Parking the car does not mean you have reached the zoo. To understand the day's cost and travel, decide whether to walk or take the Elephant Train and account for another ticket on the way back. With young children, make one part of the zoo your destination rather than the whole park.
Key point
Budget separately for zoo admission and round-trip transport. Choose a route that leaves enough energy to return to the exit.
What to remember
- Zoo admission is 5,000 won for ages 19 to 64, 3,000 won for ages 13 to 18, and 2,000 won for ages 6 to 12.
- The Elephant Train charges a separate one-way fare. The zoo is its first stop.
- Large strollers may not fit through the train doors.
Seasonal hours and zoo admission
The zoo opens year-round. Hours are 09:00 to 18:00 in March, April, September, and October; 09:00 to 19:00 from May through August; and 09:00 to 17:00 from November through February. Last admission is one hour before closing. Individual admission costs 5,000 won for ages 19 to 64, 3,000 won for ages 13 to 18, and 2,000 won for ages 6 to 12. Children aged 5 and younger and adults aged 65 and older enter free. Separate facilities such as the Theme Garden have their own tickets.
The Elephant Train is not included in zoo admission
The train loops from the General Information Center to the zoo, then Seoul Land, and back to the information center. Get off at the first stop for the zoo. One-way fares are 2,000 won for adults aged 19 and older and 1,500 won for ages 13 to 18 and children aged 36 months to 12 years. At standard rates, two adults and a 7-year-old pay 12,000 won for zoo admission and 11,000 won for round-trip train rides: 23,000 won total, excluding parking, food, and other expenses.
Check stroller access and the last train together
Official guidance warns that large strollers may have trouble fitting through the narrow doors. Service starts at 09:00. The last train from the zoo stop is scheduled for 10 minutes after the zoo closes. Trains run about every five minutes, but intervals may change with conditions. Stroller-rental inquiries are directed to the zoo at 02-500-7193.
Do not promise distant animals before looking at the map
At the zoo entrance, choose two types of animals available to view that day, then connect nearby areas in the same direction. Choosing animals at opposite ends of the map makes the return longer. Current enclosure locations and which animals are on view remain unconfirmed. Instead of promising “giraffes, then elephants,” use the entrance map and viewing information to choose nearby animals.
Leave enough time to get back without the train
Do not stay in a distant area until closing. Set a separate time to start heading home. You may need to carry your child while waiting for the train. The lift is a different service; do not assume a train ticket covers it. If rain or strong winds are expected, a short visit can take priority over trying the paid transport.
Worksheet
Two kinds of animals and the way back
Decide together when you open the map at the entrance.
- Animals to see
- Two kinds of animals that are not too far apart
- Rest stop
- A midpoint to sit and drink water
- Getting back
- Transportation to use if walking is hard, and whether it is running
Notes
- Unconfirmed: Which animals are currently on view, stroller-rental stock and prices, and lift fares and same-day operation.
- The map link searches for Seoul Grand Park Zoo. It does not replace directions to the parking lot or train platform.
Location
