DCT Family Guide

2.5-hour drive from Seoul,
Ocean view for $120!

Now that our child is 30 months old, he can walk well, have simple conversations, and most importantly, has started shouting “Let’s go to the beach!” So this weekend, we spontaneously headed to Gangneung.

Our destination was Gangneung Shilla Monogram Residence. At around $120 per night, I couldn’t believe we could get an ocean view at this price. To cut to the chase, it was absolutely worth it.

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Seoul to Gangneung — 2.5 hour drive, better than expected

The drive from Seoul to Gangneung takes about 2.5 hours by car. We left early in the morning when the highway was clear, so we drove smoothly without traffic. Our child fell asleep halfway, which actually made it easier.

Here’s a tip: when traveling long distances by car with a 30-month-old, you should definitely stop at a rest area once. You can change diapers, stretch their legs, and give snacks. We stopped once, and thanks to that stop, our child stayed in a good mood until we arrived.

Parking wasn’t a problem with the spacious underground garage. The route from unloading our child from the car seat and moving our luggage to the lobby was short and convenient.

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The moment we opened the room door, the whole family gasped

We checked in at 3 PM and entered our room, and we literally went “Wow!” The emerald ocean spread out beyond the window.

Our child also kept saying “Ocean! Ocean!” and ran to the window. We could see right down to the beach, with pine forests stretching lushly along the coastline. There aren’t many places where you can get this kind of view at this price point.

The room was clean, and the bathroom had a bathtub which made it convenient for bathing our child. I recommend calling ahead to ask if you can request a baby crib when checking in. We didn’t ask and regretted it later.

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Evening stroll that even a 30-month-old enjoyed

After dinner, we took a stroll around the complex, and the night landscaping was really beautiful. Tree-lined paths run between the buildings, with soft lighting creating a wonderful atmosphere. Walking slowly hand-in-hand with our child, we enjoyed some quality time together for the first time in a while.

But the real highlight was the fountain and sculpture in the center.

The blue lights work together with the fountain, and our child kept saying “Pretty! Let’s watch again!” and watched for over 30 minutes. The large black-and-white striped sculpture in the center is unique too – it must have looked like a crown to our child. It’s also a great photo spot for adults.

For reference during evening strolls, bringing a stroller for your child is helpful. The walking paths within the complex are well-maintained, so pushing a stroller wasn’t inconvenient at all.

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Good things to know when traveling with children

Meals: There are several family restaurants within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. We went to a nearby seafood restaurant, and they had high chairs and were very child-friendly. I recommend making reservations in advance for dinner, especially on weekends.

Beach access: It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the beach from the hotel. The path is stroller-friendly, but bring a beach wagon if you have a lot of beach toys. The sand is clean, and there are shower facilities.

Convenience store: There’s a convenience store in the hotel lobby, which is perfect for buying snacks, diapers, or formula. Prices are reasonable, not tourist markup.

Room amenities: The kitchenette has a microwave and refrigerator, great for heating baby food or storing milk. There are also plates and cups available.

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Morning ocean view and checkout

Waking up to the morning ocean view was the best part of the trip. Our child woke up and immediately ran to the window, pointing at the sea and shouting “Blue water!” The sunrise over the ocean was spectacular, and even our tired toddler was mesmerized.

We had breakfast at the hotel restaurant. They offer a simple buffet with kid-friendly options like scrambled eggs, sausages, and fresh fruit. The price was around $15 per adult, and children under 3 eat free.

Checkout was smooth at 11 AM, and we decided to spend another hour on the beach before heading back to Seoul. The late checkout option is available for an additional fee if you want to extend your stay.

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Final thoughts: Worth every penny

For a $120 ocean view stay with a toddler, Gangneung Shilla Monogram Residence exceeded our expectations. The combination of affordable pricing, stunning views, and child-friendly amenities made it a perfect family getaway.

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