Overview
La Sabana Park began as land donated by a priest in the 18th century, later served as Costa Rica's first international airport from 1940 to 1955, and was transformed into a metropolitan park in the mid-1970s under President Daniel Oduber. Spanning 72 hectares, it features an artificial lake, the National Stadium, football pitches, and a public pool, drawing crowds of joggers and picnickers. The former airport terminal at its eastern edge now houses the Costa Rican Art Museum. Admission is free and the park is open daily from early morning until dusk.
Opening Hours
Daily 05:00-22:00 (park grounds; individual facilities vary).
Travel Tips
Early morning is best for a walk or jog; weekends bring many local families. Pair it with the art museum at the eastern edge for a half-day itinerary.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to San José, Costa Rica from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Costa Rica on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to San José on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in San José with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "San José 한인" before you go.
Attractions near La Sabana Metropolitan Park
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Things to Do in San José
Poás Volcano National Park Day Trip
A day trip to Poás Volcano (2,708m), about 1.5 hours from San José. View the 1.3km-wide crater and its emerald sulfuric lake during a 20-minute window. On clear days, see both the Caribbean and Pacific. Online booking mandatory.
Central Market Food Tour
Explore the Central Market (since 1880) with a guide, sampling casado, gallo pinto, tropical fruits, and Costa Rican coffee. A deep dive into Costa Rican food culture and market life.
Barrio Escalante Foodie Walk
Stroll through Barrio Escalante, San José's 'Gastronomic Street,' hopping between Costa Rican fusion restaurants, specialty coffee shops, and craft breweries. Start at Franco Café and discover hidden gems in every alley.