Seoul Grand Park Zoo is a point of pride for South Korea. It is the nation’s largest zoo located on a more than 9 million square meter complex. The complex is also home to a botanical garden, Seoul Land amusement park, hiking trails and camping areas, a contemporary art museum and an IT center. The zoo is the 10th largest in the world and a recognized member of the International Species Information System (ISIS) and the World Zoo Organization (IUDZG-WZO).
A Long History
Korea’s first zoo was created in 1909 under the efforts of imperialist Japan during the occupation. Built inside former royal palace Changgyeongung (aka Changgyeongweon) the Koreans continued to maintain the zoo even after the withdrawal of the Japanese. In May of 1984 the zoo was moved to Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si just south of the Seoul city limits where it stands as a marvel today.
Walking the Course
The Seoul Grand Park Zoo covers such a vast area that there are trams and a chair lift to help cover some of the huge distance, enjoyable activities on their own. The tram is a miniature train decorated like an elephant that for a very small fee will take visitors from the beginning of the complex to several locations throughout passing by plenty of beautiful scenery. The chair lift carries attendees up over the lake and through the tops of the trees on a course for the entry of the zoo.
Within the zoo there are nearly 3000 animals of 348 species to visit. The concourse takes tourists on a long journey around compounds that explore animals of every region on the planet. Some of the highlights of the zoo are: the African compounds where lions, tigers, monkeys, zebras, giraffes and hippos make their homes; the Large Animal Compound that features elephants and rhinos; the Australian compound with emus and kangaroos; the Marine compound with sea lions, polar bears and a dolphin show; and the luscious Botanical Gardens with 1,300 species of plants.
The Seoul Grand Park Zoo offers the great opportunity to talk with keepers and get an education about the many regions that the zoo represents and all of the animals that reside within the complex. Amongst the animals there are several protected and endangered species. The zoo has an important role in maintaining the animals and providing them with habitats that mimic the animals’ natural surroundings. Teaching the many guests that visit each day to respect nature and understand wildlife is one of the many efforts that Seoul Grand Park Zoo makes to stand out as a resource for education and entertainment on a global spectrum.
Visiting
Seoul Grand Park Zoo is located at 159-1 Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si. For information phone (02) 500-7114. Visiting hours are from 9 am to 7 pm April to October and 9 am to 6 pm November through March (final admissions 1 hour before closing). Admissions are 3,000 Won for adults (approx. $3), youths from 13 to 18 pay 2,000 Won (approx. $2), kids from 4 to 12 pay 1,000 Won (approx. $1) while children under four may enter for free.
The Children’s Zoo and Rose Garden has admission fees of 2,000 Won for adults, 1,500 Won (approx. $1.50) for youths and 1,000 Won for children. Entry to the Dolphin Show is 1,500 Won for adults, 1,000 Won for youths and 500 Won (approx. $0.50) for children.
The Elephant Train rates are 800 Won (approx. $0.80) for adults, youths pay 600 Won (approx. $0.60) and it is 500 Won for children. The Lift Chair is 4,500 Won (approx. $4.50) for adults, 3,000 Won for youths and 2,500 Won (approx. $2.50) for children with 2 trip passes and all day passes available at an additional cost.
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