Arboretums are for Everyone
Whether you have a deep admiration for the great outdoors, want to inspire an appreciation for nature, or you just need socially distancing alternatives during a pandemic, the many arboretums in South Korea are fun for people of all ages. They are often free or have affordable admission rates. Additionally, each arboretum is unique.
How to Prepare for an Arboretum Visit
To truly appreciate the distinctive characteristics of the arboretums in South Korea, I would recommend bringing comfortable shoes, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and, of course, your camera. Make sure you do not leave any trash behind. Some of these arboretums have insect repellent dispensers, if you see one, they’re usually free for use. The arboretums may not have printed maps, so take a picture of the map at the entrance, just in case.
Entrance Fees
Some of the arboretums in South Korea may be either publicly or privately owned. Also, the majority of the arboretums will have a fee between 2,000 and 15,000 won per person depending. You can contact 1330 to confirm the entrance fees.
Pets
Arboretums do not usually allow pets, however, you can confirm the pet policy of each arboretum by contacting 1330. They will confrim the pet policy for the arboretums you wish to visit.
7 Wonderful Arboretums in South Korea
These are seven arboretums I personally enjoy visiting. There are many other arboretums as this list includes my personal favorites and is not comprehensive of all of Korea.T
Yeonginsan Natural Forest
Yeonginsan Natural Forest
041-539-4600
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 아산시 염치읍 백암리
A beautiful national forest near Camp Humphreys with both easy walks for families and longer hikes for those looking for a work out. There is also have a fun zip line.
(less than 30 minutes from Humphreys)
Just over a 5k hike with a stream, waterfall pond, gardens, grassy areas for the kids, and gorgeous mountain views. Yeonginsan National Forest also has a sports area with a water park, basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts. You need to bring your own supplies but you may rent a net. Campgrounds and zipline, too!
Samseonsan Arboretum
Samseonsan Arboretum
041-350-4187
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 당진시 고대면 삼선산수목원길 79
Gorgeous gardens.
(45 minutes from Humphreys)
Samseonsan Arboretum has he expansive, mountainous hike which you can do barefoot. Walk around barefoot as most of the mountain trails are “carpeted.” There are also foot-rinsing spots. Your kids will also love this location because there are a variety of playgrounds here for kids of all ages and climbing levels. While there are many picnic spots, you won’t really find any restaurants or cafes in this arboretum.
Challipo Arboretum (Mallipo Botanical Gardens)
Mallipo Botanical Gardens
041-672-9982
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 태안군 소원면 천리포1길 187
A stunning botanical garden with lotus ponds and a seaside cliff walk. A must visit for garden lovers.
(1.5 hr drive from Humphreys)
The South of Seoul app refers to Challipo Arboretum Mallipo Botanical Gardens. With Challipo Beach on one side, pampas grass, flower gardens, and a pond, this arboretum is perfect for romantic and meditative walks. Not a lot for the kids but there is a children’s garden with swings and Hobbit holes. However, the fascinating piece of history for this location is that it was founded by a U.S. expatriate who was later naturalized as a Korean citizen. There’s a cafe and shop at the entrance and another cafe along the walk. This location may be best paired with another activity in the area as it’s not as large as some of the other arboretums.
Cheongsan Arboretum
Cheongsan Arboretum
0507-1324-0656
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 태안군 남면 신장리 451-1
Picturesque Arboretum with a maze and aquatic botanical garden. Red thorns in Spring. Iris festival in the Summer. Lotus and pampas festival in the Fall.
(about 1.5 hrs from Humphreys)
As a popular filming location for KDramas, if you love taking Instagram-able pics, this is the arboretum for you. From pampas grass, the Millet Art Garden, to the flower maze, you’ll definitely find an amazing shot. The restaurant is currently closed because of the pandemic, but there is a cafe. Food is not allowed in this arboretum. However, small dogs (under 5kg) are welcome.
Anmyeondo Island Arboretum
Anmyeondo Island Arboretum
041-674-5019
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
충남 태안군 안면읍 안면대로 3195-6
Beautiful botanical garden with mountain views. Next to Anmyeondo Recreational Forest and O My Gallery.
(just under 2 hr drive from Humphreys)
Recommended for couples or those who need time for self-healing and meditative thought. Expansive hike through a pine forest. Many photo zones and a variety of trails. Greenhouse, flower gardens, fish ponds, grassy areas for the kids who like to run, and a Dinosaur landscape area.
Sejong National Arboretum
Sejong National Arboretum
044-251-0001
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
세종 연기면 수목원로 136
Pro-tip: make sure that you buy tickets in advance if you are traveling from far away. They do sellout. Large area with park, trails, scenic spots,, greenhouse/ conservatory (includes a Mediterranean Garden, Tropical Plant Garden, Theme Garden, Palace, kids coloring station, art exhibit, snack shop, and Doppio Cafe). Restaurant with cafe and gift shop near entrance. Kids playground at the far end of park.
(2hr drive from Humphreys)
Expansive garden with a large conservatory. We spent hours just walking around the greenhouse, including getting lunch at the restaurant and drinks at two of their cafes. The greenhouse also has rotating art exhibits and a coloring station. For example, one season it was decorated with an Alice in Wonderland theme and another year there was a light fantasy exhibit. This location is more of a full-day experience and, since there’s food on location, it’s easy to enjoy the day here. Additionally, there are large, grassy areas for kids who love to run.
Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum
Deokpyeong Dinosaur Arboretum
031-633-5029
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 이천시 마장면 작촌로 282
If you want a Dinosaur adventure for the little ones, small petting zoo, seeing a variety of plants, this is your stop. No toll passes on the way from Pyeongtaek. W10,000 for adults W7,000 for kids.
(2 hr drive from Humphreys)
Expansive garden but be prepared for a few uphill walks while you’re surrounded by creatures from another time, possibly another world. If the dinosaurs aren’t engaging enough, there’s also a petting zoo, playground, waterfall, and greenhouse. In addition, there’s a restaurant and shop at the entrance and a cafe further in. The cafe has an amazing view so be sure to stop there.
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LeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech.
As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers. She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors.
Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.
