When I first visited Seoul Forest Park, I wasn’t expecting it to feel so different from the bustling city around it. Nestled between skyscrapers and busy roads, this green oasis feels like a retreat into nature, yet it’s only a few subway stops away from central Seoul.
If you’re a traveler looking for a relaxing day surrounded by greenery, cherry blossoms, deer, and art, Seoul Forest is one of the city’s best hidden gems.
How to Get to Seoul Forest
Getting to Seoul Forest is straightforward and part of the experience. The easiest way is by subway. Just take Bundang Line to Seoul Forest Station (Exit 3)—you’ll find yourself right at the park entrance.
If you’re coming from Myeongdong or central Seoul, you can take Line 2 to Wangsimni Station, then transfer to the Bundang Line. From there, it’s only a few minutes to Seoul Forest Station.
For those who prefer buses or taxis, just type “Seoul Forest Park” into Naver Map or KakaoMap (Google Maps doesn’t always work perfectly in Korea). Taxis from popular areas like Dongdaemun or Gangnam usually take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
What to Do in Seoul Forest
There’s much more to this park than walking paths. Here are my favorite activities:
1. See the Deer and Wildlife
Yes, you read that right—you can actually spot deer inside the park.
Visitors can feed them (carrots are sold nearby), and it’s especially fun if you’re traveling with kids. Aside from deer, the park is also home to squirrels, birds, and butterflies.
2. Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms
If you’re visiting in spring (April), Seoul Forest turns into one of the most underrated cherry blossom spots in Seoul.
It’s less crowded than Yeouido or Namsan, making it perfect for peaceful photos under the pink trees.
3. Picnic and Bike Rides
Locals love spreading out picnic mats and enjoying fried chicken, kimbap, or coffee from nearby cafés. You can also rent a bike and ride around the wide open paths.
4. Explore Art Installations
The park often hosts public art displays and sculptures. My personal favorite was stumbling upon interactive art pieces while walking through the forest areas.
5. Family-Friendly Playgrounds
If you’re traveling with children, Seoul Forest has spacious playgrounds and eco-learning areas. It’s a safe, open space where kids can enjoy themselves while parents relax.
What to Do Around Seoul Forest
The neighborhood surrounding Seoul Forest has become a hotspot for young locals, so after a stroll in the park, you can:
Visit Seoul Forest Café Street – Trendy cafés and dessert shops are just a short walk away.
Try local restaurants serving everything from Korean BBQ to vegan meals.
Shop at boutique stores and art galleries in the nearby Seongsu-dong area, which is often compared to Brooklyn in New York.
Seoul Forest vs Dream Forest
Many travelers confuse Seoul Forest with Dream Forest, another large green space in northern Seoul. While both are great, Seoul Forest is more central and easier to reach for short-term visitors.
Dream Forest is larger and quieter but requires more time to get to. If you only have one free afternoon, Seoul Forest is the better choice.
Where to Stay Near Seoul Forest
If you’d like to stay nearby, there are modern accommodations in Seongsu-dong ranging from boutique hotels to serviced apartments.
This area is also close to Gangnam, Dongdaemun, and Dongho Bridge, making it convenient for sightseeing across the city.
Final Thoughts
For me, Seoul Forest Park feels like a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms, a picnic, a café-hopping adventure, or simply to relax among trees and deer, it’s a must-visit spot in Seoul.
Best of all, it’s easy to reach by subway and free to enter—making it perfect for a budget-friendly day trip in Seoul.