Forming part of the Seoul National Capital Area, Gwacheon is nestled amidst the picturesque scenery of Cheonggyesan Mountain. It’s packed with family-friendly attractions, including Korea’s first zoo and theme park, as well as a fascinating science museum and gallery of contemporary art.
Things to do in Gwacheon
Learn about South Korea’s scientific traditions and advancements at the Gwacheon National Science Museum, located within a building resembling an aircraft taking off. Inspire young minds at the Children’s Experience Center and uncover the principles that govern our daily lives in the Basic Science Center, then see state-of-the-art innovations in action at the High-tech Center.
Enjoy the themed attractions and hiking trails of Seoul Grand Park. Stroll through the scented rose garden and let the kids run loose in the hands-on Children’s Zoo, then get up close to Siberian tigers, lions and rhinoceroses at the historic Seoul Grand Park Zoo.
Also within Seoul Grand Park is the amusement park of Seoulland, opened in the lead up to the 1988 Summer Olympics. Explore its five themed areas packed with roller coasters, rides and arcade games, then stay for the nightly laser show.
Experience the Korean fortress-inspired architecture of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which focuses on artworks created since 1910. Admire pieces by renowned Korean artists Park Su-geun and Kim Whan-ki, as well as Pop Art painter Andy Warhol, then see the famed video artwork “Dadaigseon” by Nam June Paik.
Getting around Gwacheon
Gwacheon is a 20-minute train ride south of Seoul and around 1.5 hours from Incheon International Airport. A subway line runs through Gwacheon and accesses most of its attractions.