A barren, rocky island 55 years ago, now a botanical garden visited by millions of tourists – but Oedo-Botania, in South Korea, would be nothing without one couple and their ‘loving care’.
Lee Chang-ho discovered the island of Oedo by chance in 1969 while sailing in the Hallyeohaesang National Park’s waters off the southeast coast of South Korea.
As a storm hit, Lee noticed Oedo’s rocks sticking out of the water and sought shelter behind them.
Realising the potential of the small, uninhabited island, Lee and his wife, Choi Ho Suk, moved there that same year, intending to turn it into farmland.
Following unsuccessful attempts at harvesting tangerines and rearing pigs, the couple had the idea to transform the island into a botanical garden instead.
Lee and Choi got approval for their garden in 1976 and began planting soon after, opening to the public in 1995, and continuing to grow today.
According to Atlas Obscura, Oedo-Botania is now home to ‘trees, flowers, shrubs, and even cactus, and rare species of agave cascading down the island’s gentle slopes’.
They add: ‘The carefully manicured paths and precisely sculpted topiaries add a fantasy element to the setting, making it all seem a bit unreal. All of this, grown under the couples’ loving care.’
Lee Chang-ho discovered the island of Oedo by chance in 1969 when he was caught in a storm, sailing in the Hallyeohaesang National Park’s waters off the southeast coast of South Korea. Realising the potential of the small, uninhabited island, Lee and his wife, Choi Ho Suk, moved there that same year, intending to turn it into farmland – but then created a botanical garden
A barren, rocky island 55 years ago, now a botanical garden and one of South Korea’s top tourist attractions – but Oedo-Botania (pictured) would be nothing without one couple and their ‘loving care’
Lee and Choi got approval for their garden in 1976 and opened Oedo-Botania to the public in 1995. The botanical island has since received 18 million visitors and has had a lighthouse, observatory, and café, offering drinks and light snacks, added.
Oedo-Botania is accessible by ferry, from Geoje Island or Gujora port, or as part of a boat tour from Busan.
Since opening in 1995, the botanical island has received 18 million visitors and has had a lighthouse, observatory, and café, offering drinks and light snacks, added.
Visit Korea says: ‘What started over 30 years ago as a private garden has expanded to cover the entire island in a plethora of plants in European-style gardens, accented by sculptures and statues.
‘The garden blooms in a riot of flowers in April, and visitors can walk in the cool shade of the forested trails in summer.’