Plan around the people travelling
Ask your parents which activities they want, how far they are comfortable walking and what helps them rest. Older travellers have different interests and abilities; a fixed rule such as “two places a day” will not suit everyone.
Choose a manageable main activity and leave flexibility around it. Include meals, toilets and places to sit rather than filling every gap with another stop.
Check terrain and access
Seoul has both level areas and steep neighbourhoods. Check gradients, steps and crossings along the actual route, especially between a station and the destination.
For rail travel, identify the elevator entrance and transfer route and check for outages. A station having an elevator does not mean every exit is step-free.
Use pedestrian signals and allow time to cross from the beginning of the green phase. If a route requires stairs or a difficult crossing, look for an alternative that fits the group's needs.
Choose transport for the journey
Compare the walking and transfer demands of public transport with a taxi or pre-booked vehicle. A taxi can reduce walking, but pickup access, seating, luggage and any mobility equipment still need consideration.
If a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is required, contact the service in advance about eligibility, registration, dimensions and availability. Do not assume an ordinary taxi can carry an occupied wheelchair.
Check age concessions separately
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Centre's admission information includes ordinary admission exemptions for foreign visitors aged 65 and over, with proof of age. Ask before buying a ticket and check separate terms for special tours or areas such as Changdeokgung's Huwon garden.
Public-transport and other concessions can have residency, registration or product-specific requirements. Confirm them with the operator; a palace exemption does not automatically provide a free subway journey.
Allow for weather and rest
In hot weather, include shaded or air-conditioned breaks and avoid scheduling the most demanding walk during the hottest part of the day. In cold weather, allow indoor stops and watch for ice.
Check the actual availability of seating and toilets. Not every café has spare seats, and a palace hall is not necessarily open for visitors to sit inside.
Prepare practical information
Bring a medication list with generic names, doses and relevant medical details, along with the medicines and documents required for travel. Confirm any import requirements before departure.
Arrange equipment, assistance and insurance around the group's actual needs. Keep emergency contacts and accommodation details accessible. In Korea, 119 is the number for ambulance, fire and rescue.
