Location: Gwacheon
Top Things to do in Gwacheon
Top Restaurants in Gwacheon
What to do and see in Gwacheon, South Korea: The Best Places and Tips
Gwacheon (Korean pronunciation: [kwa.tɕʰʌn]) is a city in Gyeonggi-do Province, South Korea. It lies close to Seoul in the heart of the Seoul National Capital Area, and also lies just east of Anyang. Seoul Subway Line 4 passes through the city.
Restaurants in Gwacheon
1. Seoul Grand Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By JOIFL - Naples, Florida
This is one of the best Asian zoos we have visited. Their newer sections (particularly leopard/bear/tiger) are first-class and provide excellent habitats and good enrichment for the animals. They are in the process of more renovations, so expect some closures and construction activity.
The Zoo is quite large and has steep pathways from the entrance to the top. The best way to visit is to get a day pass for the chairlift at the bottom of the mountain (go to the lift house rather than take the "Elephant Train" from the Metro station (10 min walk)). You then have a fun ride to the Zoo gate. Buy a ticket, go in and to the chair lift immediately inside, which you ride to the top of the Zoo. From there, there are several possible paths down through the various exhibits. When you get to the bottom (entrance/exit), ride up again. Repeat as desired!
Across the road is the children's zoo (small) and the "Theme Garden" which depending on the season can be spectacular. We visited during the Rose Festival (late May-early June) and it was amazing.
2. Seoul Land
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By kang_a_ji - Brantford, Canada
Multicultural families in Korea can get half-price yearly passes and foreigners visiting Korea can get great deals on tourist websites. Seoul Land is a bit tired and needs a bit of TLC, but there is plenty to do and the kids love it. My 6 and 7 year old can go on most rides. Parking is free during the week and the surrounding mountain views are really pretty. For a full day experience, combine Seoul Land with the Grand Park (zoo).
We love the rollercoasters, flume ride and Larva Twister the most.
Food and beverages are not too expensive and outside food is allowed in, if you prefer to have a picnic. There are lots of water Fountains too.
3. National Gwacheon Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By edisupp s - Seoul, South Korea
The museum is a wonderful place for families. There are many interactive displays and exhibits for kids to learn and play. As an adult I can say it's interesting but I wouldn't go again...it's not THAT interesting. It's about 30 minutes south of Sadang station in Seoul and located across the road from the rest of Seoul Grand Park including Seoul Land, the Zoo and other sites. Taking the subway is the most convenient on weekends as everyone with a car is fighting for parking space. Exit the Seoul grand park station (line 4) exit 5 and you're right in front of the museum. Next to the ticket booth there's a basketball court. and a convenience store. Inside the museum there is a large cafeteria on the second floor...don't expect much...in fact pack a lunch.
Surrounding the museum there is a lot of green space where visitors can rest or walk around.
Behind the museum is the Planetarium, insectarium, space world (totally not worth your time) and other outdoor exhibits.
FYI, on the right wing behind the childrens playroom, there are conference halls...outside there is a smoking booth...also the bathrooms by the conference halls are exceptionally clean compared to the rest of the museum ...most likely because not too many kids go back there.
4. MMCA - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Since 1986 this fine arts museum has been a cornerstone of Korean culture and art education.
Reviewed By LeeLee1987 - Tel Aviv, Israel
High class museum, wonderful shows and a great permanent collection. Don't miss Yayoy Kusama's pumpkin outside, Niki de Saint Phalle's woman and Nam June Paik's installations. The Hockney current display is a one painting exhibition (the one from his documentary film). The museum is surrounded by a wide and beautiful sculpture garden.
The museum is located in "Seoul grand Park" that includes also a zoo, an entertainment park, a romantic cable car for couples and marvelous landscapes, so you can spend there a day without a problem whether you're solo, duo or a family.
5. LetsRun Park Seoul(Seoul Racecourse Park)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By TEI E - Seoul, South Korea
We took the kids (9, 3) to the horse track and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. Subway takes you about a 5 minute walk from the entrance, painless. It's a very nice place to watch the horses run. We started off the day sitting in the grandstands watching a few races, then moved to the "infield" because all of the families seemed to be there. Moving to the infield was a mistake, the place was packed and the kids roam free with little to no parental supervision. You can rent bikes, there is a playground, there are several horses on display, but the chaos is just a bit too much. Moved back to the grandstand and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. There are several places to grab something to eat, but if we go again we will pack a lunch and sneak it in, in a bag. Inside the bathrooms were very clean, there are 7-11s and a CU store, as well as several snack areas. Here is a tip...stay away from the heavy smoking crowd who are there to try to win their rent. Just find a nice area to watch the races, and make sure you bring the kids down to the ground level before every race to see the parade of horses. It was a nice day so we stayed in the open air. We enjoyed our day trip, and will definitely return. Total cost to enter was 2,000 won for the entire family. Snacks and drinks are the same price as if you went to a 7-11 on the street.
6. Cheonggye Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By kang_a_ji - Brantford, Canada
We access the trails from the Gwacheon side and it's fairly quiet without large crowds. The trails up the mountain are easy to follow (but still leave me huffing and puffing) and for those looking for a leisurely outing or picnic, the boardwalks along the base of the mountain are handy.
My kids love going and it's a great family outing.
