Name: OEDO Botania
Address: South Korea, Gyeongsangnam-do, Geoje-si, Irun-myeon, Oedo-gil, 17 외도해상농원
Telephone: 055-681-4541
Rating: 4.4

Tiny, rocky islet transformed into a terraced & manicured botanical garden, accessible by ferry.

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

Provided by Google

Jagalchi Market

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Busan

BIFF Square

Songdo Bay Station

Oedo Botania was painstakingly transformed from a barren island into a lush paradise by a dedicated couple, Lee Chang-ho and Choi Ho-suk, over 30 years, starting in 1969.

Dream Project

The only way to reach Oedo Botania is by taking a scenic ferry ride from various ports in Geoje-si, adding to its exclusive and tranquil atmosphere.

Island Access

The garden is renowned for its distinct European-style landscaping, featuring meticulously manicured hedges, sculptures, and pathways that evoke a Mediterranean or even a Greek island feel.

Mediterranean Charm

Home to over 3,000 species of plants, including many rare and tropical varieties, Oedo Botania showcases an impressive collection that thrives in its unique island climate.

Exotic Flora

Oedo Botania is nestled within the stunning Hallyeohaesang National Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago and the sparkling blue sea.

National Park Setting

Its picturesque beauty has made Oedo Botania a popular filming location for numerous Korean dramas and commercials, further boosting its fame and appeal.

Popular Set

Often referred to as a 'paradise island' or 'Garden of Eden,' the main garden area, particularly the Venus Garden, is famous for its classical statues and meticulously arranged flora.

Garden of Eden

OEDO Botania

Oedo Botania, a meticulously sculpted island paradise off Geoje-do, stands as a testament to a couple's lifelong dedication, transforming a desolate rock into a breathtaking botanical marvel. This private garden, established by Lee Chang-ho and Choi Ho-suk, uniquely blends European and Mediterranean aesthetics with subtropical flora, creating an unexpected fusion amidst the Korean seascape. Visitors traverse pathways adorned with over 3,000 species, including rare cacti, vibrant camellias, and exotic palms, all thriving in the island's mild climate. The iconic Venus Garden, featuring classical statuary amidst meticulously pruned topiary, evokes a sense of ancient grandeur. Further along, the "Stairway to Heaven" offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding Hallyeohaesang National Park, seamlessly integrating the natural ocean beauty with the cultivated artistry. Every vista is carefully framed, presenting a living gallery where horticulture meets art, a truly singular achievement in landscape design.

Introduction

Oedo Botania in Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, is a distinguished location for Korean dramas and entertainment, offering a unique European-style garden backdrop for various productions. The island gained significant recognition as a filming site for the classic drama Winter Sonata, where its picturesque landscapes provided the setting for the series' concluding scenes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. More recently, Oedo Island served as a prominent filming location for Netflix's original series New World, which premiered in November. This reality-variety show brought together a notable cast, including Lee Seung-gi, Kai, Kim Hee-chul, Eun Ji-won, Jo Bo-ah, and Park Na-rae, who participated in survival missions within the island's utopian-like environment. A memorable moment from the series featured a grand welcoming ceremony for the cast upon their arrival, complete with a performance by the K-pop group LOONA, further showcasing the island's distinctive appeal. The island's unique blend of lush botanical gardens, diverse subtropical plants, and architectural elements like replicas of Ancient Greek and Roman statues, contributes to its visual versatility, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers seeking captivating and aesthetically rich settings. Its transformation into an ecological garden, coupled with its serene, remote feel, provides a compelling and distinctive atmosphere for storytelling across various genres.

K-Drama Filming Location

Oedo Botania, located in Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, presents a distinctive example of European garden design meticulously established on a private island. This marine botanical garden, known as Oedo-Botanica Eco-Garden, originated approximately 30 years ago as a private endeavor by Lee Chang-ho and Choi Ho-suk. Their vision transformed a once ordinary rocky island into a sprawling ecological garden, now attracting up to a million visitors annually. The couple's dedication, sparked by their discovery of the island's natural beauty, led to the acquisition and subsequent development of the entire island into a botanical paradise. The landscape is thoughtfully arranged with a main entrance, observatory, and various memorials and statues, all contributing to a pronounced European sensibility. The island's design incorporates elements reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens, with its lush, green environment standing in stark contrast to its original rugged terrain. Over 1,000 species of subtropical plants from around the world, alongside 64 native species, flourish in this unique climate, creating an exotic atmosphere. Visitors encounter diverse flora including cacti, banana trees, and olive trees, further enhancing the foreign ambiance. Strategic placement of replicas of Ancient Greek and Roman statues significantly reinforces the European aesthetic, giving the impression of an overseas destination. The small, plant-lined roads exude sweet floral scents, crafting a romantic setting that feels distinctly removed from modern society. Oedo Botania truly embodies its name, a combination of botany and utopia, presenting a perfect garden with a strong European character amidst the Korean seascape, showcasing a unique blend of horticultural artistry and architectural imitation.

European Garden Design

Oedo Botania, a true island botanical paradise, is aptly named from "botani-" and "utopia," signifying a haven for plants amidst the sea. This privately owned botanical garden, once a barren rocky island, was meticulously transformed by its founders, Lee Changho and his wife, into an exotic destination only accessible by ferry from Geoje Island. Spanning 148,760㎡, it boasts a remarkable collection of over 1,000 rare subtropical plants from around the world, alongside 64 native species. The garden's design draws inspiration from Buckingham Palace Garden, evident in its meticulously curated landscapes. The iconic Venus Garden features twelve statues harmoniously integrated with the flora, offering a Mediterranean-like ambiance. From the second Hill of Love observatory, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Venus Garden, Lee House, and the Flower Garden, all set against the backdrop of Geoje's clear blue waters, with distant views of Haegeumgang Islets and Tsushima Island. The "Stairway to Heaven," originally planted with thousands of tangerine and cypress trees, now showcases a tapestry of diverse ornamental trees. Even the lighthouse, uniquely shaped like Oedo Island, invites exploration into its maze-like interior, adding to the island's distinctive charm as a botanical marvel. This unique blend of cultivated beauty and natural island splendor creates an unparalleled exotic atmosphere.

Island Botanical Paradise

OEDO Botania in Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, stands as a profound testament to the extraordinary vision and enduring legacy of its founders, Lee Chang-ho and Choi Ho-suk. Their ambitious dream was to transform a remote, barren island, initially devoid of fresh water and electricity, into a breathtaking botanical paradise. This was not merely a commercial venture but a deeply personal, lifelong project born from a shared passion for nature and beauty. Over more than three decades, the couple poured their lives into cultivating the rocky terrain, meticulously importing soil, diverse plant species, and personally overseeing every aspect of its development. Their unwavering dedication in the face of immense logistical and environmental challenges exemplifies their pioneering spirit. The garden's unique design, blending European-style gardens with native Korean flora, reflects their distinct aesthetic sensibility and commitment to creating a harmonious blend of art and nature. OEDO Botania today is the tangible manifestation of their singular, persistent dream, a living monument to their perseverance and artistic foresight. It serves as an inspiring legacy, demonstrating how an unwavering vision, coupled with relentless effort, can transform an inhospitable landscape into a world-renowned sanctuary, offering visitors a glimpse into the founders' meticulously crafted natural masterpiece. The island garden continues to embody their original aspiration: to share a piece of heaven on earth.

OEDO Botania

Did You Know?

Dream Project

Island Access

Mediterranean Charm

Exotic Flora

Highlights from Reviews

Location