한국어
3 Days Seoul Trip with a Kid
Lotte World, Sledding, and Pullman Ambassador Eastpole
January 2026
For the first part of Liam’s nine-day kindergarten winter break, we spent one night on Nami Island. For the second part, we headed to Seoul for a 2-night, 3-day family trip and enjoyed a cozy staycation at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole.
Our itinerary was packed in the best way possible . Lotte World with kids, sledding at Ttukseom Hangang Park, and relaxing at the hotel’s indoor pool. It turned out to be the perfect Seoul family travel experience, full of fun winter activities and memorable moments.
Lotte World – A Full Day of Fun With My 5-Year-Old
We arrived at Lotte World a little after noon. I honestly wasn’t sure if Liam would make it to the 8 PM night parade, but surprisingly, he played for over eight hours without getting tired at all!
I hadn’t visited Lotte World in years and really wanted to see the night parade again. Thankfully, Liam enjoyed the park so much that he stayed energetic right until closing time. such a relief for me as a parent.
✔ Ticket Tip – Save Money on Admission
I purchased a discounted adult + child ticket for 71,000 KRW on Naver Booking.
If you don’t have a Korean credit card or mobile carrier discounts, online deals are the cheapest option.
The promotions change from time to time, so checking different platforms before you go is the best way to find the lowest price.
👉 Visit the Lotte World website
✔ Use the Lockers for Heavy Winter Coats
As soon as we arrived, we stored our thick winter jackets in the lockers, an absolute must if you want to walk around comfortably. Lotte World has lockers located throughout the park, and the fee is 3,000 KRW.
We spent the entire day exploring only the indoor park, and surprisingly, that alone took up the whole day. We didn’t even make it to the outdoor rides this time, but since the weather was freezing, staying indoors was the perfect plan for us. We still had plenty of fun and never felt like we missed out.
✔ First Must-Have Item: The Folding Chair at Lotte World
Since it had been nearly 20 years since my last visit to Lotte World, everything felt new and one of the most surprising things was seeing so many people waiting in line while sitting on small folding chairs. On our way to ride the first attraction, I saw families comfortably seated on these tiny stools and immediately thought, “Okay, we definitely need one too.” So we headed straight to the nearest shop.
Most of the chairs other visitors were using looked like affordable versions they had purchased online in advance. We weren’t prepared at all, so we ended up buying the official Lotte World folding chair on-site. It was a bit pricey (18,000 KRW for the lower version and 20,000 KRW for the higher one)but we chose the lower one so it could fit inside Liam’s small backpack.
To my surprise, the chair was extremely lightweight and could fold/unfold in just one second, making it incredibly convenient. We used it all day long, and it was worth every won. Liam sat on it most of the time, but it was sturdy enough for me to sit with Liam on my lap as well. It was especially helpful while waiting for the parade. honestly, this little chair is a theme park essential if you’re visiting Lotte World with kids.
Even though people say Lotte World is always crowded, we went on a weekday (Wednesday), hoping it might be less busy. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly packed, just the usual theme park crowd. And for rides that matched Liam’s height and age, the wait times weren’t too long at all. The longest we waited was around 20 minutes, and some rides had just 5–10 minute lines.
I also really wanted to go on “Sinbad’s Adventure,” one of my childhood favorites. The line looked long at first, but it moved quickly, and we were on the ride after about 20 minutes. Liam was a bit startled during the two sudden drops, but he absolutely loved it in the end and kept talking about how fun it was.
✔ Indoor Attractions Only – Still a Full Day of Fun
Since it was freezing outside, we skipped the outdoor section completely and stayed indoors the entire time. Even so, our day was packed, shows, the main parade, and plenty of rides.
Because Liam is now just over 110 cm, there were many rides he was tall enough to enjoy. Most of the kid-friendly rides had short lines too, usually 5 to 20 minutes, so we were able to go on several without feeling rushed.
✔ Indoor Playgrounds for Preschoolers
Lotte World also has two huge indoor playgrounds exclusively for preschoolers. one with a fairy-tale theme and the other with an under-the-sea theme. Both are spacious, clean, and perfect for kids to run around while parents take a short break.
Since Liam is just over 110 cm and still considered a preschooler, he was allowed to enter both playgrounds. He spent a long time there, running, climbing, and playing hide-and-seek with other kids. It’s definitely one of the best places for little ones when visiting Lotte World with kids.
After watching the 8 PM parade, we completely forgot about the 8:40 PM outdoor light show and headed straight back to the hotel. We had already spent more than eight hours at Lotte World, so we were both exhausted, but in the happiest way possible. Thankfully, the hotel was only three subway stops away, which made the trip back wonderfully easy.
We arrived at the hotel around 9:30 PM. Even though it was late, Liam didn’t seem sleepy at all and ended up playing with his LEGO until about 10:30 PM before finally dozing off. He usually sleeps around 8:30 PM, but I guess being in such a loud and exciting place made it harder for him to wind down. I was just as tired, but strangely, I also couldn’t fall asleep right away and ended up going to bed much later.
🏨 Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole
We checked into the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole a little after 9 PM. The hotel had already delivered the luggage we dropped off that morning straight to our room, so all we had to do was pick up our key and head upstairs , such a smooth and thoughtful service.
Since the hotel is brand new, everything felt incredibly fresh and spotless, making the room feel extra comfortable. The moment I opened the curtains, the Han River night view filled the entire window, and it was absolutely stunning.
Many newly built city hotels tend to have smaller rooms, but this one was surprisingly spacious, with a cozy seating area and a small table that made the stay even more convenient.
✔ First Impressions of the Room
Everything felt new, clean, and modern
A wide, unobstructed Han River night view
Spacious layout with a comfortable sofa area
Even the standard room had a coffee machine, which was a nice touch
✔ Membership Perks
I booked our stay using the Accor Gold membership’s 1+1 free night certificate, which made the trip even sweeter. At check-in, the staff actually asked first whether I wanted a late checkout, and kindly offered 2 PM checkout without me having to request it.
Thanks to that, we were able to enjoy the hotel pool on the last day without rushing at all! such a perfect ending to our staycation.
🏨 About Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole
Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole is a newly opened 5-star luxury hotel located in eastern Seoul near the Han River. Opened in 2025, the property features state-of-the-art facilities, stylish interiors, and a prime location that makes it ideal for both city travelers and anyone looking for a relaxing Seoul staycation.
The hotel is directly connected to Guui Station (Line 2), giving guests quick access to major attractions, shopping areas, and popular neighborhoods in Seoul. With modern rooms, an impressive Han River view indoor pool, various dining options, and a large shopping mall connected to the building, it truly offers a premium lifestyle experience.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Direct connection to Guui Station (Line 2) → easy access to sightseeing spots & shopping
Close to Han River, Seongsu-dong, and Achasan, perfect for walking and photography
Nearby family-friendly attractions such as Lotte World and Children’s Grand Park
🛏 Rooms & Atmosphere
Over 150 rooms, suites, and residences
Modern, stylish interior design with spacious layouts
Many rooms offer views of the Han River or Achasan
Comfortable seating areas and practical room features ideal for families
🍽 Dining & Facilities
Embers (24th floor) — Signature open-fire grill restaurant with panoramic views
BUBLX Champagne Bar — Perfect for enjoying Seoul’s night skyline
Indoor pool & fitness center — Han River view pool, large jacuzzi, kids’ pool, splash zone
Connected to NC East Pole Mall, offering restaurants, cafés, and shopping without going outdoors
👉 Explore Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole
Day 2 – A Light Breakfast Instead of the Hotel Buffet
Liam slept in the next morning, probably because he went to bed much later than usual the night before. I placed several pillows along one side of the bed so he wouldn’t roll off during the night, and thanks to the large, heavy hotel pillows, they stayed perfectly in place. The queen-sized bed was spacious enough for the two of us, even with the pillows lined up as a guard rail.
While Liam was still sleeping, I quietly got up and enjoyed a cup of coffee in the room. Even the standard room came with a coffee machine, which made mornings so much easier.
Since we’re not big breakfast eaters, we didn’t book the hotel breakfast. Instead, we grabbed bananas and yogurt from the convenience store and picked up croissants and coffee from Café Social, located on the hotel’s first floor. With the Accor membership 30% discount on coffee and bakery items, breakfast ended up being much cheaper than expected. On the first day, we even used the Accor welcome drink coupon to order complimentary coffee and juice.
We’re early risers, but most cafés and bakeries inside the connected NC East Pole Mall only open after 10 AM. Meanwhile, Café Social opens at 8 AM, so naturally, it became our go-to spot. There’s a Starbucks nearby too, but since I’m not a fan, we skipped it.
Eating inside the room was also much easier with a child, no need to rush, and no worrying about spills or crowds.
After finishing breakfast and getting ready, we headed to the Ttukseom Hangang Park sledding hill. Liam played in the snow for a long time, and after lunch, we returned to the hotel to spend the afternoon at the indoor pool, moving between the warm jacuzzi, kids’ pool, and splash zone, Liam was absolutely thrilled.
We ended the day with a hearty dinner at Ashley Queens and strolled around NC East Pole Mall. We browsed a few shops, checked out some toys at Daiso, and picked up a few small things. Since the hotel, mall, and restaurants are all connected indoors, it made the entire day extremely convenient, especially when traveling with a child.
Afternoon at the Pool
After lunch, we rested in the room for a little while before heading back down to the pool around 2 PM. When we first arrived, the entire place was empty, so we had the whole pool to ourselves. It was wonderfully peaceful, and we enjoyed splashing around just the two of us.
But after 3 PM, families started to trickle in one by one. The quiet atmosphere quickly transformed into a lively scene filled with kids’ laughter, splashing sounds, and that familiar energy of a family-friendly hotel pool.
Based on this experience, it really seems that the quietest time to use the pool is between hotel check-out (11 AM) and check-in (3 PM).
The indoor pool was much larger than I expected comparable to what you’d find in other 5-star Seoul hotels. The best part was the massive floor-to-ceiling window along one side of the pool, offering a breathtaking Han River view. At first, the water felt slightly cool, but once we started playing, the temperature felt just right.
The only shock came when moving between the warm jacuzzi and the pool the temperature difference felt icy for me, and I found myself hesitating every time I stepped back into the cooler water. Meanwhile, Liam had zero hesitation and happily bounced back and forth without a care in the world. 😅
The jacuzzi itself was spacious, and the water was warm enough to instantly soothe our bodies after being in the cooler pool. It wasn’t just mildly warm—it had that cozy heat that warms you right to the core, especially during winter. After playing for a long time, it felt amazing to slip into the jacuzzi and relax for a bit before getting back into the water again.
Kids’ Pool, Splash Zone & Our Last Morning Swim
One end of the pool area was designed as a kids’ pool, with shallow water that was perfect for young children to play safely. In the corner, there was also a separate splash zone, which seemed to run for about 10 minutes every hour. The floor was lined with rubber mats, so it wasn’t slippery at all, something I appreciated a lot as a parent.
We moved back and forth between the kids’ pool, main pool, and jacuzzi, playing for nearly two hours. As the afternoon went on, more and more families started arriving, and the pool became noticeably busier. That’s when we decided to wrap up our swim and head back to the room.
Last Morning at the Pool
The next morning, after a light breakfast, we headed to the pool again around 9:30 AM. A few families were already there, but it was still calm enough for us to enjoy another relaxing swim. Thankfully, we had a late checkout at 2 PM, so we didn’t have to rush at all. Liam played happily until about 11:30 AM before we finally got out of the water.
After showering, we headed to the mall for lunch, then returned to the room. Liam spent the next hour playing with the inexpensive LEGO set we bought at Daiso the day before, and I packed up our belongings. We checked out right at 2 PM. perfect timing.
I had thought we might stop by a small children’s art museum near Seongsu Station if we had extra time, but we ended up having so much fun at the pool that we didn’t feel the need to go anywhere else. Our morning schedule lined up perfectly, making it a comfortable and relaxed way to end our Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole staycation.
❄️ Ttukseom Hangang Park Sledding Hill
On our second morning, after a simple breakfast and bundling up in warm clothes, we headed to the Ttukseom Hangang Park sledding hill. It’s only two subway stops from the hotel, though you do need to transfer once, which is a slight inconvenience. Still, overall, it was a quick and easy trip.
Since Liam hadn’t seen real snow properly since our visit to Korea last year, he became instantly excited the moment he spotted the snowy hill.
🗺 Sledding Hill Information
Location: Directly connected to Jayang Station on Subway Line 7
Admission: 6,000 KRW (same price for adults and children)
Under 36 months: Free with proof of age
⏰ Operating Hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Slope maintenance break (sledding temporarily paused)
📅 Operating Period
December 31, 2025 – February 18, 2026
Open every day during the season (no holidays)
⚠️ Depending on weather, snow conditions, or air quality, opening hours may change. Always check the official announcement before visiting.
🛷 Our Experience at the Sledding Hill
The sledding hill opens at 10 AM, and we arrived around 10:30 AM. Because it was still early in the morning, there weren’t many people yet, and there was almost no waiting time at all. We could go up and slide down repeatedly—Liam and I probably went on the sled at least 10 times.
Sledding is more exhausting than it looks since you have to sit, slide, and climb back up repeatedly, but we laughed the whole time and had so much fun. ><
It was a perfect winter activity and an unforgettable part of our Seoul family travel itinerary.
After we had our fill of sledding, Liam discovered a little snow-filled dip in the ground—almost like a mini snow valley—and spent a long time rolling around and playing freely in the snow. He didn’t care at all that he was getting covered head to toe. His jacket was waterproof, so that part stayed dry, but his pants weren’t… and eventually they ended up completely soaked.
While we were playing there, a British family wandered over and naturally joined in. Liam immediately started chatting with their kids in English, excited and full of energy. They sledded together, raced in the snow, and had an amazing time. It was one of those spontaneous travel moments that end up becoming the most memorable.
I had layered leggings under Liam’s pants for warmth, but on our way back to the hotel he suddenly said, “My pants are too cold!”—and right in the middle of the street, he took off his outer pants. 😅
So yes… he walked all the way back to the hotel wearing only his thermal leggings. A true winter adventure moment.
As expected, outdoor winter play is hard to endure for too long, especially for little ones. After about an hour and a half to two hours, our toes were freezing, and it became too cold to keep going. Still, the sledding and snow play were so much fun—for both of us. It had been a while since I played in the snow like that, and I genuinely enjoyed it too.
🍽 Where We Ate at NC East Pole Mall
During our 2-night, 3-day trip to Seoul, we ended up using the NC East Pole Mall—which is directly connected to the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole, more than anywhere else. The hotel’s indoor connection to the mall made everything incredibly convenient, especially when traveling with a child. We never had to go outside, and finding a place to eat was always easy and stress-free.
Here are the four restaurants we visited during our stay!
🍽️ Sympathy Kushy – Korean × Italian Fusion Casual Dining
Inside NC East Pole Mall, Sympathy Kushy initially looked like a simple burger-and-sandwich place, but it turned out to be a unique Korean–Italian fusion restaurant. The menu was surprisingly diverse, and everything looked like it would be hard to get wrong.
I ordered the beef brisket gosari (fernbrake) pasta, and Liam had the kids’ tomato pasta. Both dishes were clean, well-balanced, and really delicious. The restaurant itself was bright and tidy, and the flavors were mild enough for kids. They even offer a separate children’s menu, which makes it a great choice for families dining in Seoul.
🍜 Kkankan – Vietnamese Restaurant
On our first day, before heading to Lotte World, we had lunch at Kkankan, a Vietnamese spot inside NC East Pole Mall. The overall flavors were light and clean, making it a perfect meal during a busy travel day.
I ordered the pho and the fried shrimp rolls. The pho broth was clear and not overly rich—exactly the kind of comforting, balanced flavor I love. The thinly sliced beef and soft noodles made it easy for Liam to enjoy as well. The fried shrimp rolls were crispy and flavorful, a total hit for kids. Liam ate both the pho and the shrimp rolls happily.
The service was fast, making it ideal for travelers who want a quick but satisfying meal.
🍽️ Ashley Queens – All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Dinner
As the largest and most popular restaurant in the mall connected to the hotel, Ashley Queens was always busy. I made a reservation just in case, but since we arrived around 5 PM, the restaurant was actually fairly quiet and didn’t require one.
Liam enjoyed all the familiar kid-friendly options—pizza, pasta, sushi—while I sampled a little bit of everything, from sushi to hot dishes. I skipped the beer even though I wanted one, just to stay alert while traveling alone with a child.
Buffets are such a convenient option during travel, especially with kids who like choosing their own food. Ashley Queens even has a DIY waffle station, and the waffles with melted chocolate were so good that we went back for seconds… and thirds.
It was the perfect place for a filling, no-stress dinner.
🍱 Jeonghee – Clean and Comforting Korean Food
For lunch on our third day, we went to Jeonghee, a Korean restaurant also located inside NC East Pole Mall. Although the dishes are technically Korean fusion, the overall feel is very much like simple, home-style Korean cooking, which was exactly what we wanted after days of quick, light meals.
We ordered the shrimp potato pancake and the perilla mackerel stir-fry rice bowl. Liam obviously loved the shrimp pancake, but he also enjoyed the mackerel rice bowl once it was mixed with the sauce. Everything was well-seasoned without being too salty, and the flavors were clean and comforting, perfect for anyone craving a lighter, more traditional meal during their Seoul trip.
Final Thoughts – A Perfect 2-Night, 3-Day Family Trip in Seoul
Our Seoul itinerary Lotte World → Ttukseom Hangang Park sledding hill → the hotel pool turned out to be the perfect combination for traveling with a kindergarten-aged child. Each activity offered something different: excitement, outdoor play, and relaxing downtime. It was the ideal balance for a short Seoul family trip.
What truly made the trip even better was staying at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole. Its location, modern facilities, easy access to the connected mall, and the beautiful indoor pool made everything unbelievably convenient. For families traveling with kids — or anyone planning a cozy staycation , it’s truly one of the best family-friendly hotels in Seoul.
We couldn’t have asked for a better 2-night, 3-day getaway.
1-Night 2-Day Winter Trip to Nami Island: A Cozy Family Adventure
