Daejeon O-World Theme Park

Opened in May 2002 as Daejeon Zoo and expanded in 2009 with the addition of Flower Land and Bird Land, Daejeon O-World is the central Chungcheong province’s largest eco-entertainment complex, spanning 780,000 square meters enveloped by the pristine green slopes of Mount Bomunsan. It was conceived as a nature-friendly sanctuary combining zoological conservation, botanical gardens, and family amusement recreation.

The park is divided into four distinct themed zones: Zoo Land (sheltering over 600 animals of 130 species with its headline African Safari bus ride traversing past free-roaming lions, tigers, and bears), Joy Land (featuring 19 amusement rides including the Giant Drop and Wild Storm roller coaster), Flower Land (a 100,000-square-meter floral paradise with cascading musical fountains), and Bird Land (an exotic walk-through tropical aviary where colorful lorikeets land on visitors’ hands).

Spring features over 100,000 blooming tulips in Flower Land and pink cherry blossoms along the mountain roller coasters. Summer introduces the cool Splash Water Park and illuminated night safari openings until 22:00. Autumn blazes with golden chrysanthemums and vibrant foliage across Mount Bomunsan, while winter hosts cheerful snow sledding hills and indoor tropical aviary tours.

The park operates daily from 09:30 to 18:00 (extended to 19:00 on spring/autumn weekends and up to 22:00 during summer Night World). The African Safari operates continuously from 10:00 to 17:30. Arriving at 09:30 allows visitors to board the safari bus with minimal queuing before embarking on amusement rides.

General park admission (Zoo Land + Flower Land): Adults 17,000 KRW / Youth 12,000 KRW / Children 10,000 KRW. The All-Inclusive Free Pass (covering all amusement rides, African Safari, and Bird Land) is 34,000 KRW for adults, 25,000 KRW for youth, and 22,000 KRW for children.

From Daejeon Station or Seodaejeon Station, board City Bus 115, 311, 314, or 318. All four bus lines terminate directly at the Daejeon O-World grand bus loop right in front of the main ticket gate after a scenic 35-minute ride.

O-World is equipped with barrier-free paved walkways, gentle ramps throughout the flower gardens, and step-free access bridges. Specialized safari buses accommodate manual wheelchairs. Accessible public restrooms and nursing facilities are provided in every themed zone. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rental at the main gate.

Main Gate → Board African Safari Bus to observe bears, lions, and giraffes → ride the Wild Storm coaster and Flume Ride in Joy Land → cross the landscaped bridge to Flower Land (Rose Garden and Musical Fountain) → visit Bird Land to feed exotic parrots and see flamingos (approx. 3 to 4 hours).

Dining pavilions inside the park serve family favorites: pork cutlets, warm udon soup, burgers, and Korean hot dogs. Outside the park in Sajeong-dong and Bomunsan, traditional restaurants serve famous Bomunsan Barley Rice (Bori-bap) with fresh seasonal herbs, duck soup, and savory mung bean pancakes.

Flower Land cafes provide vegetarian sandwiches, sweet waffle desserts, and plant-based smoothies. Sajeong-dong country restaurants provide healthy vegetarian bibimbap bowls loaded with ten types of fresh herbs and tofu stew.

Iconic photo spots: through the safari bus window as a giant brown bear waves for biscuits, standing among 50,000 blooming roses in Flower Land with the European windmill backdrop, and taking a selfie as colorful rainbow lorikeets perch on your outstretched hand in Bird Land.

Feed animals strictly with approved treats purchased at designated visitor booths. Never attempt to disembark or extend arms outside safari bus windows. Do not tease resting animals, and respect ride height safety limits strictly.

First aid nursing stations with certified EMT personnel operate near the Joy Land main plaza and Bird Land. Park security guides patrol constantly. Multilingual travel assistance is accessible via 1330.

Mount Bomunsan Cable Car and Park are located 10 minutes northeast, while the historic Ppuri Park (Genealogy Ancestral Park) lies just 5 minutes south down the valley.

Q: Is the African Safari included in the Free Pass? A: Yes, the All-Day Free Pass includes one free admission to the African Safari bus tour as well as unlimited rides on all amusement park attractions.

Morning African Safari and amusement thrills at Daejeon O-World → lunch of Bomunsan Barley Rice at park gate → afternoon stroll through Flower Land and Bird Land → evening relaxation at Yuseong Hot Springs.