Out to Oedo Botania, a Paradise in the Sea | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Oedo Botania is a marine botanical garden whose name is a compound of 'botani' (plants) and 'utopia,' meaning a paradise of plants. Surrounded by clear blue sea, it offers views of Geoje Haegeumgang, Hongdo, and Daemado, enhancing its beauty. The total area is 148,760㎡ (45,000 pyeong), divided into Seodo and Dongdo. Seodo is developed as Oedo Botania, while Dongdo (22,017㎡) is preserved in its natural state with 64 native plant species and over 1,000 rare subtropical plants from around the world. Oedo Botania was designed inspired by the rear garden of Buckingham Palace, with the representative Venus Garden featuring 12 Venus statues harmonizing with the plants. The Second Love Hill Observatory, where a 300-year-old dangsan tree stands (used by villagers for prayers for safety and bountiful harvests), offers views of Venus Garden, residences, and flower gardens. The 'Stairway to Heaven' was originally cultivated as farmland where 3,000 mandarin trees were planted and 8,000 cypress trees were grown as a windbreak, but now, after typhoon Maemi damage, it is formed like a tapestry with aracaria and various garden trees. The lighthouse, designed in the shape of Oedo Island, is uniquely maze-like inside, allowing visitors to explore it, adding to the enjoyment. ◎ Travel info meeting the Korean Wave charm: Oedo Botania was the filming location for the last episode of the drama 'Winter Sonata,' depicted as the island that Jun-sang created for his first love Yoo-jin, who lost her eyesight from a traffic accident sequela. The 'Lehaus' where Yoo-jin and Jun-sang meet is at the edge of Venus Garden and looks Mediterranean from the outside, but the interior is built in a traditional style with separate quarters for the main house and the annex.

Gujora Village has excellent transportation links to other tourist destinations, making travel convenient. In particular, from here, you can take a cruise ship to tour Naedo, Oedo, and Haegumgang, among others. It takes about 20 minutes by cruise from Gujora to Haegumgang, where you can see Sipja Donggul, Lion Rock, a fantastic sunrise, and the famous Ilwolbong, which appear at low tide. When thinking of Geoje Island, Hakdong Black Pearl Pebble Beach is a must-see, and it appears about 10 minutes along the coastal road from the Gujora themed beach (bathing beach). The Hakdong Haegumgang National Road connects Hakdong Black Pearl Pebble Beach to Haegumgang, offering a sea-view drive. The camellia flowers start blooming in late February and are in full bloom by mid-March, and the variety of eight-colored birds (palsakjo) are famous from June to September. The 'Into the Sea, Into the World' event is mainly held in Gujora during the summer.

This beach has soft sand, a gentle slope, and water temperature conditions most suitable for swimming. It is an inland-type coastal area where you can experience a calm, lake-like atmosphere. On the west coast of the beach stands Yundol Island, associated with the legend of a filial son. Around the beach, there are shops selling local specialties such as anchovies and seaweed, sashimi restaurants, and guesthouses. At nearby Gujora Port, you can board sightseeing boats to Naedo, Oedo, and Haegeumgang. The area is popular with tourists due to many attractions such as Wahyeon Beach, Gujora Tourist Fishing Village, Geoje Fishing Folk Exhibition Hall, Oedo Botania, and Yundol Island.

한려해상국립공원은 1968년 우리나라 최초의 해상국립공원으로 지정되었으며, 공원의 범위는 남쪽 거제 지심도~여수 오동도에 이르며 6개 지구(거제, 통영, 사천, 하동, 남해, 여수오동도)로 나누어진다. 해양과 도서, 육지가 빚어내는 아기자기한 지형경관이 뛰어나 매년 100만명 이상의 탐방객이 즐겨찾고 있다.