Oedo Botania Visitor Guide — Location, History & Features

“Botania” is a portmanteau of "botani-" (plants) and "utopia" (paradise), and Oedo-Botania represents a paradise for plants on the sea. It is surrounded by the blue and clear seas of Geoje, and you can see the Haegeumgang Islets, Hongdo Island, and Tsushima Island in the distance. The total area is 148,760㎡ (45,000 pyeong), divided into Seodo Island and Dongdo Island. The former was developed into Oedo-Botania, while the latter (22,017㎡) is preserved in its natural state, home to 64 native plant species and over 1,000 rare subtropical plants from around the world. · Oedo-Botania was designed with Buckingham Palace Garden as its motif, and the Venus Garden—the signature attraction of Oedo-Botania—features twelve Venus statues harmoniously integrated with the plants. · The second Hill of Love observatory is home to a 300-year-old guardian tree where residents once held ceremonies for the village’s well-being and bountiful fishing. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Venus Garden, Lee House, and the Flower Garden. · The “Stairway to Heaven” was originally created by planting 3,000 tangerine trees on land where residents once cultivated fields, along with 8,000 cypress trees planted as windbreaks against the fierce sea winds. However, due to damage from Typhoon Maemi, it is now composed of various ornamental trees, including pagoda trees, arranged in a tapestry-like pattern. · The lighthouse, designed to resemble the shape of Oedo Island, is the only one of its kind to allow visitors to explore its maze-like interior, adding to the fun of exploration. · · ◎ Travel Information to Discover Hallyu’s Charm · Oedo-Botania appears as the island that Jun-sang, who had lost his sight after a traffic accident, created for his first love, Yoo-jin, in the final episode of the K-Drama "Winter Sonata(2002)." The “Lee House” in particular—the place where the two leads meet in the show—appears as a Mediterranean-style house when viewed from the Venus Garden, but is actually built in the traditional Korean style, divided into anchae and sarangchae.

Why Oedo-Botania matters

The story of Oedo Botania is deeply personal, a testament to enduring love and a shared dream. In the early 1970s, Lee Chang-ho and his wife, Choi Sung-ja, purchased this rugged, uninhabited island.

Beyond its botanical splendor, Oedo Botania is celebrated for its innovative integration of architecture and landscape design. The island features charming European-style buildings, including a distinctive lighthouse and a cafe, that complement the garden's aesthetic. These structures are strategically placed to offer breathtaking viewpoints and serve as restful havens for visitors exploring the expansive grounds.

Reaching Oedo Botania is an adventure in itself, as the island is accessible only by tour boat. Several ports on Geoje Island, such as Gujora, Dojangpo, and Galot, offer regular ferry services.

Visiting Oedo Botania is best enjoyed on a clear, sunny day to fully appreciate the vibrant colors of the flora and the expansive sea views. The island can get crowded, particularly during peak seasons and weekends, so an early start is advisable.

Official visitor information

Official address: 17, Oedo-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Official visiting hours: Winter 08:30-17:00 · Summer 08:00-19:00.

Official closure information: Refer to the official website.

Parking: Available at ferry dock.

Official information contact: • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 · (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) · • For more info: +82-55-681-4541.

How to use this guide

Use the official information above as the planning baseline. Opening arrangements, programs, admission conditions, and access rules can change after this review. Follow the official source links before traveling, especially when your visit depends on a particular exhibition, performance, seasonal activity, or facility.

The remaining recommendations on this page are editorial guidance for understanding the setting and organizing a visit. They are not a substitute for instructions issued by the venue, local government, cultural-property authority, or transport operator.

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