South Korea is a country that is full of natural beauty. From the mesmerizing beaches with clear waters to the lush green forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also home to many historical sites.
If you are looking for a beautiful and culturally rich destination, South Korea is the perfect place for you. Anyone who likes to watch Korean dramas and movies needs to visit the country at least once.
Best South Korean Gardens
South Korea is a country with a lot of history and culture, and its gardens are no exception. From the traditional gardens of the Joseon Dynasty to the more natural gardens on Jeju Island, there are many of them.
If you’re having trouble picking out the best gardens that you should visit, we have made it easy for you. Here is a list of some gardens that are great and exciting to visit on your trip.
1. Namsan Park
Namsan Park is the largest park in Seoul and is home to different species of trees, plants, and animals. You’ll love the beautiful trails for walking and seeing animals. It’s a great place for a solid walk or a run, but be ready for lots of climbing and steps.
The park is in between the city and Namsan Tower, so you can walk through the park to get to the tower. The views of the city and sunsets are amazing as you go up. And don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Path in the park. It has the longest trail of cherry trees in the city, and it’s stunning when the trees are in full bloom.
Address: 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
2. Busan Citizen’s Park
Busan Citizen’s Park is located in the busy city of Busan and is a wonderful mix of outdoor and urban activities. It is a very large memorial park and is a nice place to go for a walk or lunch. It is clean and has a lot of toilets, parking, and rooms for nursing mothers.
It has a lot of fun things to do for people of all kinds. You can have fun on the playgrounds, in the picnic areas, and in the open places that are good for games and getting together. There are well-maintained jogging tracks, bike paths, and exercise stations all over the park for people who want to be fit.
Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
3. Huwon (Secret Garden)
Huwon Secret Garden is a rear garden at Changdeokgung Palace that flows naturally with nature and was used as a place of leisure by members of the royal family. The highlight of the garden is the two-story Juhamnu Pavilion which was used as a library. It is located on a small, peaceful square lily pond.
Within Huwon Secret Garden, you can encounter hidden pavilions like Jondeokjeong, Aeryeonjeong, Uiduhap, etc. Other things you can see include Geumcheongyo Bridge, a stone bridge that serves as the entrance to the garden, and Eosumun Gate, the southern entrance to the garden.
Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
4. Garden of Morning Calm
The Garden of Morning Calm showcases the beauty of Korean horticulture before the backdrop of Chungryeongsan Mountain. It was opened in May 1996 by horticultural professor Han Sang-Kyung. You can walk among a profusion of flowers in unique gardens and through a lush forest of pine nut trees.
Seasonal blooms transform the garden’s landscape throughout the year. Spring cherry blossoms turn the garden pink, creating a fairy tale atmosphere. In summer, azaleas and irises fill the landscape, while autumn delivers golden ginkgo trees and blazing maple leaves. The garden is beautiful in winter with snow-covered landscapes and lit light displays.
Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
5. Oedo Botania
Oedo Botania is a marine botanical park that is on an island in Hallyeohaesang National Park between Tongyeong and Geojedo Islands. The Venus Garden looks like a small version of Versailles, and it has Western-style grounds and twelve sculptures.
In April, the garden is full of flowers, and in the summer, you can walk in the cool shade of the trails that go through the woods. At Paradise Lounge, you can drink drinks while taking in the sun and the sea. The cafe on the island serves drinks and small snacks and has a great view of Haegeumgang Island and the blue sea around it.
Address: 17, Oedo-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
6. Seoul Iris Garden
Seoul Iris Garden is located between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains in northern Seoul. The garden boasts a wide array of irises and other plants in 12 different themed zones including Iris Garden, Medicinal Plant Garden, and Wetland Park. There is a small cafe where you can enjoy a beverage and something to eat.
In the Medicinal Plant Garden, you will find over 130,000 medicinal plants and herbs of 70 different species. In the Wetland Garden area, you can stay on the observatory deck and observe numerous types of aquatic plants and living animals and organisms making their home.
Address: 916, Madeul-ro, Dobong-gu, Seoul
7. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Boseong Green Tea Fields makes high-quality green tea and is a famous tourist destination year-round because of the many rows of tea trees that cover the hillside like a deep green carpet. Green tea leaves grow in neat rows along the side of a curved mountain. They are very eye-catching.
Green tea ice cream is a must-try food in Boseong. You can get it from the area around the main square. The Tea Museum of Korea is right next to where you enter Daehan Dawon. Here, you can learn about the basics of growing and making tea, as well as about tea ceremonies in Korea. Beautiful tea sets from different periods are also on show.
Address: 763-65, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
8. Spirited Garden
Spirited Garden is home to hundreds of bonsai plants in a natural garden. It has seven small gardens to walk through and contemplate. You can see various facilities including stone walls and stone towers stacked with Jeju volcanic stones, the largest artificial waterfall in Jeju, and a pond filled with large carp at the base of the waterfall.
Spirited Garden provides spaces where you can find peace of mind surrounded by waterfalls, ponds, stone bridges as well as trees. All the garden trees, bunjaes, and stones allow you to relieve yourself from any everyday life burden and to take a respite to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Address: 675, Nokchabunjae-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
9. Hongneung Arboretum
In 1922, Hongneung Garden was the first garden to open in Korea. It works to gather, take care of, and protect different kinds of plants from both inside and outside the country. Visitors can learn more about the value of forests, forestry, and the forest business at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall.
The public can visit the garden and the Forest Science Exhibition Hall. The Hongreung Arboretum is free to get into, and the public can go there on Saturdays and Sundays. Southwest of Cheonjangsang Mountain, on a plot of land that is 780 square meters, there are nine gardens that you can visit.
Address: 57, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
10. Suncheon Bay National Garden
Suncheon Bay National Garden has more than 500 types of trees and 100 types of flowers. Plenty of tulips and royal azaleas are a beautiful sight. If you love nature, you should go to this place because it is so beautiful. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is right next to the National Garden.
When people walk into the park, the first thing they see is the Lake Garden’s beautiful, modern plan. The world garden shows every type of garden in the world. You can see the traditional gardens of many countries, such as European, American, Japanese, and Chinese parks.
Address: 47, Gukgajeongwon1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
Wrapping Up
So these were the best gardens to visit in South Korea. There are more gardens by these are recommended by people who have already visited the country. Go pack your bags and enjoy the beauty of Korea.
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FAQs
1. What are the best gardens to visit in South Korea?
Some of the most popular and highly-rated gardens include Garden of Morning Calm, Suncheon Bay National Garden, Seoul Iris Garden, and Spirited Garden.
2. What is the best time of year to visit the gardens?
Spring (March-May): This is the time when gardens are in bloom.
Summer (June-August): The gardens are still green and lush during the summer.
Fall (September-November): The leaves change color during the fall.
Winter (December-February): The gardens are less crowded during the winter.
3. What are some tips for visiting the gardens?
Plan your visit in advance because the gardens can be crowded.
Check the opening hours.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring sunscreen because the weather can be hot.
Bring a camera to capture the memories.
