Heart of Jeju’s 600-year pastoral culture: Meet the real Jeju at the Pony Experience Park!
Among the many faces symbolizing Jeju, what is the most powerful image that remains in your mind? Perhaps the blue sea, Hallasan, and the indispensable dynamic life of Jeju, along with the pony? We invite you to Pony Experience Park, the place where you can most easily and enjoyably understand and experience Jeju’s horse culture.
This is not just a tourist attraction. On the very site of Gasiri Village, where the ‘Gapmajang’ (royal horse breeding farm) that raised the finest horses during the Joseon Dynasty was located, it is a living museum that perfectly preserves the 600-year history of livestock farming culture, and a complex cultural space born from the efforts of the local villagers. If you want to experience the true Jeju by interacting with horses in Jeju’s nature, this is the right place.
Embodying the wisdom of Jeju people who breathed with horses and the warm heart of the community, the Pony Experience Park. Are you ready to create special memories here?
The land embracing Jeju’s heart, what kind of place is the Pony Experience Park?
The Pony Experience Park is a complex cultural space that goes beyond just a place to ride horses. Centered around the Pony Museum, where visitors can delve deeply into the historical background of Jeju’s horse culture, various hands-on activities are combined to offer visitors a special experience.
Starting as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s ‘New Cultural Space Creation Project’, this place has evolved into its current form through the continuous efforts of the village council. From Ttarabi Equestrian Center, Heart Cafe, Art Shop, diverse experience zones, to festival grounds, it is fully equipped with elements that people of all ages can enjoy. It is particularly impressive that it is the nation’s first village-established museum, founded directly by the village, and a cultural space themed around the village’s history and culture. This also holds great significance as a new form of community business model, contributing to sustainable local development.
Feel the Breath of 600 Years of Livestock Farming Culture
Gasiri Village, where the park is located, is a historical place, renowned as the birthplace of Jeju’s livestock farming. From ancient times, the ‘Gapmajang’, a royal horse breeding farm managed by the state during the Joseon Dynasty, was located right here. Based on this historical background, the Pony Experience Park aims to fully convey the value of Jeju’s livestock farming culture and Jeju Horse, going beyond mere experiences. It offers children the preciousness of nature and life, and adults a time to understand Jeju’s deep history and culture.
Explore the Park’s Main Facilities
- Pony Museum A space exhibiting Jeju’s horse culture and history, where you can interestingly encounter everything from the ecology of Jeju horses to livestock farming tools and related folktales.
- Ttarabi Equestrian Center A place where you can ride horses across vast pastures and enjoy Jeju’s beautiful scenery. Professional instructors provide guidance to ensure even beginners can enjoy safely.
- Heart Cafe & Art Shop After your experience, you can relax and purchase Jeju’s local specialties or souvenirs. You can also find handicrafts made by the villagers.
- Experience Zone Various programs such as feeding horses and carriage rides are operated, stimulating children’s curiosity and creating special memories.
- Festival Ground Various seasonal cultural events and festivals are held, becoming a venue for interaction where villagers and visitors can mingle.
Full of Fun! Unmissable Activities at Pony Experience Park
The Pony Experience Park boasts a variety of programs that go beyond simple viewing, allowing visitors to actively participate and experience. From young children to adults, everyone can interact with Jeju’s nature and horses, creating unforgettable memories.
Diverse Experiences for the Whole Family
| Experience Type | Main Activity Content | Age Requirement | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horseback Riding Experience | Ride a pony with a professional instructor on the park’s track or take a stroll in the pasture | Ages 4 and up | 15 ~ 30 minutes | Paid |
| Horse Feeding | An interactive activity of directly feeding ponies with hay, carrots, etc. | All ages | 5 ~ 10 minutes | Paid |
| Carriage Ride Experience | A comfortable tour around the park’s area in a carriage pulled by a pony | All ages | 20 minutes | Paid |
| Museum Visit | Viewing exhibitions related to Jeju’s horse culture and history | All ages | 30 ~ 60 minutes | Free/Paid (Permanent exhibitions free, special exhibitions may be paid) |
Most experiences can be applied for on-site or participated in by making a reservation in advance. Especially for horseback riding experiences, there may be height or weight restrictions for safety, so it is best to confirm before your visit.
Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
- Comfortable Attire When horseback riding, it is recommended to wear comfortable long pants and athletic shoes. Please avoid skirts or sandals.
- Check the Weather As there are many outdoor activities, check the weather before your visit and prepare a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc., if necessary.
- Take Photos Capture the beautiful nature of Jeju and your moments of interaction with ponies. These will become memories to cherish for a lifetime.
- Observe Safety Rules Always follow the instructions of safety personnel during experiences, and approach horses carefully.
- Plan Ahead As there may be many visitors on weekends or public holidays, it is advisable to check experience times and make reservations in advance.
Directions & Surrounding Scenery: A Perfect Day at Pony Experience Park
Located in the beautiful Gasiri Village on the eastern side of Jeju, the Pony Experience Park is deeply immersed in nature. The scenery, where vast pastures and oreums blend together, is like a painting in itself, making even the journey there part of the trip.
If you use your own car, you can easily find it by entering the address into your navigation system, and there is ample parking space available for convenience. If using public transportation, you can take a bus towards Pyoseon from Jeju International Airport or Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, then get off at a stop near Gasiri Village and travel by foot or taxi. Enjoy Jeju’s beautiful scenery as you travel at your leisure.
Enjoy Gasiri Village with Pony Experience Park
Around the Pony Experience Park, there are many attractions where you can fully enjoy Jeju’s nature. Gasiri Village boasts beautiful scenery including the Canola Flower Plaza, Ttarabi Oreum, and more, offering a perfect course for those traveling in the eastern region of Jeju.
- Canola Flower Plaza In spring, vast canola flower fields create a spectacular sight, and it’s a great viewpoint to enjoy Jeju’s scenery throughout all four seasons.
- Ttarabi Oreum One of Jeju’s representative oreums, it’s easy to climb thanks to its gentle slope and beautiful ridge, and offers excellent views from the summit.
- Pyoseon Haevichi Beach A popular beach for family travelers due to its fine white sand and shallow waters. Various restaurants and cafes are also located near the beach.
- Seongeup Folk Village A place where Jeju’s traditional houses and culture are well preserved, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of the lives of old Jeju people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the operating hours of Pony Experience Park?
Pony Experience Park generally operates from 9 AM to 6 PM. Operating hours may vary depending on the season or weather conditions, so it is most accurate to check the official website or call before your visit.
Q2. How much is the admission fee? Are experience costs separate?
Permanent exhibitions at the Pony Museum are free to view. However, programs involving interaction with horses, such as horseback riding, horse feeding, and carriage rides, are operated for a fee, and costs vary per experience. For detailed pricing information, please check on-site or inquire.
Q3. I’m new to horseback riding; can I participate safely?
Yes, of course. Horseback riding experiences at Pony Experience Park are conducted with the guidance of professional instructors, and safety equipment (helmets, etc.) is provided for children and beginners. By following safety rules and the instructor’s directions, anyone can enjoy it safely.
Q4. Are group reservations or educational programs available?
We also operate discount benefits for group visitors and customized programs for educational institutions such as schools. If you inquire with the park in advance, you can receive detailed guidance and proceed with the reservation process. Plan a special group experience.
Q5. Are there places to eat inside Pony Experience Park?
Inside the park, there is ‘Heart Cafe’ where you can enjoy simple drinks and snacks. There are no dedicated restaurants for meals, but there are various eateries within the surrounding Gasiri Village where you can experience the flavors of Jeju.
