by Thaqib Kamaruzzaman
As our flight descended towards KLIA2 after a whirlwind cold-season adventure in Seoul, one thought kept circling in my mind: travelling with a big family—9 children in tow—does more than turn heads; it challenges structure, systems, routines, and patience in ways smaller groups never experience.
A quick chat with trusty Gemini made me realize that South Korea is a country where large families are increasingly rare. Amid a visibly aging population, our lively entourage stood out everywhere we went. You could sense the curiosity in the 30s–40s crowd, who seemed almost unfamiliar with the constant soundtrack of children laughing (or crying), while the older generation looked genuinely delighted.
That contrast explained why this journey felt tougher than my previous ones: we weren’t just sightseeing—we were 3 families with 9 children, pushing the limits of a city known for having the world’s lowest birth rates, during its coldest season. And we didn’t understand our observation while we were plowing through the snow.
As i found a rare calling to write and share about this trip, here are our tips if you’re planning something similar, — which i believe is practical, honest, and designed for parents who want to bring many children into winter weather while trying to maximize the joy of the journey (no promises).
Start With The Right Mindset, Then Layer The Logistics
Success begins long before you board the flight. Winter travel demands layering like your sanity depends on it: thermals, mid-layers, waterproof outerwear, and all the small things that keep children comfortable—gloves, scarves, beanies, and thick socks.
#TIPSS for cost control: Pack extras of the items that vanish first (kids’ gloves!) and footwear that can fail after 20,000 steps in cold, wet conditions (lucky I had an extra pair!). If your children have asthma or respiratory sensitivities, a portable nebulizer and inhaler aren’t optional—they’re essential. For the flight, curate board games, activity kits, or digital content to keep them engaged during the 6.5-hour ride; calm kids make for calmer parents. And don’t forget a portable luggage scale—ours disappeared mid-trip, forcing us to rely on hotel and airport counters. Save yourself that scramble.
Landing And Getting Into The City: Plan Your First Steps Well
After landing in Incheon, your first real test is moving your entire crew to Seoul. Pre-booking a reliable shuttle (#TIPSS: use trusted platforms like Klook @Klookmy) helps you skip uncertainty and keep your attention on the little ones. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, so front-load the kids with bottled milk, snacks, or mini-games and take in the views yourself. If your arrival time allows, start the trip on a high note with a short activity instead of collapsing into bed.
We did a quick dress-up at Gyeongbokgung Palace, renting premium Hanbok from Daehan Hanbok @Daehan_Hanbok, just a 2–3 minute walk from Gwanghwamun Gate. It’s cultural, colorful, and cool—think of playing dress-up like King Taejo at a palace that was first built in 1395 during the early Joseon era. At least, that’s how we felt.
Seoul with Strollers: The Subway Stress Test
Here’s the reality check: Seoul isn’t the easiest city for moving large groups underground. The subway system is clean and efficient, but it’s deep. You’ll descend multiple levels of staircases just to enter, make sure you catch the right train, dodge fast-closing doors like Indiana Jones, then climb back up the same number of staircases to exit. Elevators exist—but they’re not always where you need them. Sometimes they’re on the opposite side of the station or several hundred meters from your exit. Do that two or three times per trip, and you’ll understand why planning routes with fewer transfers is worth the extra minutes. #TIPSS: If you’re pushing a stroller, always carry a multi-tool. I broke my stroller wheel lock after stepping on it too hard (legs numb from all that walking in the cold). Luckily, my multi-tool turned a big problem into a fixable one. Without it? Disaster. Oh yes, and pack a rain/snow cover to keep little ones dry and warm. If not, your child can turn into Olaf in an instant!
Chasing Snow With Small Kids: Focus On Experience, Not Perfection
Yes, we visited Nami Island @namiisland_naminara, and the simplest advice might be the best. Nami Island boils down to: Ferry ride → Tons of pictures → Korean snacks → More pictures → Return ferry. Sounds easy—until reality hits. Completing planned milestones with nine children, each with their own agenda, is tough. Suddenly, your structured plan splinters into competing streams—meeting essentials like preparing milk and changing diapers while juggling optional needs like playground fun and snack breaks to boost happiness levels. Amid the chaos, if you’re a Winter Sonata fan, you’ll still find photo spots that make nostalgia effortless. #TIPSS: Let the kids play for 30 minutes at the playground while you enjoy a well-deserved break or use that time to share photos with family. Or don’t—do what feels right.
What’s on IG:
What’s outside of IG:
We also visited Mona Yongpyong Resort @yongpyongresort_official (specifically Greenpia Condominium). We didn’t ski or snowboard—our kids are still small. The goal was simple: snow play. Snow isn’t available where we live, so their joy came from touching, tossing, and tumbling. To make that experience painless, ensure their outfits prevent snow from getting in—because once it does, the cold hits fast. #TIPSS: Get affordable thrifted winter gear in Malaysia from @jalanjalanjapanofficial. Yes, they’re thrifted, but high quality—and buying secondhand gear removes the stress of kids damaging expensive attire. Cheap gear equals carefree play, and that freedom makes the experience better for everyone. No one does it better than JJJ.
Mona Yongpyong Resort @yongpyongresort_official (specifically Greenpia Condominium)
Thrifted snowproof gears from @jalanjalanjapan
If you have the chance, take the cable car up Mount Balwangsan for breathtaking views and crisp mountain air—and grab a coffee at Coffee M Stable @coffeemstable. It tastes different at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level and would only cost you about 7,000 KRW. These were one of the moments that anchored our trip—when us parents took a deep breath and reflected on the small victories of bringing nine kids up a mountain. Eventually, we also realised that what goes up, must come down—and yes, we needed another coffee for that.
The Famous Busan Jib in Myeongdong, Seoul
Tucked away in one of Myeongdong’s lively alleys, Busan Jib has become a go-to spot for Malaysian travelers craving authentic Korean flavors with the peace of mind that everything is halal-certified. Conveniently located just a short walk from Myeongdong train station—think of it like the Bayswater Underground train station in London—this eatery draws long queues of Malaysians, which only adds to its charm. After all, us Malaysians rarely trust a restaurant without a crowd, whether at home or abroad.
TBH, the interior is a little tight, especially for big families or groups like ours. Strollers and bulky luggage are best left outside. In the end, we split up across different tables to speed up lunch, and that strategy worked out fine.
The menu is a comforting showcase of Korean classics. #TIPSS on what to order:
- Kimchi Jjigae – a spicy kimchi stew with tender beef.
- Sundubu Jjigae – soft tofu stew that feels like a warm hug.
- Seafood Miso Soup – hearty, packed with fresh seafood, and served with rice.
For bold flavors, try the asam pedas-style grilled fish and chilli squid, which fuse Korean techniques with a tangy Malay twist. Every dish uses halal-certified meat, making Busan Jib a trusted choice for Muslim travelers. Bonus: there’s a prayer space upstairs (ablution area downstairs, solat upstairs). You’ll thank me later.
The Food Champ in Seoul – Gosame Restaurant in Sinchon.
If grilled mackerel and spicy stir-fried squid sound like your kind of comfort food, Gosame in Sinchon is a must-visit. It’s tucked into a narrow alley just a short walk from Sinchon Station (Exit 2), giving off Chow Kit vibes if you’re comparing it to Kuala Lumpur.
Step inside and you’re greeted by the irresistible aroma of fish grilling over an open flame. The décor is nostalgic—walls plastered with foreign currency, celebrity autographs, and snapshots of happy customers, proof of Gosame’s popularity among students and international visitors. The space is cozy and intimate, with tables close together. Payment is made at your table, and once that’s done, your food arrives quickly.
#TIPSS on what to order:
- Grilled fish – 1
- Beef stew – 1
- Spicy squid – 1
Each dish comes with rice, and trust me—the flavors will make your day and your Seoul trip unforgettable.
A Final Reflection: Embrace The Curiosity, Own Your Presence
Travelling with a big family in a country where large groups are uncommon can draw stares, whispers, and curious looks. Don’t let that bother you. Instead, see it as a reminder that you’re giving your children something priceless: the thrill of winter, the challenge of snowy streets, the fun of dressing up like locals, and the joy of sticking together as a team and moving together as a group.
With good planning, patience, and a sense of adventure, even the most demanding trip can become deeply rewarding. If snowy Seoul is on your radar, we say go for it. Pack layers, bring the essentials, expect stairs, and plan for joy. The city will stretch you—and your kids will be amazed of you.
