Seoul Children's Grand Park by subway: free zoo and playgrounds

Seoul Children's Grand Park (서울어린이대공원) is a large, free-entry park in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, with a zoo, a botanical garden, playgrounds and open lawns, and it sits right next to the subway. Take Line 7 to Children's Grand Park Station for the main gate, or Line 5 to Achasan Station for the back gate. You can walk in without a ticket; only a few extras, such as the amusement rides, cost money. It is one of the easiest half-day outings in Seoul for families with small children, and a pleasant green walk for anyone else.

Please note: this is not the same place as Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, which has a bigger paid zoo. If that is the one you meant, see our guide to Seoul Grand Park and Seoul Zoo by subway.

What is Children's Grand Park?

The park opened in 1973, on Children's Day (May 5), and has been a classic Seoul family day out ever since. It is run by the city and is broad and flat, so it suits strollers, toddlers who walk slowly and grandparents. Locals use it for weekend picnics, school field trips and evening walks, so it feels like a real neighborhood park rather than a tourist attraction.

Inside you will find several zones spread along wide paths:

Zoo areas – animal enclosures and indoor animal houses you can visit without an admission ticket. It is smaller than a big city zoo, but just right for young children.
Botanical garden and greenhouse areas – a good stop on a cold or rainy day.
Playgrounds and water play – including spaces for different age groups; water features usually run only in the warmer months.
Open lawns and shady paths – plenty of room for a picnic mat.
A small amusement area – classic kiddie rides that are paid separately.

How to get there by subway

Main gate: Line 7, Children's Grand Park Station

Children's Grand Park Station (어린이대공원역) on Line 7 is the most direct option; the main gate is a very short walk from the station. Follow the signs in the station for the park's main entrance. If you come from Gangnam, Line 7 runs straight here from stations such as Gangnam-gu Office and Cheongdam.

Back gate: Line 5, Achasan Station

Achasan Station (아차산역) on Line 5 brings you to the back gate side of the park. This is handy if you are coming from Gwanghwamun or Jongno on Line 5, or if you want to combine the park with a short walk around Achasan afterward.

From Konkuk University Station

Konkuk University Station (Lines 2 and 7) is one stop away. Many people eat around the Konkuk University area first and then ride one stop, or walk, to the park.

Use a T-money card or a similar transit card, and check the station maps for the exit marked for the park; exit numbers sometimes change during station works.

Is it really free?

Yes. Walking into the park, strolling the paths, using the general playgrounds and seeing the free zoo areas do not require a ticket. Expect to pay for:

Amusement rides, which are run separately and charged per ride or by package.
Some special programs, workshops or seasonal events.
Food and drinks from the stalls and convenience stores inside or near the park.

Fees and which facilities are open change from time to time, so check the official Seoul Children's Grand Park website before you go.

Opening hours and the best time to visit

The park itself is open from early morning until late evening, but the zoo buildings, greenhouse and rides keep shorter hours and often close in the late afternoon, with last entry earlier still. Hours can change by season, so check the official site on the day. A few practical patterns:

Weekday mornings are the calmest. School groups sometimes arrive mid-morning, but the park is big enough to spread out.
Weekends and public holidays are busy, and Children's Day (May 5) is the busiest day of the year.
Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh green lawns; autumn has colorful leaves and comfortable walking weather.
Summer is hot and humid – go early, bring water and plan shade breaks.
Winter is quiet; indoor animal houses and greenhouses make a short visit worthwhile, but some outdoor areas feel bare.

A simple half-day plan

Arrive at the main gate (Line 7) around opening time for the animal areas.
Visit the zoo zones first, while children have the most energy and the animals are often more active.
Take a playground and snack break. Many families bring a picnic mat and lunch.
See the botanical garden or greenhouse, especially if the weather turns.
Finish with a few rides if your kids are tall enough, or leave through the back gate to Achasan Station.

Balo, a veterinarian who lives in POPORO CITY, puts it simply: "Watch the animals quietly for a few minutes – kids notice much more when nobody is tapping on the glass."

Zoo etiquette

Do not feed the animals or throw anything into enclosures.
Avoid tapping on glass or shouting; use flash only where it is allowed.
Follow the one-way routes inside indoor animal houses when they are marked.
Pets: rules on dogs in the park and near the animal areas can be strict, so check before bringing one.

Food and facilities

There are convenience stores, snack stalls and benches around the park, plus restrooms and baby-care rooms at several points. Strollers are easy to push on most paths. For a proper meal, the streets around Konkuk University, one stop away, have many casual Korean restaurants, chicken shops and cafes. If you are traveling with kids for several days, our list of family-friendly spots in Seoul has more ideas.

Combine it with nearby spots

Achasan – a gentle mountain trail near Achasan Station with views over the Han River, suitable for older kids and adults.
Konkuk University area – lively food streets and a lake on campus.
Ttukseom Hangang Park – a short ride away on Line 7 for riverside bikes and evening views.

Quick tips

Take Line 7 to Children's Grand Park Station for the main gate; Line 5 Achasan Station for the back gate.
Entry is free; budget only for rides, snacks and special programs.
Animal houses and greenhouses close earlier than the park – go in the morning.
Bring a picnic mat, water, sunscreen in summer and a warm layer in winter.
Avoid Children's Day (May 5) unless you enjoy big crowds.
Check the official website for current hours and closures before you set off.

FAQ

Is Seoul Children's Grand Park the same as Seoul Grand Park?

No. Children's Grand Park is in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, with free entry. Seoul Grand Park is in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, and has a larger zoo that charges admission.

Do I need to book in advance?

Not for general entry. Some special programs or events may require reservations, which are announced on the official website.

How long should I spend there?

Two to four hours is enough for most families: the zoo areas, a playground stop, a snack and a short walk.

Is it good for adults without children?

Yes, as a relaxed park walk, especially in spring and autumn. If you mainly want big animals or long walks, Seoul Grand Park or a Han River park might suit you better.

Can I use a stroller or wheelchair?

Most main paths are wide and fairly flat, so strollers and wheelchairs manage well. Some side paths have slopes or steps.