The park was designed to replace the former Changgyeongwon Zoo, which was relocated to this site to restore the cultural heritage of the original palace grounds.
It contains one of the largest rose gardens in South Korea, featuring thousands of rose bushes that bloom in early summer.
The zoo operates a specialized program for the conservation and breeding of endangered species native to the Korean Peninsula, such as the Siberian tiger.
The park's layout was designed by landscape architect Kim Su-keun, a prominent figure in modern Korean architecture.
The complex is integrated into the natural forest trails of Cheonggyesan Mountain, allowing for hiking beyond the zoo boundaries.
Seoul Grand Park is South Korea's largest integrated park, housing a massive zoo, a botanical garden, and a theme park complex in Gwacheon. The facility spans over 9 million square meters, making it significantly larger than the average city zoo. It is home to more than 2,700 animals representing approximately 300 species from around the world. The zoo features specialized zones including an African plain, a marine mammal zone, and a nocturnal animal exhibit. The entire park complex is situated at the base of Cheonggyesan Mountain, utilizing the natural hilly topography for animal habitats. A specialized elephant train and a cable car system provide transit between the parking area, entrance, and inner park facilities. The botanical garden features an expansive greenhouse complex displaying tropical and desert flora.
The elevated viewing platform of the cable car offers a panoramic vantage point over the zoo and the surrounding Cheonggyesan mountainside.
Use the cable car for the initial ascent to the top of the zoo to save energy, then walk downhill through the exhibits.
Rent a locker at the main entrance to store heavy bags before beginning the trek through the expansive grounds.
Check the zoo's daily feeding and keeper talk schedule immediately upon entry, as these events are scattered across the vast terrain.
Attempting to walk the entire facility on foot without utilizing the shuttle or cable car, as the steep incline and size cause significant fatigue.
Maintain a quiet volume near animal enclosures to prevent stressing the wildlife; do not feed the animals.
