Zoolung Zoolung — Attraction in Gyeongju-si

A fully-self-contained and indoor miniature zoo experience, in the Bomun Tourist Complex area just outside Kyongju, South Korea.

Visited January 27, Friday, 2023 with teen.

Despite being small, the facility is clean and upkept; decals are fresh and colourful, paint is bright, visitor facilities are simple and spotless. Animal homes are equally tidy, though small given the restriction of being within the top floor of a building. We observed the keepers' care and affection for their charges. Staff did their best to speak with and interact with each guest and even tried their limited English bravely on us. Animals could have more sensory items and challenges within their cages, though it seems the keepers are aware of this: for example, the fennec feeding was provided inside a wooden box with multiple holes for them to investigate with paws and snouts. Visitor behaviour was surprisingly mannerly: no tapping of glass or shouting at animals as has been observed in other zoos, from Everland and Seoul Grand Park to the Danyang or Busan Aquariums.

It was not busy when we went, and I also let the staff know it was my child's birthday and this was their pick for what they wanted to do - whatever the reason, we felt like VIPs. We got to take pictures with the macaw posing beautifully, hold and feed a toucan who seemed to enjoy the attention, handfeed various small cage birds, and even got free pins at the gift shop (small but beautifully stocked with customized Zoolung merchandise, from plushies to notebooks and art prints!).

Really, my only critique, as a 'waegukin', is that all signage should include English. (There is an English brochure, very much appreciated!) We wanted to know the exact names and information about each exhibit, but also felt a little unsure of protocols (Can we touch the guinea pigs? Is it ok to feed these fish? Where is the handwashing station? ) when there were clear signs but only in hangeul. Some places have graphics - a great and inclusive idea for 'do not feed' or 'bathroom here' but one still misses out on some of the fun if one doesn't read Korean.

That said, we had a wonderful day and could spend as much time as we wanted wandering back and forth between the exhibits. Visitors who choose to pay the extra 4 thousand won get five small cellophane food packets, stapled neatly together in order of viewing, with the names and pictures of the appropriate animal on the front. The minute amounts (3 sunflower seeds for the chipmunks, a 1/2 teaspoon of grain for the canaries, and so on) are probably wise given how many visitors want to feed the animals, and seeing the rotundity of the meerkats only confirms this! The brochure also says that they prepare a limited amount of packages each day, for that same reason. (Next time I'm going early, spending eight bucks, and buying us each our own food packages, because we got some fabulous bird and animal photos as it was.)

There are male, female, and handicapped washrooms at the entrance, and a wall of box lockers for coats/bags. There is a drink cooler in the gift shop and an ice-cream box just outside. Plenty of parking behind building, two elevators. The other floors have a buffet restaurant, a convenience store, and a mini E-Mart, so you can spend all day without worrying about food or other things you might have forgotten. Definitely a fun place for kids and adults who enjoy animals!

On view during our visit: meerkats, chipmunks, fennecs, white owls, guinea pigs, tamarins, 1 coati, 2 sleeping servals, racoon couple, several wallabies, carp, 'doctor fish', finches and canaries, otters, toucans, macaws (including a lovely mated pair who kept grooming each other and chuckling hoarsely at bystanders), chinchillas, and ringtail lemurs. The ferrets and the blacktip reef shark did not seem to be on view.

Adult/Child price - 17 000 won Returning price - 11,900 won Child under 18 months - free (but strollers are not allowed) Child between 18 - 36 months - 50% off (must have ID confirming age) Closed 1st & 3rd Mondays,...

My toddler kept saying, “I want to go to the zoo~” so we finally visited JurungJurung in Gyeongju 🩷

Right after entering, my child was thrilled — “Meerkat! Fennec fox!” — and ran around laughing. Seeing animals up close was such a joy, especially when a duck casually walked by 🐥

Last year, my kid was still a baby... now they’re talking, laughing, and even feeding animals on their own. I got a bit emotional 🥹

It’s not always easy going alone with a toddler, but these sweet moments make it so worth it.

🎟️ Tip: Regular ticket: ₩19,000 ✅ Online booking: around ₩15,000 ✅ Gyeongju residents, foreigners & others can get extra discounts!

Great indoor spot for kids — clean, fun, and super interactive....

If you are clueless to spend time with your kid in a rainy or snowy day, this place would be a good option. It is a complete indoor zoo located on the 2nd floor of the building.

You might expect a short tour at the beginning but you might be surprised how long it could be. It is full of exotic animals and activities which can please everybody. Particularly, it was wonderful experience to feed those tiny cute birds. Strongly...