Stroll around the manicured gardens of Oedo Paradise Island. Just a ferry ride away from Geoje Island, this paradise is aptly named the botanical gardens create an idyllic atmosphere.
The gardens were founded in 1969 by a couple that took great pride in landscaping and design. The grounds were opened to the public in 1995, although the original owners continued to live on the island. Their private home is closed to visitors. Today, explore the bounty of their work, European-style botanical gardens home to over 3,000 species of plants.
Take a leisurely stroll through the Venus Gardens, which were based on the gardens of Versailles in France. At one end of the Venus Gardens stands the white villa of the owners, while at the other, a bright marble portico provides great views of the Geoje coastline. The courtyard is bordered by angular hedge designs and round shrubs.
Spot variations between species in themed gardens. Explore the cactus patch, where 50 different species of cactus thrive. The best views of the colourful gardens in their entirety are experienced from the peak of the island’s main hill. Access the lookout point via a set of stairs nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven”.
Look to the south with your camera lens to capture stunning views of the Korean coastline from the Castle Oedo observation deck. Spot islands on the horizon using the deck’s mounted binoculars. When you’ve had enough of the views and gardens, take the kids to the island’s east where you can walk alongside fossilised dinosaur tracks.
Oedo Island is only accessible by ferry and overnight stays are prohibited. Visits usually last around 90 minutes, which is plenty of time to get around. Ferries to Oedo Island depart daily from six locations around Geoje. The island can get crowded in the popular summer months. The best time to visit is in April, as many of the island’s flowers are already blooming but there aren’t the huge crowds of visitors.
The ferries and the island charge separate admission fees. Get to the ferry terminals in Geoje by bus from Busan.
