Seoul Zoo, Seoul - a building with a fence and trees in front of it
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Seoul Zoo Seoul

4.5
·2k reviews·Gwacheon-si, South Korea

Discover Seoul Zoo within the vast Seoul Grand Park, a beautiful escape offering diverse animals and stunning natural landscapes, especially in autumn...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Stunning foliage & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Seoul Zoo, Seoul - a building with a fence and trees in front of it

Seoul Zoo Seoul

Best Time

Fall mornings

Stunning foliage & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Seoul Zoo within the vast Seoul Grand Park, a beautiful escape offering diverse animals and stunning natural landscapes, especially in autumn.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The park's scenery is beautiful with fall leaves, a great alternative to crowded spots!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive park and zoo grounds. :athletic_shoe:

🧥 Dress for the Weather

Seoul Grand Park is located on a mountain, so dress in layers, especially during cooler seasons. :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Autumn Scenery

Vibrant Autumn Scenery

Seoul Grand Park

Witness a breathtaking display of fall colors, making the zoo a picturesque escape. A truly beautiful setting for animal encounters .

TikTokReddit
Diverse Animal Encounters

Diverse Animal Encounters

Various enclosures

Explore a wide array of animals, from majestic tigers to playful primates. A hit with families and animal lovers alike .

Instagram+1
Expansive Park Grounds

Expansive Park Grounds

Seoul Grand Park

Beyond the zoo, discover beautiful flower gardens and vast green spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic .

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Fall Foliage

Seoul Zoo transforms into a stunning autumn spectacle. For the best experience, plan your visit during the fall season to witness the vibrant foliage. It's a less crowded alternative to other popular spots during this time.TikTok

Weekday Visits for Serenity

Weekends, especially Sundays, can see higher visitor numbers at Seoul Grand Park, which includes the zoo. Opt for a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the animals and the beautiful park surroundings.Reddit

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Stunning foliage & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming flowers & pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Seoul Grand Park If you are looking for a less crowded place than Nami Island, Seouls Grand Park is your place to enjoy fall in Korea. You can go there by subway (Grand Park Station Line 4) #seoul #...
@laiapags
52.3K likes • 1M views

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive park and zoo grounds. :athletic_shoe:

🧥 Dress for the Weather

Seoul Grand Park is located on a mountain, so dress in layers, especially during cooler seasons. :cloud:

제일 좋아하는 초록초록한 계절💚🍀 ____________하리패밀리와 함께 동물원 체험학습_______________ 🐯🦁🐻🙉🐨🦒🦓🦭🦍🐆🐅🦛🦏🐫🐃🐂🦚🦥🦝🦫🦦
__wonnyy__
75 likes • 0 views
D+475 서울랜드 나들이~ 🦭🌷 동물친구들도 보고 뻥튀기도 먹고 낮잠도 자고 ♡ᩚ👶🏻
k1ms2u
54 likes • 0 views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The park's natural beauty, especially in autumn, offers fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

A great outing for families with young children, offering a chance to see animals and enjoy the outdoors. :child:

- - - 네 제가 바로 서울대공원에 벚꽃구경 간 ‘그’ 사자입니다. 불광천까지 하루에 두탕 뛰기 성공 -! #불광천 #서울대공원 #벚꽃
chanheegram_
52 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive park and zoo grounds. :athletic_shoe:

🧥 Dress for the Weather

Seoul Grand Park is located on a mountain, so dress in layers, especially during cooler seasons. :cloud:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The park's natural beauty, especially in autumn, offers fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

A great outing for families with young children, offering a chance to see animals and enjoy the outdoors. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Seoul Zoo offers a beautiful natural setting, especially during autumn, with a diverse range of animals. Visitors appreciate the scenic park grounds and the opportunity for outdoor recreation. However, some concerns have been raised regarding animal welfare, which is a point of consideration for some visitors.

"Amazing zoo. They had what looked like a storm hit before my visit, but they were working hard to open some of the exhibits back up. They have an amazing large cat sanctuary and the red pandas are fun to watch. The paths are wide enough even with large crowds, it feels open."

Brandon Montang

"Probably the most picturesque zoo I’ve ever visited with an impressive range of animals set in an expansive natural-looking environment. Getting to the zoo proper is a highlight in itself as a sky lift takes you over a river and treats you to a majestic view of the mountains. Wear your tracking shoes as the zoo is set on a mountain which means lots of uphill/downhill walking which is not exactly made for older visitors. With a zoo like this you really need to plan your path in advance to minimise unnecessary commuting and to maximise animal sightings. The zoo didn’t disappoint though and the animals looked happy in their large enclosures. I wish they had more staff located around the zoo that can provide directions and water coolers to refill bottles. If you’re using the Seoul Discovery Pass, present your pass at the sky lift counter on the far left in exchange for the sky lift and zoo tickets (seriously the Discovery Pass instructions are far from clear). In all, a very special zoo that earns a place in any Seoul visit."

Michael Ong

"The zoo is huge. We ride the overhead cable train twice to go from end-to-end, but it was so enjoyable that I get to see enclosed animals from above! Definitely my go-to again in the future!"

VintVoo20

What People Like

Beautiful autumn scenery
Diverse animal collection
Expansive park grounds

What People Dislike

Animal welfare concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Seoul Zoo is by taking the Seoul Subway Line 4 to the 'Seoul Grand Park Station'. From there, it's a short walk to the park entrance. You can also find bus routes that stop near the park.TikTok

Yes, Seoul Grand Park is very well-connected by public transport. Subway Line 4 is the most convenient option, with a station directly serving the park.TikTok

Once inside Seoul Grand Park, you can walk to the zoo or utilize the park's internal shuttle bus system to cover longer distances, especially if you have young children or limited mobility.Reddit

Yes, Seoul Grand Park offers parking facilities. However, public transport is generally recommended to avoid potential traffic and parking hassles, especially on busy days.Reddit

Seoul Zoo is located within Seoul Grand Park, which is accessible from downtown Seoul via subway in approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a convenient day trip.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for Seoul Zoo are generally affordable. While specific prices can vary, expect them to be reasonable for a day of family fun. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.Reddit

While online ticket purchasing options might be available, buying tickets at the entrance is also a common and straightforward method. Check the official Seoul Grand Park website for the latest information on booking.Reddit

Seoul Zoo typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to confirm the exact Seoul Zoo hours before your visit.Reddit

Seoul Grand Park itself is a large public space, but there is an admission fee specifically for the Seoul Zoo. The park grounds outside the zoo are generally free to enter.Reddit

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counter or check the official Seoul Grand Park website for any ongoing promotions or discount eligibility.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Seoul Zoo houses a diverse collection of animals, including mammals like elephants, tigers, lions, and primates, as well as birds and reptiles. Visitors often enjoy seeing the variety of species.Instagram+1

Absolutely! The zoo's natural setting, especially during autumn, provides beautiful backdrops for photography. Capture the animals in their habitats and the scenic park views.TikTokInstagram

To fully explore Seoul Zoo and enjoy the surrounding park, plan for at least half a day. If you wish to explore other attractions within Seoul Grand Park, allocate a full day.Reddit

Yes, Seoul Zoo is generally family-friendly, with amenities like restrooms and open spaces. It's a popular destination for families with young children.Reddit

Seoul Zoo offers a blend of animal viewing and natural scenery. While some visitors have expressed concerns about animal welfare,Reddit many find the park's setting beautiful, especially during the fall.TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are usually food stalls and cafes within Seoul Zoo and Seoul Grand Park offering snacks, light meals, and beverages. You can find options for a quick bite during your visit.Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted in Seoul Grand Park, allowing for picnics in designated areas. This can be a budget-friendly option.Reddit

Expect typical park fare such as Korean snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. For a wider variety of dining experiences, you might explore options outside the immediate zoo area within Seoul Grand Park.Reddit

Options might be limited, but you can often find fruit, snacks, or simple rice dishes. Bringing your own vegetarian or vegan-friendly snacks is a good idea if you have specific dietary needs.Reddit

Food prices within tourist attractions can be slightly higher than average. Packing your own snacks or a picnic can help manage costs.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The zoo's natural landscapes, especially during autumn, offer stunning backdrops. Look for scenic viewpoints overlooking animal enclosures and the park's rolling hills.TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography of the animals is generally allowed, but always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions. Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.Instagram

A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. For landscape shots of the park, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. A smartphone camera is also great for casual shots.Instagram

While general photography is permitted, some specific exhibits or areas might have restrictions. Always observe signage and respect the animals' environment.Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. This is also when animals are often more active.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Seoul Zoo is a fantastic destination for families with young children. The variety of animals provides endless fascination for little ones,Instagram+1 and the expansive park grounds offer plenty of space to run around and explore.Reddit Consider bringing a stroller or utilizing the park's shuttle bus to make navigating the large area easier with toddlers.Reddit The zoo is a great way to introduce children to different species and foster an early love for nature.

Pack snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, or enjoy the casual dining options available within the park.Reddit Weekday visits are recommended to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.Reddit The beautiful scenery, especially in autumn, adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Seoul Zoo offers an affordable way to spend a day enjoying nature and wildlife. The ticket price is generally reasonable,Reddit and the park itself is vast, providing a lot of value for your money. To save further, consider packing your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch, as dining within the park can add up.Reddit

Utilizing public transportation like the subway is the most cost-effective way to reach Seoul Grand Park.TikTok Once there, walking is free and allows you to fully appreciate the park's beauty. While there are shuttle buses, they come with a small fee, so assess if walking is feasible for your itinerary and energy levels.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Seoul Zoo and its surrounding Seoul Grand Park offer a wealth of visual opportunities. The natural landscapes, particularly during the autumn foliage season, provide stunning backdrops for both animal and scenic shots.TikTokInstagram The diverse range of animals means you can capture unique moments and behaviors.Instagram

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light, which can significantly enhance your photos. A zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of the animals from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive park scenery.Instagram Be mindful of any photography restrictions and always prioritize the animals' well-being by avoiding flash photography when not permitted.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Zoo is nestled within the expansive Seoul Grand Park, a vast recreational area that offers much more than just animal exhibits. This sprawling complex is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially during the vibrant autumn season.TikTok Beyond the zoo, visitors can explore beautiful flower gardens, enjoy leisurely walks through lush green spaces, and even find a theme park and botanical garden.Reddit The park's location on a mountain means visitors can expect scenic views and a refreshing natural environment, making it a perfect escape from the city bustle.Reddit

Navigating Seoul Grand Park can involve a significant amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.Reddit For those with limited mobility or traveling with young children, the park offers an internal shuttle bus service to help cover the distances between attractions.Reddit The park's natural beauty is a significant draw, with many visitors highlighting the stunning scenery, particularly the vibrant foliage during the fall months.TikTokReddit This makes it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a day surrounded by nature.

While the zoo itself is a major attraction, the overall experience of Seoul Grand Park adds significant value. It's a place where you can combine animal encounters with outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. Planning your visit to include time to explore beyond the zoo enclosures will enhance your overall experience of this popular Seoul destination.Reddit

Animal Welfare Concerns at Seoul Zoo

While Seoul Zoo offers a chance to see a variety of animals in a natural park setting, it's important to be aware of some concerns that have been raised regarding animal welfare.Reddit Reports of animal deaths and visible distress have led some visitors to reconsider the ethics of visiting zoos.Reddit These concerns highlight the ongoing debate about the role and practices of modern zoos in animal conservation and public education.

It's worth noting that Seoul Grand Park is a large facility, and the conditions can vary across different enclosures. Visitors who are particularly sensitive to animal welfare issues may wish to research specific exhibits or consider alternative attractions that prioritize animal well-being. Community discussions on platforms like Reddit sometimes touch upon these sensitive topics, offering varied perspectives from visitors who have experienced the zoo firsthand.Reddit

For those who choose to visit, being an observant and informed visitor is key. Understanding the potential welfare issues can help shape your experience and encourage thoughtful reflection on the role of zoos. Many visitors still appreciate the opportunity to see animals and enjoy the park's natural beauty, but it's a decision that involves weighing different factors.TikTokReddit

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