Nature Trails ~ Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원-서울동물원)
Address: 102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 과천시 대공원광장로 102 (막계동)

How to get there: Get off at Seoul Grand Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit #2
Map: http://grandpark.seoul.go.kr/Eng/images/eng_map.jpg

Seoul Grand Park is a major theme park in Korea with all kinds of entertainment facilities and a zoo, and is beautifully surrounded by nature. Covering an area of about 7,000,000 sq km, Seoul Grand Park opened in 1984. A lake runs at the center of Seoul Grand Park, and zoo, botanical garden, educational center for youth, and various convenience facilities are available. 

Currently, the zoo has an extremely rare Roland Gorilla, and about 360 kinds of animals, and total of 3,200 creatures from all over the world, divided into origin and species. The botanical garden is sectioned into different temperature zones, and the zoo has a practical layout. The dolphin and seal shows are the highlights of Seoul Grand Park. Adults and children of all ages can enjoy the shows. The botanical garden contains 1,300 kinds of plants, and the Mt. Cheonggyesan Forest Relaxation Area is great for trail walking. 

The large field on which the Seoul Grand Park operates holds various seasonal festivals. In April, the Royal Cherry Blossoms Festival, in June, the Rose Festival beloved by couples, and in October the Autumn Leaves Festival is held to appreciate the surrounding Mt. Cheonggyesan fall colors.

(From visitkorea website)

Given the size of the park and it being a family theme park, a tram is a necessity! For me, I prefer strolling through the park for photo-taking.

Skylift station

What was my purpose there? The Rose Festival that took place in the month of June at the theme garden! Entrance is 2,000KRW for adults, which is very reasonable given the number of rose species there!

View of the garden - Doesn't look spectacular from far, but wait till you go up close!

The weather was really good the day I went, warm golden sunrays and pretty blue skies! Managed to take some photos that I really liked! (:

And some of the roses are really huge! I just had to take some photos with the roses for comparison.

Potted plants and seeds are sold near the entrance to the theme garden for those with green fingers!

Sunset was really pretty with the reflections from the lake! 

I ended my trip to Seoul Grand Park at about 7 or 8pm, when the skies were starting to get really dark. The zoo is definitely a place to return to!