Oedo Island
Island botanical garden known for curated subtropical gardens
An island botanical garden off Geoje, Oedo (Oedo Botania) combines formal plantings, sculptures and coastal promenades; visitors arrive by ferry for organised gardens, seaside walks and seasonal blooms.
Oedo at a Glance#
Address: Oedo-dong, South Gyeongsang Province, Korea
Website: http://www.oedo.com/
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm (seasonal variations)
About Oedo#
Oedo is a small island off the south coast of South Korea known for a formally laid-out botanical garden open to visitors. It lies in the Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park and is reached by ferry from Geoje.
The island was converted from barren rock to a planted garden in the late 20th century by private owners who built terraces, stone walls and paths and introduced non-native ornamental plants. It has since operated as a tourist botanical garden within the national park framework.
Sits off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula near Geoje in South Gyeongsang Province, surrounded by archipelagic waters and rocky shoreline. Boats depart from Geoje ports and the island is part of the protected marine park.
- Access: Located on Oedo island, part of Hallyeohaesang National Park and reached by tourist ferry from Geoje; boats typically operate seasonally and schedules vary by weather.
- Garden type: Established and developed from the late 20th century by private gardeners, it features large terraced plantings and formal garden design rather than native woodland.
What to See#
- Main garden areas: Laid out on terraces and pathways across a small island off Geoje, the garden contains ornamental plantings, paved walkways and sculptural features arranged around coastal viewpoints.
- Lookouts: Several lookout points and promenades provide framed views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands, often used for photography and short walks.
How to Get to Oedo#
Oedo is accessible by ferry from the port city of Tongyeong (or nearby harbors in South Gyeongsang Province). Regular tourist ferries and day-trip boats run during the high season; visitors should check current schedules and book tickets in advance during peak months.
Tips for Visiting Oedo#
- Take the short ferry from Tongyeong (or the nearest port) and check seasonal boat schedules-they vary with weather and demand.
- Wear comfortable shoes; Oedo's gardens are terraced and include many steps.
- Visit in the morning to avoid the larger midday tourist crowds that arrive on day boats.
Best Time to Visit Oedo#
Best in spring and autumn for garden colors and comfortable walking; summer is lush but hotter and busier.
Weather & Climate near Oedo#
Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1680 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 1° - 9° | 2° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| February | Good | 1° - 10° | 3° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Good | 4° - 13° | 6° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.9h |
| May | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Good | 17° - 23° | 20° | 252 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.3h |
| July | Very Good | 21° - 26° | 24° | 293 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 3.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 259 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Very Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 184 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 71 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 3° - 12° | 5° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |