You see the sign of Seoul Zoo not long before you drive far after passing the ridge of Namtaeryeong, the border between Seoul and Gwacheon. Seoul Grand Park, consisting of three different areas of Education, Natural Culture and Amusement, has been internationally reputed for diverse amusements it provides, scenic beauty and natural advantages it has. The first zoo in Korea was made in 1909 in the former royal palace of Changgyeongung under the changed name of Changgyeongweon by imperialist Japan in an effort to eradicate national spirits of and give insult to Koreans. The zoo, which had been maintained at Changgyeongweon even after Korea’s independence from imperialist Japan, was relocated to the current site in Makgyedong, Gwacheon in 1984 and opened its new history under the new name of Seoul Zoo. Now more than twenty years have passed since its relocation, Seoul Zoo has grown to the tenth largest zoo in the world in size. Zoological gardens of Seoul Zoo keep over 3,400 individual animals belonging to about 360 species from all over the world, including rare species, such as lowland gorilla, in near-wild state classified by origins, life modes and ancestries. Greenhouse plant garden gives visitors a feeling that they are in forest of all trees of the world with its plants of over 1,300 plant species on show. It is also a great pleasure to walk along 7.4km-long hillside path that goes through Nature Immersion Area surrounding zoological gardens absorbed in refreshing woods and listening to vigorous shouts of youngsters from the Youth Training Center. You can see a number of ducks swimming in the lake in front of the entrance to the zoo, couples and families absorbed in appreciating fascinating beauty of roses of over 20,000 belonging to over 200 species and brides in gorgeous dress to have photos taken in Rose Garden. At Children’s Zoo next to Rose Garden, kids can freely play with cute and gentle animals, such as lambs, goats and llamas, on wide, open space. If you’d like to get a perspective of the whole area of the park, you may ride the sky lift which will take you to the entrance of the zoo over the distance of 1.7km in the air, or you would like to take a stroll with your boy or girlfriend, you are recommended to take the promenade that goes around the lake. In addition to zoological gardens and outstanding natural environment, peripheral amusement facilities attract children and young people. At Seoul Land equipped with the latest amusement facilities, young couples as well as children can enjoy various adventure rides, such as the black hole, magic carpet and King Viking for fun and thrill. Persons with a taste for art may appreciate works and trends of modern and contemporary art at Museum of Contemporary Art.