If you’re visiting Seoul Zoo at Seoul Grand Park with elementary kids, ride the elephant train to the main gate, then take Sky Lift Line 2 up to the big-cat area at the top. Walking down as you go saves energy. On the lift, kids below third grade need one adult for every two children.
Quick Summary
From May to August, Seoul Zoo is open 9 a.m.–7 p.m., with entry until an hour before closing. It’s open year-round, but animals may go indoors early depending on weather or their condition.
Admission is 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for teens and 2,000 won for children; 5 and under and 65 and over are free.
Who It Suits
Seoul Zoo suits younger elementary kids and three-generation families who struggle with long uphill walks. Starting from the big-cat area and heading down makes it easy to cut the route short.
Kids afraid of the lift can use the elephant train and walk.
Family Route
Arrive by car or at Seoul Grand Park Station around 8:40 a.m., board the elephant train at 9, enter the main gate and grab a map, take Sky Lift Line 2 to the top, see the big cats and the Asian animals, have an early lunch in the shade around 11:30, walk down past the large mammal and Africa zones, choose an indoor hall or the greenhouse around 2 p.m., head to the main gate around 3, then ride the train or walk back to the lot or station.
The official visitor tips also recommend taking the lift up to the big cats first and walking down. Let kids pick three animals as the highlights.
Parking and Public Transport
With Kakao T mobile payment, parking is 3,000 won for the first two hours, then 1,000 won per 30 minutes, up to 5,000 won a day. Paying at a machine or the exit costs 4,000 won for two hours, then 1,500 won per 30 minutes, up to 6,000 won.
By subway, use Exits 1, 2 or 3 at Seoul Grand Park Station on Line 4. On weekends, timing is more predictable than driving.
Elephant Train and Sky Lift Fares and Hours
The elephant train runs in a loop about every five minutes; one-way fares are 2,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for teens and children from 36 months to age 12. Large strollers can be awkward to board.
From April to October, Sky Lift Line 1 runs 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. and Line 2 until 5:40 p.m. Board at least 20 minutes before closing.
A single lift ride costs 9,000 won for adults, 5,500 won for teens and 5,000 won for children. A package with Seoul Zoo admission, one lift ride and one elephant train ride costs 14,500 won for adults, 9,000 won for teens and 8,000 won for children.
Tips with Kids
Kids below third grade need one adult for every two children on the lift. Secure bag straps and hats and hold the safety bar while riding.
A light kids’ daypack with a chest strap lets children carry their own water bottle and jacket.
Scooters, bikes, inline skates, balls and tents aren’t allowed; strollers and wheelchairs are.
Food and Cafés
Eat lunch before the noon rush. Open food may not be allowed on the elephant train, so finish eating before you ride.
Save a café for after your visit, on the way back past the fountain or toward the station.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Seoul Zoo admission is low, and combining transport options lets you see a huge zoo at your kids’ pace. It’s also reachable by subway.
Cons: the train and lift can cost more than admission, and weekend queues form. The open lift is affected by heat, rain and wind, and not every child is comfortable on it.
Things to Note
Check lift maintenance days and weather suspensions before leaving. Seoul Zoo closing time and Lift Line 2’s last ride differ, so avoid going up late in the afternoon.
Don’t use flash on animals or tap on glass.
FAQ
- How much is admission? 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for teens, 2,000 won for children; 5 and under are free.
- Is the elephant train ticket round trip? No, fares are one way: 2,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for children.
- How many lift rides do we need? One ride up on Line 2 inside the zoo is simplest; decide on more if kids still have energy.
- Can younger elementary kids ride the lift? Yes, but below third grade one adult per two children is required, and staff make the final call.
- Car or subway? A car is easier with lots of gear, but Line 4 to Seoul Grand Park Station avoids weekend traffic.
Rules and details in this guide are as of August 2026. Check the latest official information before you travel.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Places to Visit in Seoul with Kids: Hanwha 63 Aqua Planet Seoul Aquarium and Mermaid Show
- Nodeulseom Island in Seoul: Why It’s Worth Visiting With Kids
- Cheonan Museum & Samgeori Park: The Perfect Family Day Out in Chungnam
Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.