Do you want to experience the diverse climates of the world? Well, you should try to visit the National Institute of Ecology. Explore the area. Get attached to nature. Get closer to the world.
National Institute of Ecology
The National Institute of Ecology is a high-quality ecological research hub. It has education and exhibition hall that allows visitors to observe and experience diverse climates of the world. The exhibition halls shows the ecosystem of the Korean Peninsula. It also exhibits the ecosystems of various climatic zones such as desert, temperate, tropical, Mediterranean, and polar regions. The National Institute of Ecology is located in Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do. It was established to carry-out surveys, study, and research on ecology as well as restoration, and technology development of ecosystem health.
Ecorium
The Ecorium of the National Institute of Ecology displays the ecosystem of the Earth. It consists of five halls: Tropical Biome, Desert Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Temperate Biome, and Polar Biome. Ok, so letโs take a look at them.
Tropical Biome
The Tropical Biome portrays Asia, Central and South America, and Africaโs tropical rainforests. It showcases different species of tropical plants in the tropical climate. It also displays various kinds of fish in the tropical rivers and seas.
Desert Biome
The Desert Biome is composed of the Sonora Desert, Madagascar Desert, Namib Desert, Mojave Desert, and the Atacama Desert. On this hall, most of the plants displayed here are endangered species. You can also see animals such as Western diamondback rattlesnake, Venomous lizard, Prairie dog, and Fennec Fox in this hall. This area is so hot.
Mediterranean Biome
The Mediterranean Biome exhibits various species of Mediterranean plants. You can also see here rare insect-eating plants, and amphibian species. This hall represents ecosystems in Mediterranean climate zones such as the European Mediterranean Sea, The Canary Islands, South Africa, California, and Australia.
Temperate Biome
The Temperate Biome shows the nature and animal habitats of the Korean Peninsula. It exhibits the climate feature of four distinct seasons and the biodiversity of the ecosystem. The hall is composed of a subtropical forest, an outdoor valley area, and a temperate forest in the mountainous zone. Each of them showcases thematically selected species.
Polar Biome
The Polar Biome contains a collection of various stuffed animal specimens, panels, videos, and graphics. It is different from the other exhibition halls that display living things. It presents the ecosystems of the South and the North Pole. You will see here distinct polar ecosystems, the ice and snow in the North Pole. You will also get a chance to see a penguin colony in the South Pole. It was my first time to see these cute penguins. I indeed enjoyed watching them. Out of the five halls, the Polar Biome is my favorite.
The National Institute of Ecology is a huge park. There are playgrounds and other attractions to pass by before you can reach the Ecorium from the entrance. You can walk for about 10 -15 minutes or you can just ride the shuttle service to get there. It is a great place not only for kids but for adults also. Thereโs plenty to see so youโll definitely enjoy and love this spot.
How to get there
When using public transportation by Intercity Bus: Get off at Seocheon Intercity Bus Terminal and take a local bus (N.72). Another option is, get off at Janghang Public Bus Station and take a local bus (N.71). Then, get off at Janghang Station and walk for 5-7 minutes to the ticket office.
Address: 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
Opening Hours:
Regular days: 09:30-18:00
- Winter (November-February) 09:30-17:00
- Closed Every Monday >>>>* If Monday is a national holiday, it will be closed on the first weekday.
- Closed during New Year holiday season
- Closed during Chuseok holiday seasonย
Admission Fees:
*For Individual Visit
Adult: 5,000 Korean Won ; Teens: 3,000 Korean Won ; Children: 2,000 Korean Won
*For Group Visit (more than 20 people)
Adult: 4,000 Korean Won ; Teens: 2,000 Korean Won ; Children: 1,000 Korean Won
- Adult: aged 19 to 64; Teens: aged 13-18; Child: aged 5-12
- 50% discount on admission fee for Seocheon-gun residents but requires proof of identification
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