Seoul Children's Grand Park

Seoul Children's Grand Park is a 530,000-square-meter family park in eastern Seoul, opened in 1973 as part of Korea's mid-1970s child-welfare policy push. The park combines a free-admission zoo, a small amusement park (with a mixed lineup of gentle rides and adult coasters), botanical gardens, and broad event lawns within a single subway-accessible perimeter. The zoo houses around 50 species including elephants (a small herd), giraffes, big cats, and a substantial primate area, and emphasizes naturalistic open enclosures rather than the small-cage layouts common in older Korean zoos. Recent renovations have expanded the enrichment programs and added educational content on animal welfare and conservation. The amusement zone has gentle rides aimed at younger children (bumper cars, small ferris wheel, kids' train), with adult coasters available for accompanying older siblings. Free to enter the park and zoo; amusement rides ticketed (typically KRW 3,000-8,000 per ride, or KRW 20,000-30,000 for a full-day pass). Best on weekday mornings to avoid school groups. Access: Children's Grand Park Station (Line 7, Exit 1) directly opens onto the park entrance. Pair with the surrounding Gwangjin-gu attractions.