Seoul Zoo in Grand Park 서울대공원 어린이동물원

June 10

I love zoos and aquariums! So I was so happy to be able to visit the zoo in Seoul. It's quite large and the ticket price is super cheap. I recommend you take the little train to the zoo. Once you exit out of the subway it's quite a walk away. We looked at the map and though it'd be ok so we decided to walk. However, as we got going we realized it wasn't the best idea. 

Of course we went on a sunny, hot day. So there is barely any shade on the way to the zoo. However, if you go on a cooler day and enjoy a nice stroll I'd totally do the walk. But if you're going in the humid summer like we were, just pay the small fee to take the mini train. It'll take you directly to the zoo doors. 

How to get to the zoo (take Line 4 and get off at Seoul Grand Park Station 대공원 역 - Exit 2)

The bird sanctuary is pretty cool because the birds aren't caged. So you walk along the paths and the birds are right there, right beside you! That was pretty cool.

Hippos in real life kind of scare me, but these petite hippos were pretty cute.

Kristen was so happy there were anteaters at this zoo. They are the mascot of her former school, UC Irvine. So if you also happen to be from UC Irvine and have a great connection with your mascot, go check em out.  They're quite adorable actually...look at those paws! Awww

Timon! I mean meerkats. From the giraffes, to the lions, and now meerkats. I really felt like I met all the animals from the Lion King =D Look at him! Now you want to come and visit him, don't you? Haha

Bukhansan 북한산 1 Day Adventure

Bukhansan (북한산) is a mountain that is just north of Seoul. You can easily take the subway (we took Line 3 - Orange and got off at Gupabal Station 구파발 역 Exit 1) and then hop on a bus to get there. At first we weren't too sure which bus to get onto, but once you get to this station you'll see tons of people in hiking gear. We just followed them. Once we got out of the exit we saw a huge line up at this one particular bus stop, which was of course our cue for which bus to take. 

If you look on the Official Korean Tourism website, I think they give you a few other options on how to get to Bukhansan, if those happen to be easier for you. http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=312935

Hiking is a great thing to do in Korea. There is a huge hiking culture there, especially amongst the senior population. It's pretty neat to see. The few times I have been hiking it is mostly dominated by an older crowd. There are families that are there too but they usually take the more leisurely routes. So if you plan to take the summit route you usually see an older crowd. Hiking is also free, so it's a nice way to spend an afternoon with friends and not end up spending a lot of money. Plus it's good for your health!

I ended going with my friend Kristen and Kwon. The weather was great! However, since it was already early June when we went once you started, you do work up a bit of sweat. At the top it's nice and windy though, so you cool down nicely.

If you do go, I know this may be common sense, but wear appropriate foot wear. From what I have experienced from most of the Korean moutains I have hiked, the top is steep. If you don't have proper foot wear you will definitely have problems. Plus it won't be as safe. Most of the hike is fairly easy, but when you get near the summit the intensity does amp up a bit. Probably not a good idea if you are afraid of heights.

You'll also see people scaling up a rock cliff when you get high enough. Also it's a Korean tradition to drink makgeoli ( 막걸리) after a hike. So you'll either see people drinking it near the summit, or when you get back down to the base, all along the sides of the road.

I definitely recommend you to check this out if you like outdoor sports, physical activity and pretty sights!