Early Summer: A Small Encounter with Nature at Seoul Grand Park

One day, I suddenly felt the urge to see greenery without traveling far. That’s how I ended up at Seoul Grand Park. This urban park, easily accessible by subway, turned out to be much larger, deeper, and warmer than I had imagined. 🌿 Relaxation Begins at the Park Entrance After getting off at Gwacheon Station and walking a short distance, you’ll arrive at the entrance of Seoul Grand Park. The long tree-lined path immediately helps you forget the noise of the city as you stroll leisurely. Past the ticket booth, the first thing that caught my eye was the Lake Park. Ducks floated gracefully on the shimmering water, couples rode bicycles, and children played joyfully. Sitting on a bench, sipping an iced Americano, the sunlight and breeze felt just perfect. 🦁 Meeting Animal Friends A visit to Seoul Grand Park wouldn’t be complete without exploring the zoo. If you think it’s just for kids, you’d be mistaken. From the large fennec foxes and majestic elephants to the proud giraffes visible even from afar, the zoo offers plenty to marvel at. The most memorable part was the lion and tiger exhibit. Standing closer than expected, locking eyes with these magnificent creatures brought a mix of tension and awe. And then, near a panda sculpture, the laughter of children filled the air. That moment alone made the place feel warm and inviting. 🌸 Strolling Through the Botanical Garden and Nature Beyond the zoo lies the botanical garden of Seoul Grand Park. The greenhouse, filled with exotic cacti and tropical plants, feels like stepping into another country. Wooden decks line the floor, and sunlight streams through the glass ceiling above. Walking slowly in the humid air was surprisingly pleasant. 🚠 Ending the Day with a Monorail Ride If walking becomes tiring, taking the monorail is a great option! The elevated view of the park’s scenery reminds you once again of the meaning of "nature within the city." As you gaze at the green landscape outside the window, you’ll find yourself at the final stop before you know it. ☘️ A Day to Refresh the Mind Seoul Grand Park isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a space to pause and take a breather—a comma in the midst of life. With nature, animals, and people smiling in between, the park quietly reassures you that you don’t need to travel far to find peace. 📌 Seoul Grand Park Tips! • Admission Fee: Adults 5,000 KRW (Zoo entry) • Monorail: Choose between round-trip or one-way • Recommended Time: 10 AM–3 PM (fewer crowds and great sunlight) • Duration: 3–4 hours for a leisurely visit