Seoul Zoo

Seoul Zoo and its collection

Seoul Zoo is a zoo in Gwacheon, South Korea.

Administration rests with the capital's city government, although the grounds lie outside the city, about 15 km to the south. Dedicated desert and steppe sections and a monkey rock form part of the layout.

History

The country's earliest zoo opened on 1 November 1909 in the grounds of Changgyeonggung palace under Japanese colonial rule, with an opening stock of 361 animals in 72 species, among them 121 mammals and 240 birds. Many of the animals were killed as the Second World War drew to a close. Rebuilding followed independence in 1945 and the Korean War, using gifts from wealthy Koreans and from foreign zoos.

Animals and collection

Roughly 2,500 animals of close to 300 species are kept. Amphibians, reptiles and butterflies have separate sections, and birds are housed in aviaries.

What the venue says

• Elephant Train
• Sky Lift
• Dolphin Story Hall
• Accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces are available near the main entrance plaza.
• Seoul Grand Park and the zoo grounds feature paved, wide paths that are generally stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.