Korea’s Ultimate Outdoor Kitty Sanctuary: 고양이정원 (Cat Garden)

If you are looking for 고양이정원 (Cat Garden / Cat Lover Garden), you are in for an absolute treat. While it is frequently called the "Gimpo cat cafe" because it sits right on the border of Gimpo and is a stone's throw from Gimpo International Airport, it is technically tucked away in Gaehwa-dong, Seoul.

Unlike typical cramped, indoor pet cafes, this is Korea’s very first 2-tiered outdoor cat park and sanctuary. It is home to over 130 rescued, stray, and abandoned cats living their absolute best lives in a natural environment.

Key Highlights of the Experience

• Total Freedom for the Felines: The cats here aren't confined to cages or small rooms. They roam completely free between a cozy indoor building, a covered deck, and a massive, lush two-story outdoor garden. Because they have plenty of space to retreat when they want a break, they are incredibly relaxed, well-adjusted, and friendly.

• The 4:00 PM Feeding Frenzy: If you want an unforgettable sight, make sure you are there around 4:00 PM. The staff announces feeding time, and watching over 100 cats simultaneously sprint out into the garden to line up for their bowls is pure, adorable spectacle.

• The "Biscuit-Making" Strategy: When you enter, you can borrow picnic mats and blankets. Pro tip: Spread a blanket over your lap. The cats love the texture and will actively seek you out to knead, purr, and fall asleep on you.

Essential Visitor Information

How to Get There

Because it sits in a quiet, residential pocket right near the airport, using Naver Maps is highly recommended so you don't get turned around in the neighborhood alleys.

• By Subway: Take Subway Line 5 to Gaehwasan Station and head out of Exit 2.

• The Walk (Approx. 8–10 mins): Cross the street directly outside Exit 2, turn left, and follow the main footpath as it curves to the right. Walk past the Gaehwa 119 Fire Station (개화안전센터) on your right, walk another 50 meters, and the garden gate will be on your right.

💡 Quick Tips for Your Visit

1. Choose the Garden Seating: Because it is home to over a hundred cats, the indoor area can occasionally carry a heavy "cat odor." Snag a spot out in the fresh air of the 1st or 2nd-floor outdoor terraces instead.

2. Mind the Churu Claws: You can purchase Churu (liquid cat treats) on-site. If you do, use a long spoon to feed them; the cats know exactly what those plastic packets mean and can get aggressively enthusiastic about licking them.

3. Dress for the Occasion: Avoid delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or lace. You will leave covered in cat hair, and you want clothes that can handle tiny claw snags from eager lap-sitters.