Korea Kids’ Corner: Meet cute red pandas at Seoul Grand Park Zoo!

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

As South Korea’s largest zoo, the Seoul Grand Park Zoo is the place to go when families want to get a close look with the animal kingdom at a budget-friendly price. The park is a perfect setting for picnics, especially when the spring flowers are in full bloom.

The zoo now features three new adorable residents you won’t be able to resist: red pandas! According to Seoul Grand Park Zoo, red pandas are an endangered species and were acquired so experts could study their behavior and nutritional needs. The zoo shared videos online of the pandas, which come from Tokyo and Canada, getting acclimated to their new home before their public debut in March.

Beyond the new furry stars, the extensive zoo also houses a wide array of animals, including western lowland gorillas, tigers, lions, hippos, giraffes and elephants. Please note that some animals may not be out on certain days due to their condition or weather.

Seoul Grand Park offers various family-friendly attractions alongside the zoo, such as a botanical garden, Seoul Land amusement park and camping grounds. Parking locations may vary depending on your destination, so be sure to use the parking lot in front of the park entrance when visiting the zoo at the address below.

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

1. Bring your favorite picnic items

Picnic lovers are welcome to bring their favorite items. You can spread your picnic mat anywhere at the park as long as it doesn’t obstruct others. Also, there are many benches and tables available, so you can easily enjoy peaceful family moments among the beautiful seasonal flowers.

If you don’t want to bring anything, no worries. There are convenience stores, cafés, and restaurants there. The zoo’s Lion Café is also very popular because you can enjoy coffee or pizza while watching the lions in their habitat.

*Note: Bringing pets, bicycles, and inline skates is prohibited. Cooking and tent pitching are not allowed.

(Free image)

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

2. Take the Sky Lift or Elephant Train

To get to the zoo from Seoul Grand Park’s entrance, visitors have three options.

1) Walking: Enjoy a peaceful 15-minute stroll from the entrance or parking lot to the zoo, with no additional fees or waiting.

2) Elephant Train: This option takes less than 5 minutes to reach the zoo, a favorite among kids!

• Ticket (one way): Adults - 2,000 won / Under 18 - 1,500 won / Free for children under 36 months.

3) Sky Lift: It’s a beloved choice to enjoy the beautiful landscape while saving energy. If you plan to use both Line 1 and Line 2 for a round trip, the unlimited pass is recommended. Make sure to secure your belongings to prevent dropping them. During peak hours on weekends, expect a 30- to 40-minute wait.

Line 1: A scenic route from the entrance to the zoo, passing by the lake, and takes about 15 minutes.

Line 2: Starting from the zoo entrance, this lift takes you to the zoo hilltop while giving you a view from above of the lions, tigers and monkeys. This ride takes about 18 minutes to complete.

• One way: Adults - 9,000 won / Teens - 5,500 won / Children - 5,000 won

• Two times: Adults - 16,000 won / Teens - 9,000 won / Children - 8,000 won

• Unlimited pass: Adults - 21,000 won / Teens - 13,000 won / Children - 12,000 won

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

3. Plan your trip with the guide map

Seoul Grand Park Zoo is so vast that it’s challenging to see all the animals in a day. Grab a guide map at the zoo entrance for recommended routes. A popular choice is starting with Line 2 of the Sky Lift to reach the zoo’s end, where you’ll find the lions and tigers, then stroll down the hill to see other animals.

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

Guide Map

4. Time your visit wisely

Morning visits are ideal for full exploration, especially as many nocturnal animals are more active in the early morning. To avoid long lines for the Sky Lift on weekends, mornings are also recommended.

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Grand Park)

5. Stroller is a must-have item for some families

Strollers are essential for families with young children due to extensive walking at the park. If you bring a large stroller, it’s best to board the elephant train in the front car so you can have more space for the stroller. When riding the Sky Life with a stroller, ask staff for assistance.

For rentals, visit the stroller and wheelchair rental shop on the right side of the zoo entrance, where you’ll also find a nursing room. Leaving an ID card as a deposit is required for the rentals.

• Stroller: 4,000 won / Electric: 30,000 won

• Wheelchair: 5,000 won / Electric: 10,000 won

Free buses are available at the zoo for individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and seniors. For inquiries, contact Seoul Grand Park Customer Service Center at 02-500-7337.