and the shop was closing at 10 p.m. We only had about 30 minutes to grab whatever we could. Although the building has 12 storeys, there is only one elevator available. The alternative was to go up and down using the stairs, but since we were travelling with a stroller, the elevator was our only option (huhu). We headed to the toy section and managed to pick up some souvenirs. To our surprise, the prices were really a bargain.
2230 hrs : Late night shopping at Myeondong nearby Kampungku Restaurant.
Although not many shops were still open at that hour, a few remained welcoming. We managed to pick up some souvenirs to bring home, small tokens of our journey, but meaningful reminders of this beautiful trip.
Day 7. Namdaemun, Coex Mall, Seoul Forest Park, cafe strolling
0940 hrs : Recharge T-Money Card.
1030 hrs : Revisit Namdaemun.
Now, I finally understand the hype of Namdaemun. It’s such a fantastic place for souvenir-hopping and for shoppers like us who love picking up little treasures. However, if you’re looking for makeup products or K-pop merchandise, for me this isn’t really the spot. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind this at all, not like on my previous trip in 2018, hahaha. Maybe it’s because now I stick to just one or two brands that I truly like, instead of collecting a bunch of products that end up sitting unused!
1251 hrs : Starfield Coex Library.
Oh, so prettyyyyy… and definitely tourist-y, huhu! Maybe it felt that way because most of the places I’ve visited before were more calm and relaxing, so this bustling vibe was a new contrast. But yes, it's pretty! (P.S. This isn’t that Starfield Library spot you always see trending on IG (you know, the 1…2…3…4… zoom-out-from-the-stairs one 😅 That one is actually at Suwon).
1340 hrs : Lunch at Kervan Turkish Restaurant, Coex.
1415 hrs : Sealife Aquarium.
A highlight of our Seoul visit was SEA LIFE Aquarium at COEX, where Muhammad had an absolute blast. The moment we stepped in, he was captivated by the colorful marine life swimming all around. From graceful rays gliding above to curious little fish darting about, every exhibit kept him wide-eyed and excited.
I loved the tunnel section, where it felt like we were walking right through the ocean, with sharks and turtles swimming overhead. The aquarium’s layout is very child-friendly, making it easy for little ones to explore safely while staying fully engaged. Watching Muhammad’s pure joy there made this stop truly unforgettable. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
A fun part of our visit was that there was a little demonstration or talk by the staff for the kids. We joined the crowd, sitting there and pretending to understand Korean, hihiii, but even without knowing the words, we could still feel the excitement through her expressions. After all, body language is universal, right? Watching her animated gestures and seeing the kids so engaged made the moment really lively and entertaining for all of us!
1545 hrs : Dhuhr-Asr prayer at Coex convention centre (not the mall, just beside, there is connecting pathway).
There is dedicated prayer area (separated by gender) located at level 3, beside conference room E at the South Wing. No inhouse ablution area, so need to go to nearby washroom, but there is slipper provided.
1700 hrs : Seoul Forest Park.
Our visit to Seoul Forest Park was meant to be a gentle nature stop, one where we hoped Muhammad could see the deer in winter again like one in Hokkaido. But as time slipped away and the sky slowly softened into evening, we realised we were getting there a little too late for that plan.
Yet, just like many moments on this trip, something else beautiful took its place. Slides, climbing frames, wide open spaces. He ran, climbed, laughed, and explored with pure joy, completely mesmerised by the freedom of it all.
And honestly, we didn’t mind at all.
The view around us was simply breathtaking. Tall trees, open fields, gentle light filtering through branches. It felt calm, airy, and peaceful. Watching Muhammad play against such a beautiful backdrop made the moment feel extra special. It was one of those quiet, wholesome scenes that stay in your heart.
Sometimes, plans don’t unfold the way we imagine. But in their place, we are gifted with something even better. Simple happiness, wrapped in nature and laughter.
1800 hrs : Strolling around pretty street and cafes nearby our accommodation.
The neighbourhood has such a charming, laid-back vibe; quiet lanes, minimalist storefronts, and cosy cafés tucked into every corner. Each turn revealed something lovely: a fairylight-filled window, a tiny bakery, a sunlit café with soft music drifting out. It felt peaceful, unpretentious, and wonderfully local.
These slow walks became some of our cherished moments. No tickets, no queues, no itinerary. Just us, gentle footsteps, and the simple joy of being present in a beautiful place.
Day 8. Annyeong Seoul!
0630 hrs : To Kyongil Elementary School Bus Stop; Airport Limousine Bus
After a long consideration the night before, we decided to take the airport limousine bus. The bus stop was about a 15-minute walk from our hotel and it felt like the most convenient optio. No changing stations, no lifting luggage up and down stairs, just a direct and smooth ride to Incheon International Airport.
The journey to airport took us about an hour (more or less) and it was comfortable. We could relax, lean back, and even take a short nap while the city slowly faded into the distance. It was such a calm and gentle way to end our Seoul adventure.
0800 hrs : Check-in, drop bag, tax refund
The lanes at the check-in counters were long. Thankfully, while queuing, we manage to complete our web check-in, which saved us a lot of time as the baggage drop queue was much shorter. We were also given two boarding passes since we had a short transfer in Ho Chi Minh, which made the whole process feel more organised and reassuring from the start.
For our second flight, our seats were originally separated, two in one row (at emergency exit) and one in another. But the staff at the counter were incredibly kind and attentive. Seeing that we were travelling with a toddler and child cannot sit at emergency exit, they immediately offered to rearrange our seats so we could sit together. Such a small gesture, yet it meant so much to us.
After that, we headed to the self-service tax refund machines to kick in all the claim/receipts, otherwise claiming located inside after immigration. Everything went smoothly, making our departure feel lighter and far more pleasant.
1355 hrs : Transit 2 hours in Ho Chi Minh
Refreshing. Changing diapers. Last minute quick shopping. Jama' prayer inside airplane. Again, on-board halal food : superb! Siap ada roti paratha!
1550 hrs : To Kuala Lumpur, Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku~
1850 hrs : Arrived.
Refreshing, again. Changing diaper, again. Jama' prayer.
Once we arrived back in Malaysia, the first top thing I did was grab a Spanish Latte from my all-time favourite... CBTL! Oh, how I missed a good, milky brew!
Yes, South Korea is filled with countless beautiful and tempting cafés, but honestly, I’m just too lazy to enquire about ingredients and milk products (read: not fluent in 한국어; basic-basic can la haha). Even instant ramen, when we scan the labels, often turn out to be non-halal for Muslims due to traces of alcohol or pork.
So being back home, sipping a familiar coffee without second thoughts, felt extra comforting, like a warm “welcome home” in a cup.
Epilogue.
This trip reminded us that travelling isn’t always about ticking off places or following a perfect plan. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, embracing the unexpected, and finding joy in the little moments... watching our child laugh, sipping a warm drink, strolling through quiet streets, or simply being together. Seoul and Pyeongchang gave us more than memories; they gave us pauses, smiles, and stories we will carry home. And in between the snow, cafés, playgrounds, aquarium and gentle walks, we found what we truly came for: a beautiful time as a family, slightly away from normal routine.
I hope this post can be helpful for anyone planning a trip to Seoul and Pyeongchang, especially for families travelling with toddlers! From navigating snowy adventures to finding toddler-friendly spots and cosy cafés, every little tip can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. Traveling with little ones may have its challenges, but the joy and memories it brings are truly priceless.
InsyaAllah until next time, Assalamualaikum!
ps. Unlike before, I’ve put both the travelogue videos and the full post together in one blog entry. But this time, for a 1–2 minute daily video recap, you can catch our tiny travel diary on my IG Story Highlight: South Korea ’26 🇰🇷✨