‘Water Scent Arboretum’ at Sucheong-Dong, Osan City opened the door on May 04. A green world created in a busy downtown is filled with green fragrance and sweet scent of water.

There are small water streams and a huge pond with aquatic botanic house and swamp house in this arboretum under the theme of harmony of water, tree, and human being. Little children trying to catch a fish in the stream and grown-ups admiring them with a big smile are having a great time in a fresh green garden of a city.

Harmony of Water, Tree, and Human being

Water Scent Arboretum in Osan sized 100,000pyong which Gyeonggi Province has spent KRW7Bill. of investment since 2000, has formed 16 number of planting units where approximately 1,600 kinds of plant are self generated. 

Following the main viewing route will lead you to the various events prepared upon the different types of trees.

If you pass thru a cave called Mankyungwon made by vine trees, you will be get to the Topiary and Maze House where many children are running with laughter between the various animal make-ups of green, looking like a peacock, dinosaur, turtle and etc. and are taking photos with them.

Flowers you may find them to be seen for the first time in life such as Tricyrtis dilatata (Bbukkuknari), Lysimachia coreana (Chamjobssalpul), Calanthe discolor (Saewoonancho) and etc. with summer season flowers like Bridal wreath (Jopap Tree), Styrax japonica (Ddaejuk Tree), Berberis amurensis (Maebaltop), Loosestrife (Buchu Flower) and etc. are laid out on ground with a lovely name board in front of each of them. There would be no better place to experience a natural ecology environment like this.

Of many houses in the arboretum, it is a Bug House that is mostly popular among children where they can watch the life of many bugs such as Allomyrina dichotoma (Jangsoo Pungdengih), Lucanus maculifemoratus (Sasum Bulle), Cybister japonicus (Mulbanggae) and etc. and also they are provided for the opportunity to touch tadpoles. Different to the passive and quiet arboretum of old days, there is a Pet Bird House with a Bug House in this Water Scent Arboretum giving energy and laughter to people.

Each house in the garden such as a Folk Art Tree House formed by the trees that inspired songs and poems, a Potted Plant House formed by short and small trees, Wild Tree House, Aquatic Tree House, Swamp House, Mugunghwa House (Also known as House of Rose of Sharon) and etc., has its own peculiarity. Among all, Aquatic Tree House and Swamp House are appeared to be the favorite by the people looking for a quiet resting and walking place. Also, these are highly recognized by a perfect reproduction of old days.

Sucheong-Dong in Osan City has been noted for its clear water for a long time.

Each house with various stories gives a great pleasure to our eyes 

In the Swamp House, you will enjoy the reed swamp along the walking track made by a wooden deck and spend a peaceful moment around a pond in the Aquatic House.

Entire round of an arboretum that is 4.5km length takes about 2 hours. You can choose between the main and recommended viewing route for your own round and enjoy yourself at each checkpoint and rest on the bench perfectly provided for family group and couples.

Taking a deep breath on the observation platform of an arboretum heading towards the green zone is truly refreshing. Also, it feels like going out for a picnic if you visit a forest or green yard located next to Topiary House or Swamp House respectively.

Whereas the most of the other botanical gardens in Gyeonggi Province take too long travel hours to reach there, close location of Water Scent Arboretum from downtown, which only takes 5 minutes on foot from Osan University station makes us feel more close and friendly with this Garden. You do not have to trouble yourself from a traffic jam to get to a beautiful botanic garden but comfort yourself in a easy public transport to spend a peaceful and pleasant time with your family.

Travel Tip

– Traveling by a car, you exit from Osan Nadulmok of Gyeongbu Expressway and pass thru the Entrance of Osan University, and then head for the Osan University Station. At the Osan University Station there is a road sign directing ‘Water Scent Arboretum’. It takes 30 ~ 60 minutes from the southern part of Gyeonggi, for instance, Suwon, Hwaseong and etc.

– If you are coming from the West Coast Expressway, then you exit from Balan Nadulmok and take 82nd local expressway to enter into Osan City. Then, you head for Suwon using the 1st National Expressway. During weekend, parking lot is usually very crowded; therefore, it is recommended to use subway.

– Opening hours for Water Scent Arboretum is 09:00~18:00 and it closes every Monday.

– In commemoration of its opening, entry fee is not charged until June 30. From July 01, it charges KRW 1,000 for adult, KRW 700 for teenagers and military force, and KRW 500 for children. Mini-car parking costs KRW 1,500 and small and mid-sized sedan cost KRW 3,000. (Tel: 378-1261)

– Guide map for visitors is provided at the information center. No cafeteria is placed in Water Scent Arboretum, but you can bring your food and enjoy them at each resting place allowed for food. Since there is no rubbish bin provided in the garden, you must take back all your rubbish.