Seoul Zoo

You see the sign of Seoul Zoo not long before you drive far after passing the ridge of Namtaeryeong, the border between Seoul and Gwacheon.
Seoul Grand Park, consisting of three different areas of Education, Natural Culture and Amusement, has been internationally reputed for diverse amusements it provides, scenic beauty and natural advantages it has.
The first zoo in Korea was made in 1909 in the former royal palace of Changgyeongung under the changed name of Changgyeongweon by imperialist Japan in an effort to eradicate national spirits of and give insult to Koreans. The zoo, which had been maintained at Changgyeongweon even after Korea’s independence from imperialist Japan, was relocated to the current site in Makgyedong, Gwacheon in 1984 and opened its new history under the new name of Seoul Zoo. Now more than twenty years have passed since its relocation, Seoul Zoo has grown to the tenth largest zoo in the world in size.
Zoological gardens of Seoul Zoo keep over 3,400 individual animals belonging to about 360 species from all over the world, including rare species, such as lowland gorilla, in near-wild state classified by origins, life modes and ancestries.
Greenhouse plant garden gives visitors a feeling that they are in forest of all trees of the world with its plants of over 1,300 plant species on show.
It is also a great pleasure to walk along 7.4km-long hillside path that goes through Nature Immersion Area surrounding zoological gardens absorbed in refreshing woods and listening to vigorous shouts of youngsters from the Youth Training Center.
You can see a number of ducks swimming in the lake in front of the entrance to the zoo, couples and families absorbed in appreciating fascinating beauty of roses of over 20,000 belonging to over 200 species and brides in gorgeous dress to have photos taken in Rose Garden.
At Children’s Zoo next to Rose Garden, kids can freely play with cute and gentle animals, such as lambs, goats and llamas, on wide, open space.
If you’d like to get a perspective of the whole area of the park, you may ride the sky lift which will take you to the entrance of the zoo over the distance of 1.7km in the air, or you would like to take a stroll with your boy or girlfriend, you are recommended to take the promenade that goes around the lake.
In addition to zoological gardens and outstanding natural environment, peripheral amusement facilities attract children and young people.
At Seoul Land equipped with the latest amusement facilities, young couples as well as children can enjoy various adventure rides, such as the black hole, magic carpet and King Viking for fun and thrill. Persons with a taste for art may appreciate works and trends of modern and contemporary art at Museum of Contemporary Art.

With scenic beauty that varies from season to season, Seoul Zoo holds seasonal events all the year round. During the period from March to June, Spring Festival and INDI Cultural Festival are held along the 7 ring road for persons and young people who would like to enjoy to the full a feast of flowers, such as native silver-white cherry blossoms, vivid yellow forsythia and soft pink azalea. In April, children may exercise their imagination at Animal Cartoon Competition, which is followed by Rose Festival for couples who would like to have lover’s talk and families that desire to confirm mutual confidence and love among green trees, roses and animals in May and June, and Animals’ Starry Night Festival in July and August. In the fall, Animal Sketch Competition (September), Autumn Flower Festival and Chrysanthemum Festival are opened in the charming spectacle of russet autumn leaves in Mt. Cheonggye. In the winter, when white snow makes kids prone to fantasy, Tale of the Winter in Animal Kingdom (December to February) is told to kids. Don’t miss year-round events of Seoul Zoo.

Activities available to Seoul’s families seem to be limitless. In addition to the numerous historical and cultural sites, museums, and amusement parks, the National Zoo greets millions of visitors every year. Many school children experience the zoo by first walking its grounds during part of a school trip. Growing up in the United States, while I had numerous zoos nearby, I was never treated to such excursions, making me jealous every time I see a bus arrive in the parking lot.

South African Zebras spend part of their lazy afternoon enjoying lunch.

Today, the Seoul Zoo is the tenth largest in the world, but it didn’t start out that way. In fact, prior to 1909, Korea didn’t have a national zoo. It wasn’t until the Japanese occupation that one was created. While zoos are a fantastic place to learn about animals and the environments in which they live, the original national zoo was created on the grounds of Changgyeonggung. The first animals to be viewed by visitors were Siberian tigers, kangaroos, ostriches, camels, orangutans, among others. By housing the animals there, Imperial Japan hoped to break the spirit of the Korean people. This was further seen by changing the name of the palace to Changyeonweon.

A family poses with the ape statues located outside the Primate Area.

The zoo stayed in Seoul for some sixty years. However, as more and more creatures were added, it became evident that a new facility was going to be needed. October 30, 1978 saw ground being broken on the current site adjacent to Gwanak Mountain in Gwacheon. The new zoo opened in 1984 and now has over 3400 animals and boasts more than 360 different species. Total area of the facility is an astonishing 9.1 million square meters and includes camping facilities, nature parks, hiking trails, and an amusement park.

Laying in the fall colors, the lions look up to those admiring their form.

When first arriving to the zoo, you’ll be greeted by a large lake. Swimming and frolicking in the sun are resident ducks. They usually pay no attention to the visitors walking high above on the bridge suspended above them, but provide guests with an excellent gateway to what lays ahead – scores and scores of things to see and do. A favorite place for couples to walk is the Rose Garden. Inside this botanical treat are more than 20,0000 roses from over 200 species.

Probably the highlight of a visit to the zoo is watching the famed seal and dolphin show. Depending on the time of year, two to four shows are staged daily. In addition, children usually find great enjoyment at the zoo area just for them, with several baby animals ready to be viewed and played with. If you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the zoo, that can also be granted by taking a ride on the 1.7km skylift.
To be sure, Seoul Zoo has something for everyone.

Information:

Address: Gyeonggi-do Gwacheon-si Makgye-dong 159-1

Phone: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese); For more info +82-2-500-7245 (Korean, English)
Web: http://grandpark.seoul.go.kr/Eng/html/main/main.jsp
Hours:
April – September: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Last admission: 6pm)
October – March: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Last admission: 5pm)
* Seal & Dolphin Show:
4 Shows Daily: 12pm, 1:30 am, 3pm, 4:30 pm
(December – February: 2 shows – 1:30pm, 3pm)
Parking: Small car : 4,000won / Large car : 9,000won
Admission:
Zoo: Adult(Age 19 or older) 3,000 won (group of 30 persons or more 2,100 won)/ Teenager(Ages 13 – 18) 2,000 won (group of 30 or more persons 1,400 won)/ Children(Ages 4 – 12) 1,000 won (group of 30 or more persons 700 won)
Dolphin Show: Adult 1,500 won/ Teenager 1,000 won/ Children 500 won
Youth Training Center: Adult 2,000 won/ Teenager 1,500 won/ Children 1,000 won
Getting There: Seoul Grand Park Station, Line 4, Exit 2