Beginner crested gecko setup at Crerism, a Cheongna reptile shop

Today I want to tell the story of how our newest family member, a cute little gecko named Haru, joined us. The kids had been wanting one for ages, and I'd gotten curious too, so while out in Cheongna I stopped by Crerism Incheon Cheongna Branch — a reptile and crested gecko specialty shop with great reviews — and brought home an adorable little one. 🦎

Where is Crerism Incheon Cheongna Branch, and what are its hours?

The reptile shop Crerism Incheon Cheongna Branch is located on the 2nd floor, unit A77-78, of the building at 79 Cheongna-eemeraldeu-ro, Incheon. Hours are Mon-Fri 12:00-20:00 and Sat-Sun 11:00-20:00, with parking available in the building.

• 📍 Address: 2F A77-78, 79 Cheongna-eemeraldeu-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon, South Korea
• ⏰ Hours: Mon-Fri 12:00-20:00 / Sat-Sun 11:00-20:00
• 🚘 Parking: Available in the building

What is Crerism like inside? Even a giant tortoise to look at

Crerism Incheon Cheongna Branch was way bigger than I expected — I was genuinely surprised by how bright, clean, and pleasant the interior was with its floor-to-ceiling glass. There wasn't even a hint of that typical reptile-shop smell; everything was kept really tidy.

One corner in particular had a massive tortoise settled in — both the kids and I couldn't take our eyes off it, it was that fascinating. So many reptiles and colorful lizards of every kind sat safely on display, and just browsing and looking around was so fun that time flew by.

How much does a crested gecko cost at Crerism?

Gecko adoption prices at Crerism range widely — from affordable beginner options in the ₩100,000-range all the way up to several million won for rare, striking ones! The owner explained everything kindly, so I could pick a pretty one that fit my budget and taste without any pressure.

A baby crested gecko born July 10: the first week at home

Haru, who joined our home, is a squishy little baby gecko born on July 10th. 🦎 On the first day home he looked cautious, unfamiliar with the new environment, but after a whole week at our place he's already adjusting really well.

Watching his tiny hands and feet wriggle and seeing him cling to Dad's arm, I honestly couldn't look away — he's that cute. I thought he might be a little creepy at first, but the only scary part was that he's a baby so touching him felt nerve-wracking — otherwise I'm completely won over by how cute he is, and I'm already thinking about bringing home another one soon!

What a beginner keeper needs for a crested gecko setup

With the kind explanations at Crerism, I picked up all the essential basic care supplies: a hideout, special nutrition feed, a beginner enclosure, and paper towels for the substrate — four items in total.

• ✔️ Hideout: a basic hideout so the gecko can rest comfortably without feeling anxious
• ✔️ Food: special nutrition feed
• ✔️ Enclosure: a basic beginner enclosure
• ✔️ Paper towels, the most hygienic and easy-to-clean option

For now, as a baby, he's comfortable and happy in the small enclosure, but we're already planning to save up allowance money and upgrade him to a bigger, nicer acrylic enclosure down the road. It's actually pretty heartwarming to see the kids taking on that sense of responsibility themselves.

How to care for a crested gecko: 4 basics

Since this was our first time keeping a reptile, I worried the care routine would be complicated — but following what Crerism explained, it really hasn't taken much effort at all. For anyone else considering getting a gecko like I did, here are the key traits and care basics worth knowing!

1️⃣ Feeding a baby crested gecko

Every other day, mix the powdered special feed with water to a ketchup-like consistency, then dab a little near the mouth with a syringe tip or small spoon — he licks it up on his own.

2️⃣ Keeping the temperature and humidity right

A room temperature of roughly 24°C to 26°C is generally ideal. (No expensive heating equipment is needed — an ordinary home's indoor temperature is enough for them to thrive.) For humidity, mist the enclosure walls lightly with a spray bottle once or twice a day, so he can lick the water droplets off the walls to drink.

3️⃣ How often to clean the enclosure

Swap out the paper towel lining for a fresh one and wipe down the inside of the enclosure. I clean whenever he poops, or roughly once every day or two.

4️⃣ Gentle temperament and handling tips

Crested gecko-type lizards are gentle by nature and don't bite, so even young kids can keep them without worry. That said, the first week after adoption is an adjustment period to the new environment, so it's best to minimize handling (picking them up) and leave them alone quietly to avoid stress. Once they've settled in, they'll sit calmly on your palm!

Final verdict on adopting from Crerism

The owner at Crerism in Cheongna, Incheon kindly walked me through all the essential beginner care tips, which made the adoption go smoothly.

A cute gecko that doesn't take much effort to care for while still giving you plenty of fun to watch and a little everyday healing! I'd recommend one as a pet that helps build kids' emotional growth and sense of responsibility too. Once we've saved up the kids' allowance for a big acrylic enclosure upgrade, and if we bring home another gecko, I'll share an update! 🦎💚