Looking for a healing, natural escape from the busy city? Seoul Botanic Park is the perfect place to enjoy stunning natural scenery and relax. Featuring both an outdoor park and indoor botanical garden, you can enjoy nature in any weather in one place.
Seoul Botanic Park
In general, Seoul Botanic park consists of 4 zones: Forest Field, Lake Garden, Marsh Park, and Botanic Garden. The first three make up the outdoor park. The last-mentioned zone of the park is the indoor Botanic Garden itself. Itโs a high point of this place.
Outdoor park
The outdoor park, consisting of the forest, lake and wetland zones, is free to enter all year round. Like any other public park in Seoul, you can enjoy a leisurely walk, pack a picnic or simply rest on the grass with friends. If you plan on seeing the Botanic Garden, I recommend coming via the main gate, so you can enjoy the park on your way to the garden entrance.
Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden may look small in comparison with the outdoor park, but its huge inside. Undoubtedly the highlight of the park, there are over 3000 different plant species โ with plans underway to increase to 8000! The greenery against the backdrop of futuristic bridges and glass walls made me feel like I was on board a spaceship.
The garden is divided into 2 zones: Mediterranean Arid and Tropical Humid. Itโs the perfect opportunity to brush up on your botany! Can you guess which plants came from Korea? Or South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Uzbekistan?
You will first venture through the tropical jungle, discovering exotic plant-life from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Columbia. Leafy trees, bold flowers, shrubs and even trickling waterfalls can be found along the way. Whatโs more, you may be lucky enough to find growing mango fruits!
Then, you will discover the arid area, complete with all the stunning plants but without the roaring heat. Here, youโll find a variety of cacti and palms from different regions in the world. Additionally, there are market cart models set up around the garden; a thoughtful introduction to the cultures that exist alongside the plants in their natural habitat.
Finally, before you reach the exit, youโll have the chance to traverse the skywalk. The skywalk looks down over the garden and is the perfect place to snap some pictures for Instagram. Whatโs more, because of the windows that stretch across the wall, youโll have great views of the outdoor park too!
While there is no limit on how long you stay at the garden, the closing time is 6pm (5pm during winter.) I recommend leaving ample time to visit the shops, cafe and restaurant, if you wish. The shop in particular is worth a visit as it features an intricate seed library, from which you can grow-your-own plants and natural produce at home! If youโre not green-fingered, there are pre-grown plants and other souvenirs to purchase.
Botanic Garden Entry Fees
Price
- Adult โ 5,000 won
- Student โ 3,000 won
- Child โ 2,000
There are additional discounts available for groups (30 persons or more), senior citizens and soldiers. Children under 6, disabled visitors and seniors over 65 enter for free.
Note: Last entry is 1 hour before closing time.
Location & Getting There
Seoul Botanic Park Botanic Garden* Address: 161 Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 9:30am - 6:00pm (-5:00pm Nov - Feb) Tues - Sun, closed Mon Directions: Magoknaru Station (Subway Line 9 - Express, All-stop; Airport Railroad) Exit 3 or 4. *Seoul Botanic Park Outdoor Park open 24/7
Final Thoughts
Seoul Botanic Park is an underrated must-see for travellers visiting Seoul. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature and take wonderful photos for your memories. Once again, I recommend visiting the cafe or restaurant as a refreshing drink with the sunset was the perfect way to round off my visit. See you next time Seoul Botanic Park!
For more information, visit the Seoul Botanic Park official website >> here <<
