Bear Tree Park in Sejong City is a delightful spot to enjoy nature and animals in South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
Bear Tree Park in Sejong City is a delightful spot to enjoy nature and animals in South Korea.
This family-friendly, 86-acre park a 35-minute drive from Camp Humphreys features several botanical gardens and a variety of small animals.
But the main attraction are more than 100 bears of the Asia black and brown species.
At Bear Village, you walk above and between their enclosures. Some are more active than others and will come toward you looking for a snack. Others will lie down, play among themselves or bathe in their small pools.
South Korea's Bear Tree Park has several koi ponds where more than 1,000 curious fish will swim up to you during your visit. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
The park also has several koi ponds where more than 1,000 curious fish will swim up to you upon arrival and throughout your visit.
The rose garden, one of several flower gardens around the park, has mesmerizing and colorful varieties, including the David Austin English rose and the floribunda Queen Elizabeth.
The Secret Garden features cacti and other flowers from tropical environments.
Asian black bears hang out at Bear Tree Park near Sejong City, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
In the zoo you’ll find Asian black bear cubs, deer, peacocks, goats and smaller animals like guinea pigs and rabbits.
If you get hungry, a restaurant on the second floor of the Welcome House serves ribeye steaks, barbecue pork ribs, a selection of pastas, pizzas and rice bowls. Prices range from 11,000 won, or about $8, to 37,000 won, about $27.
Another option is the Bear Tree Cafe, where you’ll find drinks and desserts.
Offering a blend of fun for all ages and a family friendly environment, Bear Tree Park is a great place to take your family on a weekend getaway.
Bear Tree Park in Sejong City is a delightful spot to enjoy nature and animals in South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: 217, Sinsong-ro, Jeondong-myeon, Sejong, South Korea. From Camp Humphreys, exit from Dodu-ri gate, then take Route 43 towards Asan, Dunpo, for about 25 miles and exit at Bear Tree Park. From that exit, turn right and go another 220 yards, then right again into Bear Tree Park’s parking lot.
Times: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April to October; 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. November to March.
Costs: Admission is 12,000 won for adults, or about $9; 10,000 won for ages 13-18; 8,000 won for ages 3-12.
Food: Grab grub at either the Welcome House restaurant or Bear Tree Cafe.
Information: Phone: 044-866-7766; Online: beartreepark.com
