Oedo Botania Busan
A rocky islet transformed into a stunning terraced botanical garden with Mediterranean flair, offering breathtaking sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Oedo Botania Busan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rocky islet transformed into a stunning terraced botanical garden with Mediterranean flair, offering breathtaking sea views.
"A beautiful island paradise with stunning gardens, though can be crowded and some find the decor tacky."
Book Ferry Tickets Early
Online booking may favor local cards. Arrive early at the terminal to secure your ferry spot! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and inclines on the island. Be prepared for a hike! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Terraced Botanical Gardens
Throughout the island
Wander through stunning Western-style gardens cascading down the rocky slopes, showcasing diverse flora.
Mediterranean Village
Upper part of the island
Enjoy panoramic sea views from this charming village, complete with a cafe for a relaxing break.
Unique Sculptures
Various viewpoints
Discover whimsical and classical-inspired sculptures that add an artistic touch to the natural landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry & Island Access
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ferry Tickets Early
Online booking may favor local cards. Arrive early at the terminal to secure your ferry spot! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and inclines on the island. Be prepared for a hike! :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Factor in ferry travel and at least 2 hours to explore the island's beauty. :clock:
Stay Hydrated
Purchase juices with Oedo Botania branding as a souvenir. :beverage_box:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ferry Tickets Early
Online booking may favor local cards. Arrive early at the terminal to secure your ferry spot! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and inclines on the island. Be prepared for a hike! :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Factor in ferry travel and at least 2 hours to explore the island's beauty. :clock:
Stay Hydrated
Purchase juices with Oedo Botania branding as a souvenir. :beverage_box:
Consider a Day Tour
Organized tours from Busan can simplify logistics. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oedo Botania is a beautifully manicured island garden with stunning sea views, often described as a unique paradise. While many praise its picturesque landscapes and the enjoyable ferry ride, some visitors find the island overcrowded and the aesthetic marred by 'tacky' statues. The experience is generally positive for those who appreciate botanical gardens and scenic beauty, but managing expectations regarding crowds and artistic taste is advised.
"To sum up this attraction in one sentence: It was overcrowded and very tacky.
We arrived with our tour from a ferry and you could barely move without bumping into someone. The island has potential but the aesthetic is ruined mainly by the extremely tacky statues. The way they went about imitating classical European art feels cheesy and unimpressive. Maybe if you’ve never seen real Ancient Roman statues, you might be impressed but otherwise it’s a waste of time to go for the “art”.
The natural beauty of the island could be quite nice although I think the garden designs aren’t that beautiful and a lot of the plants, such as the palms seemed anemic. If they just focused on the plants that were native to the climate and dropped the goofy statues, I could see some possibilities.
It would be nice to walk around this island if it wasn’t so packed, maybe they should limit the guests. The bathrooms were also very smelly. I definitely won’t be back."
Britz Man
"The whole experience from the Ferry to the Island was amazing and so beautiful! I had a lot of fun and would recommend this place to others"
Jacob Harrison
"Beautiful island, must visit if you are in Busan. Especially if you seen the Korea TV show New World!"
Kent Ma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a bus from Busan to Geoje Island (about 1 hour), then catch a ferry from a terminal like Jangseungpo or Dojangpo to Oedo Botania. Some travelers opt for organized day tours from Busan that include transportation and ferry tickets. 
The ferry ride itself offers scenic views of the coastline and rock formations. Some find the ride a bit bumpy or scary, with boats swinging significantly. Black plastic bags are provided for those prone to seasickness.
You can drive to Geoje Island, where you'll then need to take a ferry. Renting a car from Busan is an option, but ferry terminals are the primary access point to the island itself.
The journey from Busan to Geoje Island takes about an hour by bus. The ferry ride to Oedo Botania is typically around 15-20 minutes for the return trip, but the outbound journey can be longer, around an hour, including stops.
Yes, several tour operators offer day trips from Busan that include visits to Oedo Botania, often combined with other attractions on Geoje Island like Windy Hill and Maemiseong Castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost typically includes the ferry ticket and the island entrance fee. Expect to pay around 27,000 KRW for the ferry and 11,000 KRW for island entry, totaling approximately 38,000 KRW per person. Online tickets might be cheaper, but booking can be tricky for non-local cards.
Tickets for the ferry and island entrance can usually be purchased at the ferry terminal on Geoje Island. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during busy periods, to secure your tickets and preferred ferry time.
Yes, Geoje residents can request a refund for the island entrance fee at the booth counter upon arrival at Oedo Island.
The island is generally open daily, but ferry schedules vary. It's best to check the latest ferry times when you arrive at the terminal to plan your visit accordingly.
While advance booking is recommended, online systems may primarily support local Korean payment methods, making it difficult for international visitors. Arriving early at the terminal is a reliable alternative.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Oedo Botania is a botanical garden featuring stunning terraced gardens, unique sculptures, and beautiful sea views. You can explore the themed gardens, enjoy a coffee at the peak cafe, and take photos of the picturesque landscape.
Visitors typically have about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to explore the island. This allows time to walk through the gardens and enjoy the views, but you'll need to monitor your time closely to catch the ferry back.
While beautiful, the island involves a lot of walking on uneven terrain and stairs, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. The ferry ride can also be a factor.
There are cafes where you can purchase drinks and snacks, as well as souvenir shops. Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they can be smelly.
The best way is to follow the designated paths through the gardens. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many inclines and steps. Take your time to appreciate the diverse plant life and scenic viewpoints.
📸 📸 Photography
The terraced gardens offer stunning panoramic shots, especially from higher vantage points. The Mediterranean Village area provides picturesque views of the sea and unique architectural elements. Don't miss the charming sculptures scattered throughout the island.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and sensitive ecological areas like Oedo Botania to protect the environment and visitor experience. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gardens and sea views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the gardens or capturing distant coastal scenery. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful soft light for photography. Weekday mornings are also ideal for avoiding crowds and getting unobstructed shots.
The island blends lush botanical gardens with European-inspired architecture and whimsical sculptures, creating a unique and colorful backdrop for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The European-inspired architecture and whimsical sculptures add an extra layer of visual interest. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can enhance your photography with beautiful light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Oedo Botania
+1 Once on Geoje Island, the adventure continues with a ferry ride from ports like Jangseungpo or Dojangpo. This ferry journey is not just a means of transport but an experience in itself, offering coastal views and the chance to see unique rock formations. +1For those seeking convenience, organized day tours from Busan are a popular option. These tours often bundle transportation, ferry tickets, and sometimes even entry fees, simplifying the logistics for visitors.
However, it's worth noting that booking ferry tickets online can sometimes be challenging for international visitors due to limitations with local payment methods, making an early arrival at the ferry terminal a practical strategy. Exploring the Island's Gardens
+1 Visitors can wander through a diverse collection of plants, including exotic species and vibrant flowers, creating a visually stunning experience. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of European gardens, with winding paths, charming gazebos, and strategically placed sculptures.The island's layout encourages exploration, with various viewpoints and themed areas. The Mediterranean Village, located at a higher elevation, provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy panoramic vistas, often featuring a cafe for refreshments.
While the natural beauty is undeniable, some visitors note the presence of 'tacky' statues that detract from the aesthetic, contrasting with the otherwise well-maintained flora. When exploring, comfortable footwear is essential due to the numerous stairs and inclines. Visitors are typically given about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore, which is generally sufficient to cover the main areas and enjoy the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit