Complete Guide To Oedo Botania Off Goeje Island

Korea has views for days, and one of my favorites has been from Oedo Botania, with its beautiful view of the crystal blue South Sea. Located off Geoje Island, this marine botanical garden is a true paradise. 

Located off the southern coast of South Korea, the entire island has been transformed into a beautiful garden. I highly recommend going because it’s a great day trip from Busan.

If you’re planning a trip to Busan, you must visit Geojedo Island too! Here, you’ll find various kinds of rare flowers, beautiful scenery, and an unforgettable experience. 

Before Visiting Oedo Island

Before you visit the Island, make sure you download the Oedo Botania app. It provides a guided tour from the moment you board the ferry. 

Make sure you book your tickets and get on the last ferry before it gets dark. 

Geoje Panorama Cable Car

This is a newly installed cable car for the best windy hill tour. It opened recently and can transport up to 2,000 passengers per hour.

The cabins will circulate the 1.5-kilometer section from Hakdong Pass in Dongbu-myeon, Geoje, to the 565-meter Nojasan Observatory.

About Oedo Botania Island

Once upon a time, Lee Chang-Ho was having a lovely time fishing in the southern seas. He discovered the Island by chance in 1969 as a storm hit.

Realizing the potential of the small, uninhabited island, Lee and his wife, Choi Ho-Suk, moved there that same year, intending to turn it into farmland. While that venture didn’t work out, they got approval to turn it into a private garden. 

Oedo Paradise Island may have been a barren, rocky island 55 years ago, but it is now a top tourist attraction in South Korea. This gorgeous plot of land would be nothing without the couple’s loving care. 

It is mostly known for its magnificent terrace landscaping line. 

European-style Garden

This beautiful botanical garden is located in Hallyeo Maritime National Park and is known for its stunning views of the blue sea.

My favorite section to visit was the Venus Garden, a Western-style garden featuring white statues in Greek and Roman styles. There are also long gardens and adorable cafes.

I loved how there were so many pillars; it looked like a faraway island I would see in Greece. It reminded me of Lake Como where Star Wars Episode II was shot. 

One of the most popular times to go is in April, when you can see a plethora of flowers in bloom. Rare flowers from around the world are featured there, and you’ll find yourself asking, “Am I in a paradise on Earth?”

There’s not one bad view from the botanical garden; you can easily spend hours here.

Korean Dramas

Because the island is so beautiful, many popular Korean shows, including Winter Sonata and Netflix’s New World, have been filmed there. 

Oedo Nursery Glasshouse Cafe | 외도널서리

This is the island’s cafe, and it is absolutely gorgeous! Because South Korea has an enormous cafe culture, you can enjoy various drinks such as coffee and tea. 

It’s like a paradise lounge within a paradise. If there’s bad weather, it’s an easy escape, and you’ll still be able to enjoy your day. 

Tips For Visiting 

Avoid visiting the island on weekends, as it gets extremely crowded. The best time to visit Oedo Botania is during the week.

The island can get very busy in summer, so it’s best to avoid the summer vacation period, which typically occurs from late July to early August. 

• Make sure to check ferry schedules and weather conditions before visiting. 
• Bring cash or a credit card because the island has no ATM. 
• Smoking is prohibited on the island. 
• The island is open from sunrise to sunset except on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 
• Oedo Botania is accessible via ferry from Geoje or Busan. 

How to Get There

The easiest and most hassle-free way to get there is via an Oedo Botania tour. This is especially great if you’re not familiar with the language and want everything done for you.

At the time of booking, you can still get a full refund for bad weather. 

Address: San 109, Wahyeon-ri, Irun-myeon, Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea (경상남도 거제시 일운면 와현리 산109)
Hours: Winter Season 08:30-17:00 | Summer Season 08:00-19:00

From Geoje Island

The island is about a 20 to 30-minute ferry ride from Gujora Port. For most of the ride, you will be asked to sit down.

From Busan

Take a local bus or taxi to the Busan Seobu 부산서부 located near the Seobu-si Bus Terminal 서부시외버스터미널.  From there, catch the Busan Seogu- Jangseungpo Intercity Bus 부산서부-장승포 시외버스 to Jangseungpo Port.

The bus takes about 1hr 20 min and is a direct bus to the port. Transportation to and from Oedo Island and your entry ticket cost 17,000 won. 

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