A Day Trip to Alpaca World

When you think you've seen it all in Korea, but then you find Alpaca World! Alpaca World is exactly what it sounds like, a huge park with Alpacas as the main feature. When I first learned about the park I was a bit worried about the welfare of the alpacas because I didn't think this is the type of habitat they are used to. However, the farm is 360,000 m sq. so it is quite large, unlike zoos. They actually have a lot of land to wander around and there are tons of trees and mountains. So, they seem to be well taken care of.

shuttle bus

How to Get Here Using Public Transportation

​The park is located in Gangwon-do and takes about two hours to get to from Seoul.
-From Yongsan Station you can take the ITX to Namchuncheon Station.
-From there take exit #1 to the Main Street, you will see a bus shelter which is where you will catch the bus #3, the last stop is Alpaca World and it costs 1,000won cash only! Unfortunately the bus only leaves the station to Alpaca World 3 times a day; 8:50am, 12:20pm & 4:10pm. From Alpaca World there are 3 times as well; 10:02am, 2:15pm & 5:30pm. Make sure to get to the bus stop 10 minutes early as the bus sometimes comes earlier.
​-Once you get off the bus you will need to cross the street into the parking to, there is a free shuttle bus that will take you up the hill to the ticket box.
-Regular subway is also an option if you don't mind the 2 hour train ride.

Alpaca World Costs

Admission fee- 15,000won
Alpaca & Deer Safari- 5,000won
Walking alpaca- 5,000won
Alpaca & friend show- 5,000won
Opening hours- 10am-7pm (closed Mon & Tues)

Alpaca World Attractions

Forest Zoo

The forest zoo is where you can see alpacas up close. You can buy food for 1,000won and feed the alpacas or you can just pet and take pictures of them. make sure to read the rules when you enter. Alpacas are very docile creatures, so they will not bite you or get aggressive but have potential to spit at you. Some of them seem like they actually like posing for pictures.

Alpacas come in 22 colours, but you only see about 3 or 4 here. They have been domesticated for thousands of years and do not live in the wild. I can see why they make great pets, they are very funny and sweet. Look at those smiles!

The alpacas usually hang out in the forest zoo but some are free to roam around but mostly stay where the other alpacas are.

Insect/Reptile Shop

The reptile shop is at the top of the hill. By the forest zoo there is a shuttle bus that will take you up to the top or you can walk. The reptile shop houses about 20 types of small animals and insects/reptiles ranging from chinchillas to dart frogs. 

Bird Gardens

Bird Gardens is an open bird cage. There are 5 types of parrots housed here; cockatiels, budgies, conures, sun conures and lovebirds in such pretty colours.

cockatiels

sun conure

There are also baby parrots but they are kept in a separate section which if off limits to visitors but you can see them from inside the garden.

Alpaca Safari Train

The alpaca train safari costs 5,000won and takes you up on of the hills on a small monorail train. Whilst on the train you get to see alpacas wandering around and you can feed and pet them. A lot of the families did this with their children. 

Deer country

Deer Safari Train

Unfortunately, when I visited the deer safari wasn't open for operation. However, both the alpaca and deer safari are a package for 5,000won. At the deer safari you don't only see deer, you are able to see ostrich, different types of deer and mouflon.

Pony World

Who doesn't love ponies! These Shetland ponies comes in all different colours. They are able to be ridden but remember these are ponies, so adults should not be riding them! You can buy some food to feed them!

Other Attractions/Things to do

Alpaca World has so much to offer. There are many animal stations for you to visit and learn more about. The staff speak English and are able to answer any questions you may have about the animals. You can also see animals like rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs and peacocks. Be on the lookout for the peacocks, so you can see their beautiful feathers. However, they only spread their feathers when courting the female peacocks. 

You can relax in the forest zoo on a hammock or a bean bag chair overlooking the mountains. There is one restaurant and two cafes where you can get refreshments or rest while enjoying the views of the mountains. There are healing paths where you can take a scenic nature walk though the forest. There are many photo zones for you to enjoy. This place really has so much to offer and is not very busy. Mind you, the weather in Korea is quite crazy now but Alpaca World is quite the journey for those who do not drive and live near Seoul. It is such a great place to visit and is worth the travel. If you are looking for day trip ideas and love animals, then you need to visit Alpaca World!