If you would like to enjoy the pure, fresh air of green nature away from cities, an arboretum is an ideal option. Here are four arboretums in Gyeonggi Province recommended for your enjoyment.

– Mulhyanggi Arboretum, Osan

Mulhyanggi Arboretum is located in Sucheong-dong of Osan City. It is a five-minute walk from Osan University Station (Subway Line No. 1). Operated by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, it opened in May of 2006.

The Mulhyanggi Arboretum consists of 20 theme gardens arranged in accordance with different regional and plant characteristics – such as Mugunghwa Garden, Potted Plants Garden, Pine Tree Garden, as so on – and features 1,683 species of plants. The Mountains and Forests Hall is a space where the ecologies of mountains, forests, and wetlands are exhibited, enabling viewers to learn about nature and humanity while enjoying cultural experiences. For an open-field event, the insect collection exhibition is being held in five exhibition halls including the Insect Experience Hall, the Ecological Hall, and the Insect Sample Hall; visitors can touch and observe the insects. The admission fee is KRW 1,000 for adults and KRW 500 for children. Operation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).

Homepage & Phone Number: http://mulhyanggi.gg.go.kr – 031-378-1261
Potted Plants Garden

Arboretum Guide

– Saemiwon, Yangpyong

Saemiwon is located in Yongdam-ri, Yangseo-myun of Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province. It is a fifteen-minute walk from Yangsuri Station of the Central Railway.

Saemiwon (“clean and beautiful house”) takes its name from the Korean saying “Cleanse your heart when viewing water, and beautify your heart when viewing a flower.” Indeed, all roads built in the arboretum are covered with washboards, and classic poems by revered past poets as well as pictures are displayed for visitors to enjoy while viewing lotus flowers. The School of Nature provides children with opportunities to experience nature; after viewing, visitors are given local farm products commensurate with the admission fee. Admission is KRW 3,000 per person. Operation hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).

Homepage & Phone Number: http://www.semiwon.or.kr – 031-775-1834

Watermark Fountain Lotus

 Flowers in Saemiwon

-National Arboretum, Pocheon

The National Arboretum is located in Jikdong-ri, Soheul-eup of Pochoen City in Gyeonggi Province. It is a 50-minute ride by bus (No. 21) from Euijeongbu Station (Subway Line No. 1).

Established in 1999, the National Arboretum is the largest research institution in Korea specializing in the study of forest flora and fauna. It is composed of the special exhibition room, the museum of forests, the sample house of forest biology, the house of forest animals, and a research center for tropical plant resources. Approximately 11,000 items including remains and wood products are on public exhibition. The house of forest animals, which opened in 1991, cares for a total of 17 species of wild animals including Baekdusan tigers, Asiatic black bears, wolves, and so on. From late July to early August, the summer vacation and holiday period, the “Summer Student’s Family Forest Camp” is held for families who have elementary school children. Advance reservations for visits to the National Arboretum are required. The admission fee is KRW 1,000 for adults and KRW 500 for children. Operation hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays and Mondays).

Home Page & Phone Number: http://www.kna.go.kr – 031-540-2000

Ornamental Trees Garden

 Soribong Mountain Stream

– Morning Calm Arboretum, Gapyong

The Morning Calm Arboretum is located at the foot of Chukryeong Mountain in Gapyeong County of Gyeonggi Province. One can reach the garden by taking a village bus from the Cheongpyong Terminal. The Morning Calm Arboretum was established by Professor Han Sang-gyu of Samyuk University in 1996. Professor Han aspired to create a unique Korean garden unlike any other place in the world. He constructed the gardens with different seasonal characteristics and themes in which typical elements of Korean traditional aesthetics such as curved lines and asymmetrical balance are used to decorate the inner spaces. A total of 4,000 species of plants native to Chukryeong Mountain as well as rare plants are preserved in the Morning Calm Arboretum, where diverse gardens, an open square, a promenade, and the Fairy’s Hot Spring await visitors. There is also a “creative experience program” in which children can make items using natural objects (topiary, balsam dying, wood-pipe necklaces, and so on). The admission fee is KRW 7,000 for adults and KRW 4,000 for children. Operation hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (open throughout the year).

?? Homepage & Phone Number: http://www.morningcalm.co.kr – 1544-6703