Seoul Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Seoul Zoo?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can ride the elephant train, pet animals and explore Dino Park; wide paths, toilets and free shuttles help, but the long walking loop can tire young legs.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Wide, paved walkways make pushing strollers easy.
- Family Facilities: Free nursing rooms and high chairs are available near the entrance.
Challenges:
- Long Walking Distances: The zoo covers a large area; kids may get tired after 1–2 hours of walking.
- Limited Shade: Few shaded areas in open exhibits; bring hats and refillable water bottles.
What is Seoul Zoo?
- A zoological park spanning 128 hectares within the Seoul Grand Park complex, serving as the largest zoo in South Korea
- Home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 330 species from continents including Asia, Africa and the Americas
- Incorporating botanical zones of over 900 plant species, seamlessly blending animal habitats with forested landscapes and themed gardens
What is so special about Seoul Zoo for with kids?
- Ride the Elephant Train for a fun park entry.
- Meet and feed animals at the Children’s Zoo petting area.
- Discover life-sized dinosaurs and real fossils at Dino Park.
- Enjoy cable car views of Gwacheon Lake on the Sky Lift.
- Picnic under trees by the lake and let kids roam free.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to ride the train, visit the petting zoo, dinosaur exhibit and enjoy a lakeside picnic without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Seoul Zoo
Elephant Train Ride:
Take the 5-minute train from Grand Park Station to the zoo entrance.
Tip: Buy tickets at the kiosk; kids under 36 months ride free with an adult.
Children’s Zoo & Petting Area:
Meet alpacas, sheep, rabbits and watch feeding demonstrations up close.
Tip: Open Wed–Sun Apr–Oct; arrive before 3 PM for the best demo spots.
Dino Park & Fossil Zone:
Explore life-sized dinosaur models and discover real fossils.
Tip: Admission included in your zoo ticket; great for memorable family photos.
Sky Lift Cable Car:
Enjoy a 10-minute ride over treetops to see Gwacheon Lake.
Tip: Line up early to avoid long waits; tickets sold at the zoo entrance.
Lakeside Picnic & Playground:
Relax under shade by the lake and let kids play on open lawns.
Tip: Bring a picnic mat and snacks; picnic tables fill up quickly on weekends.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Seoul Zoo
- Arrive at Opening: Get there at 9 AM to avoid crowds and see animals when they are active.
- Use the Free Shuttle: Hop on the zoo’s shuttle bus to move quickly between distant zones.
- Download the Map: Save the official zoo map on your phone to plan the shortest walking routes.
Reviews of Seoul Zoo
VintVoo20
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!
Eleonora Kowalska
If you have the option, come early and on a workday day. Else, you would be in a constant danger of being mowed over with strollers and wagons, and the whole place would become a minefield of kids just running around. Buy tickets in advance, not only for the zoo entry but also for any of the rides you wish to take. It will save you time. Just don't forget to exchange your voucher (or QR code) at t...
Michael Ong
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 m...
Binabang Ventures
There are 2 main parks in Seoul Grand Park; ie Seoul Zoo and Seoulland. Seoulland is a theme park. Recommended place to bring your kids when visiting Seoul. We took Sky Lift Line 1 to entrance of Seoul Zoo. Bought ticket to Seoul Zoo after we came down from Sky Lift Line 1. No instructions on where to buy Seoul Zoo tickets, so we need to ask around. Anyway, we enjoy our time there. There are resta...
Brandon Montang
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.
When is the best time to visit Seoul Zoo (Seoul, South Korea)?
Early April offers cherry blossom picnics by the lake. Mid-May to June join the rose festival in the Theme Garden. Summer sun can be strong—use shaded shuttle stops and carry water. Autumn brings colorful forest foliage. In winter, visit the greenhouse botanical garden for a warm plant exhibit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Zoo admission (2 adults + 2 children) | KRW 16,000 |
| Elephant train ride | KRW 7,000 |
| Snacks and drinks | KRW 5,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 28,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Seoul Zoo
Address: 102 Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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About Seoul Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 2-500-7338Explore Popular Things to Do
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