A huge park in the middle of the city.
But What is Seoul Forest?
Simply, Seoul Forest is 5 big parks connected to form One. It has nothing to envy the famous Hangang park as it features many activities to do.
But before we step into that, a little bit history about the area.
In the past, the King used to hunt on its ground and served as a military inspection facility. Later, the city of Seoul focused on renovating it. On June 18, 2005, Seoul Forest opened as a new and improved park.
Many have begun to equate it to New Yorkโs Central Park and Londonโs Hyde Park after all the changes.
Today, the park is divided into five distinctive areas that occupy some 1.16 million square meters. Each region is linked by pathways passing through some of the 100,000 trees planted here.
What to see in Seoul Forest?
An eco-friendly zone
Without a doubt the main particularity of this park is that it is an eco-friendly zone. As a matter of fact, this natural habitat for wildlife animals is home to fallow deer, formosan deer, elk, chipmunks, mandarin ducks, mallards, spot-billed ducks and moorhens. There is also an observatory to help visitors get a better view of the local wildlife.
Where is Bambi
The main attraction loved by both children and adults is probably to visit the deers. Not only can you see them up close, but you can even feed them. Moreover, they have a small vending machine near the bathroom where you can pay 1,000 won to get a cup of feed.
Other animals found here include chipmunks, ducks, and elk. In total, there are an estimated 100 different animal species found in the park.
Ride a bicycle
Besides animal, you can rent bikes and go through the various aspects of the park. Isnโt refreshing to ride your bike around the greenery?
Rentals are per hour single 3,000 KRW (~$3) or tandem bicycle 6,000 KRW (~$6)
Have a Picnic
Just lay your blanket and relax. Bring your current read if you want and just chill. Seoul Forest has plenty of space to picnic, you can lay under a tree or near the water.
And if youโre not prepared and want to improvise a picnic? Well no worries, you can still order or pick up food from the surrounding restaurants, which leads us to the next section:
Food
To all my foodies, Seoul Forest has a lot to offer. Many restaurants and coffee shops started to open around so you have plenty of choice.
Here are my recommendations:
Parco
This place is without a doubt my favorite Italian in Seoul. From pizzas, pasta to risotto, it seems like Italy flew all the way to Korea.
It has a typical Italian decoration with a cozy vibe. As the Italian music is playing in the background, you can see the chef putting pizzas in the oven. A whole experience on itself.
I would recommend the ricotta salad, pomodoro pasta and their mushroom risotto. Trust me, you will not regret it.
The taste is just -Chefโs kiss-.
Check out their instagram page if you want to make a reservation.
Coffee shops
The area has many coffee shops in every corner, choose your fighter.
My pick, Greyt Coffee. As soon as you walk out of the forest, walk straight and here you are.
This coffee is known for its waffogato: Waffle with affogato. I dare you to try it. I also recommend their banana cake, topped with an ice cream it goes perfectly with coffee.
Street art
Besides all the above, the area also has many hidden street art.
You can take your time, walk around and find these cute walls with messages on them.
How to get to Seoul Forest:
Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line) Go out exit 3 and walk for 5 minutes
OR Ttukseom Station (Line 2) Go out exit 8 and walk for about 15 minutes
