Seoul Grand Park

Opened in 1984, Seoul Grand Park now features one of the world's ten largest zoos. Set among the forested hillsides south of the city, a river runs through the park, and families picnic on its shady banks.

The zoo is home to numerous exotic creatures, including the most popular Asian and African varieties, and has a long list of breeding successes, including tigers and panda bears.

The facility, which compares favorably with large zoos in the United States, features cranes, swans, pelicans and other large birds. Ants and swimming beetles are on display in a "miniature creature" exhibit.

One of the highlights of the zoo is an elaborate "dolphin show" (right). The many facilities here also include a tropical greenhouse for flowers (bottom), a reservoir and walking trails. The indoor botanical garden houses a forest of cacti, numerous orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants.

Visitors who would prefer to ride rather than walk can take a tram that provides a stunning view of Seoul Grand Park.

"Seoul Land" possesses over 40 amusement park rides, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art holds ongoing exhibits. The latest addition to the complex is the National Gwacheon Science Research Center.

With -- really -- too much to see in merely one day, the facility is truly a "grand park."