Oedo Botania
Oedo Botania
4.5
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4.5
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Travelove58
15,633 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
A short ferry ride across this island takes you to this beautiful island. Alot of walking (some steep uphills as well) is expected.
Come well prepared - wear light clothes, sunglasses, cap & comfortable shoes esp when weather is still very hot. It still gets unbearably hot & sweaty walking under the sun for long periods, despite all these preps.
Need a couple of hours here including the ferry ride & wait. Lots of photo taking sceneries.
Not recommended for physically weak or disadvantaged people. Or young kids.
Come well prepared - wear light clothes, sunglasses, cap & comfortable shoes esp when weather is still very hot. It still gets unbearably hot & sweaty walking under the sun for long periods, despite all these preps.
Need a couple of hours here including the ferry ride & wait. Lots of photo taking sceneries.
Not recommended for physically weak or disadvantaged people. Or young kids.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan E
Banco, VA75 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
What an amazing hike through beautiful gardens, topiary, formal gardens, stone walkways and fountains were found throughout the island.
Stunning overlooks in all directions. I was able to see some of the Japanese islands in the far distance. Makes you realize how close Korea and Japan are to each other.
Steep pathways up and can be a hot so either bring water or plan on buy some while you are there …
Was one ice the best stops of our trip!
Stunning overlooks in all directions. I was able to see some of the Japanese islands in the far distance. Makes you realize how close Korea and Japan are to each other.
Steep pathways up and can be a hot so either bring water or plan on buy some while you are there …
Was one ice the best stops of our trip!
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SQKrisflyer
Singapore385 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
My family and I spent a “controlled” 1.5 hour on a clear sunny afternoon at the Oedo Botanical, which was just sufficient. Oedo Botania is the result of at least 30 years of transformation work of Chang-ho Lee and his wife after they obtained approval from the authorities in 1976. It is no surprise that several Korean TV dramas, including Winter Sonata, were shot here.
Getting there and entrance fees: We drove 2 hours in the late morning in the rental car from AJ (Avis) from Busan to the quiet Dojangpo village of Geoje Island (where Windy Hill attraction is located). Because Oedo is only accessible by ferry, we bought tickets that includes ferry fare (₩16,000 per adult and ₩ 9,000 for age 2 to 12) and the Oedo Botania entrance fees (₩11,000 for adult and ₩8000 for youth). After a lunch at one of the restaurants in front of the car park, we took the 1:20 pm ferry that reached Oedo Island at 1:50pm. We returned to mainland on the designated 3:20pm ferry, which reached mainland slightly earlier at 3:35pm. I saw the next ferry departure was at 3:40pm but do check the ferry departure timings as there is more than one ferry plying the route.
The Attraction: Actually, this is a “2-in-1” attraction, because before we reach Oedo Island, the ferry captain took the ferry passengers to see up close spectacular rock formations and a cave at Haegeumgang Island (that explains why the ferry ride to Oedo Island took 5 minutes longer).
What I enjoyed or liked:
(1) Although no brochure was given, there is a erected map that shows the recommended route in a figure “8”: Oedo Square – Fountain intersection – Cactus Garden – Venus Garden (12 sculptures and a view point) – Lee House – Flower Garden (camellias and rare flowers from all over the world) – Bamboo Garden – Panorama Observatory – Oh Beautiful Café (food and the view of Naedo Island and the surrounding sea) – Sculpture Park – Eden Garden and Chapel – Hill of Love – Stairway to Heaven – Kokaseu Garden – Souvenir Gift Shop – Water Garden – Observatory/Viewpoint – Memorial Gallery (Oedo Botania history and exhibits) – Lighthouse of the Wish. Make sure you take a photo of the route.
(2) As we walked the gardens populated by flora (trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and even cacti), we were truly amazed at the superb maintenance, beautiful landscaping, skilful gardening and the fusion of European and Korean styles as well as the peace and serenity that calm the “hustle and bustle” city folks like us.
(3) There are plenty of toilets as well as areas for rest from tired legs and shade from the sun’s rays.
(4) My favourite panorama viewpoints are: on top of the hill just before Bamboo Garden (see the terrace landscaping of Botania), at the semi-circular arch of Venus Garden, at the Panorama Observatory (coastal cliffs, islands and sea) and just before Memorial Gallery (5 terrace rows of tree covers, sea and peninsula).
Oedo Botania requires plenty of walking along (gradual) slopes and stairs, so I recommend wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and drink plenty of fluids, especially on a hot sunny day. In addition, as this attraction is in the open, put on sunscreen or wear a hat or use an umbrella on a sunny day.
We enjoyed Oedo Botania very much and hoped we could come back some day during spring or autumn. This peaceful island paradise attraction is one that’s uniquely astounding and different. So don’t miss it, even though you may not be a lover of Nature!
Getting there and entrance fees: We drove 2 hours in the late morning in the rental car from AJ (Avis) from Busan to the quiet Dojangpo village of Geoje Island (where Windy Hill attraction is located). Because Oedo is only accessible by ferry, we bought tickets that includes ferry fare (₩16,000 per adult and ₩ 9,000 for age 2 to 12) and the Oedo Botania entrance fees (₩11,000 for adult and ₩8000 for youth). After a lunch at one of the restaurants in front of the car park, we took the 1:20 pm ferry that reached Oedo Island at 1:50pm. We returned to mainland on the designated 3:20pm ferry, which reached mainland slightly earlier at 3:35pm. I saw the next ferry departure was at 3:40pm but do check the ferry departure timings as there is more than one ferry plying the route.
The Attraction: Actually, this is a “2-in-1” attraction, because before we reach Oedo Island, the ferry captain took the ferry passengers to see up close spectacular rock formations and a cave at Haegeumgang Island (that explains why the ferry ride to Oedo Island took 5 minutes longer).
What I enjoyed or liked:
(1) Although no brochure was given, there is a erected map that shows the recommended route in a figure “8”: Oedo Square – Fountain intersection – Cactus Garden – Venus Garden (12 sculptures and a view point) – Lee House – Flower Garden (camellias and rare flowers from all over the world) – Bamboo Garden – Panorama Observatory – Oh Beautiful Café (food and the view of Naedo Island and the surrounding sea) – Sculpture Park – Eden Garden and Chapel – Hill of Love – Stairway to Heaven – Kokaseu Garden – Souvenir Gift Shop – Water Garden – Observatory/Viewpoint – Memorial Gallery (Oedo Botania history and exhibits) – Lighthouse of the Wish. Make sure you take a photo of the route.
(2) As we walked the gardens populated by flora (trees, shrubs, plants, flowers and even cacti), we were truly amazed at the superb maintenance, beautiful landscaping, skilful gardening and the fusion of European and Korean styles as well as the peace and serenity that calm the “hustle and bustle” city folks like us.
(3) There are plenty of toilets as well as areas for rest from tired legs and shade from the sun’s rays.
(4) My favourite panorama viewpoints are: on top of the hill just before Bamboo Garden (see the terrace landscaping of Botania), at the semi-circular arch of Venus Garden, at the Panorama Observatory (coastal cliffs, islands and sea) and just before Memorial Gallery (5 terrace rows of tree covers, sea and peninsula).
Oedo Botania requires plenty of walking along (gradual) slopes and stairs, so I recommend wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and drink plenty of fluids, especially on a hot sunny day. In addition, as this attraction is in the open, put on sunscreen or wear a hat or use an umbrella on a sunny day.
We enjoyed Oedo Botania very much and hoped we could come back some day during spring or autumn. This peaceful island paradise attraction is one that’s uniquely astounding and different. So don’t miss it, even though you may not be a lover of Nature!
Written 31 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Odyssey29792339697
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Maybe because it's a private island, it's so small and there's nothing to see.
Compared to that, it was expensive and a bit of a waste of time.
Avoid on very hot days
There was nowhere to escape the heat.
Hwadam Forest in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do is actually bigger and has a lot to see.
Compared to that, it was expensive and a bit of a waste of time.
Avoid on very hot days
There was nowhere to escape the heat.
Hwadam Forest in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do is actually bigger and has a lot to see.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globerwalker
Seoul, South Korea362 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
This beautiful botanical island was the creation of a korean couple with an obvious passion for gardens. It looks like a piece of Europe in Korea. It is just a pity that you don't have sufficient time to enjoy it.
You may only visit on one of the organised tour boats that go from 3 or 4 different ports. You must pay W17,000 for the boat trip and another W11,000 for entrance to the island (quite steep for Korea). Once you arrive on the island you only have 90mins allowed until you have to be on the boat you left on, you cannot go on a later boat. This is just enough time to walk around island. You must follow a fixed path, so no meandering around. There is a coffee shop and souvenir shop but no time to linger here.
The boat trip is about 20 mins and on the way out they stop ap Hageumgang? rock to take a look but you must endure loud Korean commentary and music for the entire journey. You must also remain seated until they tell you that you can briefly get out on deck to admire the rock. Then you must return to your seats. The boats a constantly coming and going from the island, depositing 100s of visitors.
Oedo island is a stunning testament to human endeavour. There is a small picture gallery that shows what the place looked like before, just barren and rocky. the resulting garden is a spectacular euorpean style garden complete with statues and sculptures. Just a pity the visit is so restricted but I guess that is the only way they can cope with the thousands of visitors who flock to the place.
Ideally avoid coming on the weekend, it becomes very tiresome shuffling along with the crowds and trying to avoid all the people stopping to take photos. It may be a more pleasureable experience mid-week when there are fewer people on the island.
You may only visit on one of the organised tour boats that go from 3 or 4 different ports. You must pay W17,000 for the boat trip and another W11,000 for entrance to the island (quite steep for Korea). Once you arrive on the island you only have 90mins allowed until you have to be on the boat you left on, you cannot go on a later boat. This is just enough time to walk around island. You must follow a fixed path, so no meandering around. There is a coffee shop and souvenir shop but no time to linger here.
The boat trip is about 20 mins and on the way out they stop ap Hageumgang? rock to take a look but you must endure loud Korean commentary and music for the entire journey. You must also remain seated until they tell you that you can briefly get out on deck to admire the rock. Then you must return to your seats. The boats a constantly coming and going from the island, depositing 100s of visitors.
Oedo island is a stunning testament to human endeavour. There is a small picture gallery that shows what the place looked like before, just barren and rocky. the resulting garden is a spectacular euorpean style garden complete with statues and sculptures. Just a pity the visit is so restricted but I guess that is the only way they can cope with the thousands of visitors who flock to the place.
Ideally avoid coming on the weekend, it becomes very tiresome shuffling along with the crowds and trying to avoid all the people stopping to take photos. It may be a more pleasureable experience mid-week when there are fewer people on the island.
Written 6 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SL N
Penang Island, Malaysia23 contributions
Jun 2016
I went to this place as it is near to Busan. It is well maintained landscapes which lots of local visit and spend their weekend with family.
From Busan Seobu took a intercity bus to Jangseoungpo and take ferry to the island. The ticket for island and ferry costs 30k won. Visitor has about 1 and half hour to visit the island before taking the same ferry back which is too short for me! there are lots of nice scenery.. it might not be as popular as other island advertised but definitely worth the visit if you have extra time..
From Busan Seobu took a intercity bus to Jangseoungpo and take ferry to the island. The ticket for island and ferry costs 30k won. Visitor has about 1 and half hour to visit the island before taking the same ferry back which is too short for me! there are lots of nice scenery.. it might not be as popular as other island advertised but definitely worth the visit if you have extra time..
Written 15 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DevShetty
Navi Mumbai, India274 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Beautiful privately owned island in geoje. One of the must visit places. The walk around the rocky island is great with all the flora around. There is a guide booklet which if followed will take you through various themed parks. If you don't halt for snacks you need about 1hr 15mins to complete the tour.
Preferably go during bright sunny days to enjoy the beautiful view of the water and other rocky islands nearby.
Preferably go during bright sunny days to enjoy the beautiful view of the water and other rocky islands nearby.
Written 2 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CWH238
Bandera, TX26 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We thoroughly enjoyed our ferry ride and trip to Oedo. The tour of Oedo is a self guided tour with some more of Geoje's great hiking. We walked, rather straight, up the hill on a paved trail. It was easy but did require exertion and drinking water for sure. Don't miss this trip. Not much is in English, but be brave and go anyway!
Written 26 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony B
Ben Lomond, Australia200 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Having read about this island several years ago, I was keen to finally get to visit the real thing. I wasn't disappointed. Oedo is a wonderfully scenic island. The gardens are spectacular and there are an amazing amount of opportunities to take photos. The island was bought in the 60's by a fisherman and his wife and over the years was transformed from a basic farm to what you see today. You only get to spend two hours on the island but this was enough time for us to get plenty of photos (and a drink and ice-cream!)
Written 27 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fouzness
Seoul, South Korea59 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
I've visited Oedo twice with different family members and I hope to go a few times again this coming summer. It's a gorgeous garden and it is very well kept! There's all sorts of garden themes, little statues and scenic views all around. I would highly recommend it but go early if you can as it can get crowded! Bring water, suncream and a hat if you're visiting in the summer.
You can get a ferry from Janseungpo or Gujora ferry terminals and the boat ride takes 20mins. It's an easy ride even if you're sensitive to boat rides. Ferry times from Gujora are: 8am, 8.30am, 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm. You're allowed to stay 2hrs (enough time at an easy walking pace) before the ferry picks you up again. So all in all, it takes approx 3hrs to do the trip. Then you can go over to Gujora beach (5min walk from Gujora ferry terminal) and enjoy the rest of your day by the sea side! There are bathrooms and showers at the beach (nothing luxurious but good enough for most people). There are a few little convenience stores and fried chicken restaurants nearby too.
I hope this helps you plan an awesome day :)
You can get a ferry from Janseungpo or Gujora ferry terminals and the boat ride takes 20mins. It's an easy ride even if you're sensitive to boat rides. Ferry times from Gujora are: 8am, 8.30am, 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm. You're allowed to stay 2hrs (enough time at an easy walking pace) before the ferry picks you up again. So all in all, it takes approx 3hrs to do the trip. Then you can go over to Gujora beach (5min walk from Gujora ferry terminal) and enjoy the rest of your day by the sea side! There are bathrooms and showers at the beach (nothing luxurious but good enough for most people). There are a few little convenience stores and fried chicken restaurants nearby too.
I hope this helps you plan an awesome day :)
Written 1 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When do the flowers in the Oedo botanical garden blossom?
Written 11 February 2020
Hi,
I am planning to visit Oedo in early October. I will be staying near Beomnageol Station, Busan. I would be very grateful if someone could help me with some information about traveling from Beomnaegol, Busan to Geoje.
1. What is the best mode of transportation to go to Geoje from Beomnageol Station?
2. From my online search if I were to take the bus from Sasang Station, Busan, I will arrive at Geoje Gohyun Bus Terminal. How do I get from the Geoje Bus terminal to the Dojangpo Ferry Pier to sail to Oedo Island?
3. How much is the ferry and entrance fees for foreigners to Oedo? Does it sail every day?
4. Do they have ferry schedule to the island?
5. What time is the last bus to Busan from this island?
6. Hope someone can guide and help me as much as possible as there is very little info that I could find online.
TQVM
Written 12 September 2019
From number 2-6, your questions may be answered by this guide. It helps me a lot.
galetravels.travel.blog/2019/11/12/a-comprehensive-guide-itinerary-to-geoje-island-geoje-do-%EA%B1%B0%EC%A0%9C%EB%8F%84-by-public-transport-haegeumgang-island-%EA%B1%B0%EC%A0%9C%EB%8F%84-%ED%95%B4%EA%B8%88%EA%B0%95-oedo-botania/
Written 13 November 2019
Depends on your nationality. If you have a passport from a country that allowed you to enter Korea without a visa, you will be able to visit botania. Passport was only needed for identification purposes. There was no immigration checkpoint.
Written 31 July 2019
Good day travelers! Is there an option or is it allowed to have an overnight stay in Oedo Island? Is there an accommodation, hotel or guesthouse within the island?
Written 23 March 2018
Hi, there is no accommodation on Oedo Island. The boats that take you there only bring travellers from the mainland (and a stay on the island is only for about 2 hours - which is enough time to see all there is to see). There is plenty of accommodation along the coast of Goeji though.
Written 23 March 2018
anyone can help me know how to get to the oedo botania garden. im planing to go there soon.thankz.
Written 29 March 2017
You can go to oedo from Gujora ferry terminal. I recommend to buy tickets for your trip in advance on the internet. Roundtrip(ferry) 11000won, Entrance fee(botania garden) 11000won. So, 22000won per a person in this journey
Written 2 August 2017
Anyone know about bus no 55 schedule? From gohyeon or to gohyeon?
Written 30 September 2016
Bus 55 does not take you to Oedo, it goes from gohyeon to Haegumgang and I don't think there's a ferry to Oedo from there as it seems very far away! First bus is at 7.35am anyway but I cannot find the frequency of the buses.
You can take any of the 21, 22 or 23 buses from Gohyeon to Gujora (last stop) and catch the ferry to Oedo there. They come every 15 to 25mins.
I hope that helps!
Written 1 October 2016
Мы добирались из Пусана следующим способом: 1. На Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal, который находится на станции метро Sasang Station (линия 2, выход 3 или 5), сели на междугородний автобус до Jangseungpo Intercity Bus Terminal. Стоимость проезда на октябрь 2015 года составляла 7,7 тыс. вон, время в пути - часа полтора. Точного расписания не подскажу, но автобус ходит в течение дня с перерывом в 20–30 минут. Расписание можно уточнить на сайте автовокзала, воспользовавшись гугл-переводчиком. 2. На территории Jangseungpo Intercity Bus Terminal есть карта, которая помогает найти дорогу до пристани (Jangseungpo Ferry Terminal или J-o port — встречала такие названия), откуда и отправляются кораблики на остров Вэдо. Первоначальное направление движения от автовокзала (если он находится за спиной) – направо. Затем нужно будет спуститься к морю и, вновь повернув направо и немного обогнув гавань, дойти до пристани. Ориентир – Hotel Ocean Best, который расположен рядом с морским вокзальчиком и виден издалека. Мы шли минут 15. Если не рассчитываете на собственные силы, возьмите такси и обратите внимание водителя на то, какая пристань вам нужна. Так как рядом находится еще одна – на остров Камелий (Jisimdo).
3. Стоимость мини–круиза на о. Вэдо с обходом на катере скал Хэгымган составляла 28 тыс. Весь тур длился примерно 2,5–3 часа, из них полтора часа мы провели на острове–саде.
Written 16 June 2016
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