When you go traveling in Korea or are first arriving there for a permanent move, you might need a hotel that is both economical in price and a food fit for children. The first thing to remember is avoid places that are near a large university as many of these places are filled with bars and clubs that might not exactly be child-friendly. Because universities students tend to drink and party more than the average household, places like Sincheon and Hongdae tend to consolidate a lot of those types of establishments. However, Seoul itself is considered to be very safe so there shouldn’t be a particular anxiety about strongly avoiding one particular area over another.
For convenience, you might want to consider getting a hotel that’s near attractions for children like Seoul’s Children Museum or Seoul’s Grand Park. While Seoul has an extensive transportation system known for its cleanliness and comfort, it can be difficult to navigate those first few days you visit. It might be worthwhile finding different places within walking distance until you get fully adjusted to the time change and fully acclimated to the transportation systems in Seoul.
One of the easiest ways to find a hotel is to search through sites like tripadvisor.com, which lists out different family-friendly hotels in Seoul and around Korea. A lot of these sites will be able to provide discounts or other ways of lowering the overall price of your stay. They might also be able to give additional recommendations on what to do in the area near your hotel. If you’re looking for something that’s lower in price, you might also consider going to a guesthouse in Seoul. Guesthouses (not to be confused with homestays) are smaller versions of hotels and are not tended on by housekeepers. They have a less formal feel and are usually meant for travelers. As a result, they also tend to be on the small side so it’s worth taking the time to look through websites and see if any of them are family friendly.
NOTE: Motels in Seoul are not like those in the United States and other countries. They are almost exclusively for lascivious activities and are not used for long-term stay.