Top 6 Other Outdoor Activities in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

Reviewed By SQKrisflyer - Singapore, null

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!