과천 서울대공원 Date - A Perfect Healing Trip with Cherry Blossoms and Animals

Discovered 서울대공원 through a friend's recommendation, and it was seriously amazing!

Yesterday a friend said, '과천 서울대공원 is really great! Perfect for a date,' so I went with my boyfriend a bit skeptical. Wait, you can get to a place like this from Seoul in 30 minutes by subway? I was totally shocked ㅠㅠ

We left at 10 a.m. on Saturday and stayed until evening—time flew by. So here's my quick review!

As soon as you come out of 지하철 4호선 대공원역 Exit 2, it's right there—top-notch accessibility!

Flower-lined paths greet you right from the entrance

Admission is 5,000 KRW for adults—such great value. We got the 리프트 패키지 (동물원 admission + 코끼리열차 + 리프트), which is a real pro tip!

The walking path stretching from the entrance is a total photo-op hotspot. It's fall now so the foliage is pretty, but coming in spring during cherry blossom season would be next level.

At the very start there's a tree-shaped stainless steel art piece, and on the lawn in front of the main information center there's a big tiger figure made of straw.

Make sure to ride the 코끼리열차

Riding the 코끼리열차 to the zoo was fun, and the scenery along the way was pure healing. Hard to believe you can see nature like this in the city!

The zoo exceeded my expectations

The zoo is really huge. It's best to take the 리프트 up to the top and explore as you come down. The revamped 호랑이숲 was especially awesome.

At the 맹수사 you can see tigers, bears, and more up close—it was fascinating. There were lots of families, of course, but plenty of couples on dates too.

There are restrooms along the way, plus kiosks and convenience stores here and there, so you can grab a hot dog, sausage, or 콜팝 when you get peckish. Just note that hot drinks are only sold at places marked as cafes!

The view from the 스카이리프트 is unbeatable!

The scenery from the 리프트 was truly the best. With 관악산 and 청계산 in the background, it looked like a painting.

You can take in the vast lake, 국립 과천 과학관, and even 관악산 all at once—such a perk. Definitely a spot for nailing that once-in-a-lifetime shot!

Walking the 둘레길 was true healing

After the zoo we tried the 둘레길, and it was such a gem. With 청계산 there, it's great for a forest bath, and there are lots of cherry trees so it would be even prettier in spring.

Especially under the stairs leading down to 계곡 광장, loads of clear light pours in, so shots taken from the steps looked fantastic.

It was fun to see the names of bridges along the path, and zoning out while watching the glittering ripples on the lake was perfect.

Cost info & practical tips

Pricing (for 2 people)

• Zoo admission: 10,000 KRW (Adults 5,000 KRW x 2)
• 리프트 package: 26,000 KRW (13,000 KRW x 2)
• Parking: Paid (1,000 KRW off when paying via 카카오T)

Getting there

Exit 지하철 4호선 대공원역 via Exit 2 and it's right there. About a 5-minute walk to the entrance!

If you're driving, prepaying with 카카오T is convenient and gets you a discount. I heard 렛 주차 will also be in operation starting in April.

Hours

• Shoulder season (Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct): 09:00–18:00
• Summer season (May–Aug): 09:00–19:00
• Winter season (Nov–Feb): 09:00–17:00

Nearby eats

봉덕칼국수

A popular spot near 서울대공원 and 과천과학관. Located at 경기도 과천시 궁말로 6, open 11:00–21:00.

We had lunch here and it was really good. On a cold day, a steaming bowl of kalguksu warmed us right up and filled us nicely!

Best photo spots roundup

1. Entrance cherry blossom path - Pretty in any season
2. 스카이리프트 - Aerial panorama shots
3. By the lake - Couple shots with glittering ripples
4. 계곡광장 stairs - Moody shots with clear light streaming in
5. 둘레길 - Stroll-in-nature photos

Overall & revisit intent

I had no idea 서울대공원 was this good! It's amazing to have a healing spot like this just 30 minutes from Seoul.

There’s nature and animals, so lots of different fun. The views from the 리프트 were stunning, and the 둘레길 walk was pure healing.

My boyfriend said, 'This place is really nice—let’s come again.' We’ve already promised to return in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, ㅎㅎ

Recommended for

• Couples who love nature
• Animal lovers
• Those seeking photo-friendly date courses
• Anyone looking for a full-day spot near Seoul

It seems to have different charms each season, so I want to visit all year round. If you’re considering a 과천 date, I highly recommend it!