With the Panmunjeom Declaration, northern Gyeonggi Province has recently gained much attention as a border region, and also as an area rich in historical, security and ecological values. Following this trend, here are five botanical garden locations that are worth visiting in May for Family Month in Korea so as to fully enjoy the “Spring of the Korean Peninsula” with loved ones.
 
▲ Namyangju Mulmalgeum Arboretum

Located in Jidun-ri of Sudong-myeon, Namyangju City, the Mulmalgeum Arboretum opened its doors last October as a result of administrative cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and Namyangju regarding use of provincial forests. This arboretum is composed of 20 exhibition gardens, including a naturally grown garden and an aromatic plant botanical garden, as well as 1,200 species of plants including the Rhododendron micranthum and the Rhododendron brachycarpum.

Additionally, it is expected that this location will be completed in 2019, offering visitors a strong “forest welfare” space with gardens such as the Smart Arboretum, in which (unlike other arboretums) visitors will be able to experience the nature of four seasons thanks to the use of augmented reality, a waterfall that was designed to recall Jeong Yak-yong’s (penname Dasan) Yeolsang Landscape, and the Firefly Ecological Park.

Various experiential programs are held for visiting families such as forest commentary, woodworking experiences and forest healing, as well as various recreational facilities to strengthen the adventurous spirit of children including a small zip-line and a rocking swing.

Visiting hours are from 9am to 6pm, and the first 150,000 visitors receiver free admission. If using public transportation, visitors can get to the arboretum by boarding the local bus at Maseok Station on the Gyeongchun Line. (Inquiries: 031-590-4076)
 
▲ The Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong

The Garden of Morning Calm, located in Sang-myeon, Gapyeong County, preserves, cultivates, and exhibits a total of 5,000 species of plant including 1,000 varieties of rare and naturally grown plants. This garden is also composed of different “themed gardens” such as Hometown House Garden, the Hagyeong Garden and the Garden of Korea.

The Garden of Morning Calm will host a Spring Flower Festival until May 27 in which visitors can enjoy a promenade among tulips, rhododendrons, bleeding hearts and other various spring flowers. An art exhibition will also be held until June 13 around the theme “Imaginary Garden – May’s Promenade” in the garden’s gallery. Additionally, mime shows will also be presented on an outdoor stage on May 5 and 6 for Children’s Day. Apart from this, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the garden offers various experiential programs such as gardening classes and cottage stores.

Operating hours are from 8:30am to 7:30pm, and visitors may enter with an entrance fee of KRW 9,500 for adults, KRW 7,000 for adolescents and KRW 6,000 for children. The garden is accessible via public transportation through the local bus as well as a city tour bus from Cheongpyeong Station or Cheongpyeong Terminal on the Gyeongchun Line. (Inquiries: 1544-6703)
 
▲ Pyeonggang Botanical Garden in Pocheon

The Pyeonggang Botanical Garden, located in Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon City, is home to 12 themed areas including Asia’s largest Rock Garden (1,800 pyeong), around 50 ponds filled with water lilies, and a grass garden that is green all year long. Additionally, Myeongseongsan Mountain, Sanjeong Lake and many other popular tourist attractions in Pocheon are situated nearby.

Starting this March, the botanical garden has been exhibiting the installation Forgotten Giant Project in collaboration with Denmark’s upcycling artist Thomas Dambo using waste wood. Visitors are able to appreciate preciousness of nature by leaving photographs of their memories together with “giant” dolls intermingled with flowers all around the arboretum.

Visitors may enter the garden from 9am to 6pm with an entrance fee of KRW 7,000 for adults and KRW 5,000 for children. Children under elementary school age can enter for free during the period of Children’s Day (May 5 to 7). If using public transportation, visitors can get to the garden by boarding the local bus in front of Uncheon Intercity Bus Terminal. (Inquiries: 031-531-7751)
 
▲ Jangheung Natural Arboretum in Yangju

Located in Jangheung-myeon, Yangju City, the Natural Arboretum consists of 14 themed gardens in which visitors can find approximately 1,200 species of plants. Among these gardens is the Seasonally Themed Garden that is redesigned for each season, the School Book Botanical Garden in which flowering plants that are easily found in school books are planted, the Reed Garden that abounds with naturally grown domestic reeds, the Mountain Stream Garden in which flowers and ponds exist in harmony, and the Primrose Garden that has been beautifully decorated with primroses.

The arboretum holds many events for infants and elementary school students such as the “Insect Experience” that provides them with an opportunity to observe the lives of insects, “Forest Commentaries” that enables them learn about forest ecology while having fun, and “Game Experiences” to help them build their imagination and curiosity.

Visitors are welcome from 9am to 7pm during the summer season with an admission fee of KRW 6,000 for adults and KRW 5,000 for children. The arboretum is accessible by public transportation via bus number 350 and number 360. (Inquiries: 031-826-0933)
 
▲ Sandeulsori Arboretum in Namyangju

Located in Byeollae-dong, Namyangju City, the Sandeulsori Arboretum is home to approximately 1,200 species of wildflowers and herbs. Being close to the city, the garden holds many educational experience programs for kindergarten and elementary school students, and is consequently very popular among families with children.

During the month of May, the Sandeulsori Healing Market is held every Saturday and Sunday with various programs packed with hands-on experiences, art piece sales, and food trucks. Additionally, every Saturday, the ocarina player Kim Hye-seon performs a show that may heal your soul.

Operating hours during the summer are between 9:30am and 6pm, and visitors may enter with an admission fee of KRW 8,000 for adults and KRW 7,000 for children. The garden is accessible by subway via Byeollae Station on the Gyeongchun Line. (Inquiries: 031-574-3252)