Geoje – Garden Art, Coast and Fishing Culture

As a travel destination, Geoje brings together gardens, coastal spots and insights into Korean fishing culture. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide which of these themes you want to shape your trip. Within the municipality, Oedo-Botania, Gujora Beach and the Geoje Fishing Village Folk Museum offer very different points of interest.

Garden Spaces, Plants and Architecture

In the municipality of Geoje, the Venus Garden is one of the standout attractions at Oedo-Botania. Twelve Venus statues are harmoniously integrated into the planting; the garden at Buckingham Palace served as the design inspiration. The natural area covers 22,017 m². It is home to 64 native plant species and more than 1,000 rare subtropical species from around the world. Oedo-Botania as a whole covers 148,760 m² and is divided into Seodo Island and Dongdo Island.

The “Stairway to Heaven” shows how the original layout differs from its appearance today. It was originally laid out with 3,000 mandarin trees on former farmland; 8,000 cypress trees were intended to protect it from strong sea winds. Today, it features various ornamental trees, including pagoda trees arranged like a carpet. The lighthouse also draws on the shape of Oedo Island; visitors can explore its labyrinth-like interior.

At Lee House, appearance and architectural style stand side by side: from the Venus Garden, the house looks Mediterranean, but it is built in the traditional Korean style and divided into the Anchae and Sarangchae sections. At the second viewpoint, Hill of Love, stands a 300-year-old guardian tree. In the past, residents held ceremonies there for the village’s well-being and a good fishing season.

Gujora: Beach, Path and Fortress

Gujora Beach is in Irun-myeon and is 1.1 km long and 30 m wide. Its water is relatively shallow, warm and calm. The beach lies farther inland and is partly enclosed by the coastline.

The Sound of the Breeze Path connects the Gujora Cruise Ship Dock with Gujora Fortress and offers views of the coast, bamboo forests and villages. The fortress was built during the Joseon Dynasty to repel invasions and block the easterly wind. During cruises, visitors can visit Haegeumgang, Naedo and Oedo.

Insights into Fishing Culture

The Geoje Fishing Village Folk Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting traditional maritime culture and the history of fishing in Korea. Visitors can see traditional fishing boats, fishing gear and everyday objects from Korean fishing villages. The museum explores the themes “Sea of Tradition,” “Sea of Life” and “Sea of Experience.”

An aquarium with rare fish species and a video room are also part of the museum. Boats, gear and everyday objects offer a glimpse into the material culture of fishing villages; the three exhibition themes complement this perspective with tradition, life and experience.

Jisimdo Island in the Surrounding Area

Jisimdo Island lies east of Irun-myeon. The small island covers 0.338 km² and has a 3.5 km coastline. Ancient camellia trees define its landscape, earning it the nickname “Dongbaek Island” (“Camellia Island”). The ferry from Jangseungpohang Port to Jisimdo Island takes approximately 15 minutes; you can allow about two hours to explore the whole island. The two time estimates relate to different parts of your plans: the crossing and exploring the island. Check the ferry schedule and operating conditions separately.

Discover more destinations: Sacheon-si, Changnyeong, Daegu, Goseong, Masan, Jinju, Namhae-Gun, Hadong-gun.

For the broader travel overview: Gyeongsangnam-Do.