Let’s go to the Seoul Zoo(서울동물원) in the forest !

Oh, May-sun-shower! What a dazzling day it was! The brilliant sunshine continuously stimulated my instinct of being away from home. Moreover, it was aired that so many public attractions such as 4 main palaces, royal tombs, Jongmyo(Royal shrine) and other some places related to children would be allow for free admission, because the day was Children’s Day(May05). I made up my mind to head the Seoul Zoo.

It is located in Gwacheon city(과천시) next to the south of Seoul. By the way why the name of it is ‘Seoul’ instead of ‘Gwacheon’? The reason why it was in Seoul at first (opened in 1909) until 1984 when it was relocated to its current site and changed its name to the ‘Seoul Zoo’ on the centenary year. And this is so extensive area that it has been still under the control of Seoul city. To the zoo even though without kids? Uh-huh, don’t mention it like that.

The zoo has some special aspects rather than others. In fact, it is very close to expression that it is shut in by woody trees across the zoo and is like forest. And thus this has been loved by all the generations just not by children. The high-clean maintenance despite the fact this is the various wildlife living area is able to for me make no resistance to visit. Of course, I also couldn’t avoid the scents of animal refuse. If the smells were not there, it would not be a zoo any more.

Anyway it took double times to buy the ticket for elephant-shaped train (KRW1000 about USD0.85) getting to the zoo and to wait for riding it, due to special day for kids from the entrance area. Oh my, we had to pay for admission (KRW5000 about USD4.2) to get in the zoo. Free admission was given just for kids and children not adult like me. The dream about free-of-charge was blown off!!!

Flamingos

The first delight for me was always flamingos put on airs of colorful flame feathers next entrance. Skinny leg, strong red color, pliable long neck. I missed their show at this time. When I visited ever before, I could watch it luckily (the time is 3;30pm-daily, 11;00am-additionally on weekend).

Giraffe

Fennec Fox

Zebras

Giraffe, zebra, meerkat, Fennec Fox, cheetah, tiger, lion, peafowl, deer, snakes, elephant and so on. Endless baby carriage line everywhere I went. I was given extra gift from all cute, adorable kids. How precious they are!

Mirror, mirror, who is the fairest one of all?

Among the all the most my favorite in here is woody tall trees cover across vast whole area. Trees always gave me the good feeling what I was in the fresh forest not in smelly narrow site. Tiny pavilions located at intervals helped relax time and some people ate something prepared their own.

Please remind that this is the 10^th largest zoo in the world. According to their information, it is area of zoological and botanical gardens where 2,700 animals from 332 species at 29 animals farms and flora live. So comfortable shoes, casual attire are must to prepare to enjoy all about this.

Peafowl

The peafowl was boasting by stretching out its magnificent fan on the very right time when I reached. It was turning round and round on the same spot on that way. I touched luck. Are you sick of such and such tourist attractions? Then, don’t hesitate to visit here. It’s worth a visit, definitely. 

These are Some tips for you. 

*How to get there; 

1.Take the line4 of Seoul subway and off at the Seoul Grand Park.

1-1, exit #2 >>walk straight (about 5-10minutes) to information service center selling elephant-shaped train>>take train to the zoo

1-2, exit #4 >> walk to backward (just one minute) to ride free shuttle bus leaves every 20 minutes bounds for National museum of modern and contemporary art in Gwacheon **Shuttle bus closes on Monday.

1-3, Walking from the Seoul Grand Park station takes at least 20 minutes. 

2. There is free wide shuttle bus leaves 4 times a day (10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm), route from National museum of modern and contemporary art in Seoul >>Deoksugung palace (city bus tour stop in front of Daehanmun gate)>> National museum of modern and contemporary art in Gwacheon. **Shuttle bus closes on Monday. 

*Please remind this is 10^th largest zoo in the world. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and casual dress also, please. 

* Please avoid hot season in the end of July or early August if you can’t endure the scents of animal refuse and strong sunbeam although they open till night in hot season. 

*I’d like recommend to visit Art Museum next to if you have plenty of time. It’s worthy for inside and outside high leveled sculptures. You can easily appreciate outdoor sculpture park based on the well-maintained and fine scenery without payment. Please refer my post about museum>>>http://goo.gl/v4uOqy