If your little ones dream of feeding furry friends or strolling past colorful flowers, Nature Park in Daegu is where all those dreams come to life. Just a 15-minute drive from the Daegu base area, this lush, family-friendly park offers the best of both worlds: a safe haven for animals and a blooming garden — where families can reconnect with nature.

What makes this park especially heartwarming is its mission: offering a second chance to hundreds of animals that were once rescued from poor conditions such as basements or cramped containers. Today, they happily live across nearly 400,000 square meters of land and thoughtfully designed natural habitats. Known as a “Walking Safari,” this space allows visitors to meet animals face to face, from curious capybaras and sleepy meerkats to elegant peacocks wandering the paths alongside you.

Beyond meeting animals, families can also enjoy seasonal festive atmospheres and join in fun activities throughout the park. So don’t forget your camera and the energy to chase as your little ones dash off to greet their new furry friends. After feeding animals, sliding, paddling boats and eating ice cream, many kids still aren’t ready to leave!

Note: Nature Park is operated by the same business as Daegu’s largest waterpark, Spa Valley, located next to each other. However, the two attractions are managed separately.

• Location: 891 Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu: https://naver.me/xxY2zyYi

• Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily (Last admission 5 p.m.)

• Tickets: Adults: 20,000 won / Children (24 months–elementary): 18,000 won

Discounts available through Naver / Free for those under 24 months with proof

• Parking: Free for weekdays / 4,000 won for weekends —Make sure to ask staff for a parking voucher.

• Website: www.spavalley.co.kr/naturepark

This isn’t a usual zoo. With over 50 species and 300 animals, children can walk freely among gentle creatures like peacocks, rabbits, squirrels, and ducks — no cages, no barriers. Beautiful peacocks stroll gracefully beside visitors, showing off their colorful feathers and sometimes even leading their chicks like royal escorts.

Of course, the park also houses larger animals such as black leopards, Asiatic black bears, tigers and lions, all safely kept within their habitats.

In the herbivore animal zone, kids can gently hand-feed animals like meerkats and alpacas. You’ll hear giggles and squeals as little hands hold out snacks. Visitors can purchase an animal food kit for 5,000 won.

The small gardens throughout the park add a colorful rhythm to the experience. Although it’s not a full-scale botanical garden, families can still enjoy every corner of walking paths beautifully filled with seasonal blooms. These flower gardens paired with benches and open spaces, make the stroll feel refreshing and photogenic.

Throughout the year, the park also hosts seasonal festivals from Halloween-themed gardens to Christmas light displays, adding a festive touch to your visit.

Visitors are welcome to bring outside food (just not for the animals!). The park provides plenty of rest areas with benches, perfect for enjoying a quick snack or taking a break between adventures.

Don’t forget to pack extra energy as there’s so much more to enjoy here beyond the animals!

In the Play Garden, kids can bounce high on large trampolines while the Rainbow Slide Zone offers a thrilling ride that will have them asking to go again and again.

Families can also enjoy a peaceful moment at the artificial lake, where transparent kayaks are available for rent.

• Please note: Rainbow Slide (10,000 won per hour) and kayaking for 2 people (15,000 won) each require an additional fee.

USAG Daegu

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