7 Best Geoje Island Attractions for an Unforgettable Family Trip
Geoje Island, Korea's second-largest island, is a stunning destination where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the South Sea. It's a popular getaway packed with diverse attractions, from fishing and camping to well-equipped tourist facilities perfect for family travelers. In this guide, we'll introduce the top attractions in Geoje that are ideal for your next family vacation.
Oedo Botania
When visiting Geoje, the first place that often comes to mind is Oedo Botania. Located on an island east of Geoje, it offers a magnificent view of the blue South Sea. A simple stroll along the garden paths makes you feel like you've stepped into an exotic European garden. The landscape is a vibrant tapestry of various plants and flowers that change with the seasons. In spring, the garden is radiant under the clear sunlight, while in summer, it's filled with lush greenery and refreshing scents. However, Oedo is only accessible by ferry, which may not operate in bad weather, so be sure to check the forecast before your visit.
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| Oedo Botania |
Oedo Botania Visitor Information
After disembarking, you have about 2 hours to explore the island before returning to the ferry, which is plenty of time to see everything.
- Opening Hours
- Summer Season: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Winter Season: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Admission Fee (Separate from ferry ticket)
Category Fee Adults KRW 11,000 (approx. $8.00 USD) Students (Middle & High School) KRW 8,000 (approx. $5.80 USD) Children KRW 5,000 (approx. $3.60 USD) Military/Police KRW 8,000 (approx. $5.80 USD)
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Ferry Docks for Oedo Island
- Jangseungpo Ferry Terminal
- Jisefo Ferry Terminal
- Wahyeon Ferry Terminal
- Gujora Ferry Terminal
- Dojangpo Ferry Terminal
- Haegeumgang Ferry Terminal
Ferry prices for Oedo vary between weekdays and weekends, typically ranging from KRW 18,000 to KRW 23,000 (approx. $13-$17 USD) for adults.
Haegeumgang Tour
Most ferry trips to Oedo include a tour around Haegeumgang, a stunning cluster of rock formations nicknamed the "Sea Diamond." You cannot land on Haegeumgang, so it's typically viewed from the ferry on your way to Oedo. On calm days, the boat may even enter the magnificent Sipja-donggul (Cross Cave), allowing you to see the rock islands up close.
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| Haegeumgang |
Windy Hill
Located in Dojangpo Village in the southern part of Geoje, Windy Hill is a popular spot made famous by its appearances in TV dramas and films. The name "Windy Hill" has been used since 2002; before that, it was known as 'Ttibatneul.' Here, you can feel the refreshing sea breeze on a lush green hill next to a picturesque windmill while enjoying stunning ocean views.
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| Windy Hill |
Sinseondae Observatory
Nestled along the coast behind Windy Hill, Sinseondae is a place of outstanding natural beauty. The uniquely shaped coastal rocks create a fantastic landscape against the clear South Sea. You can walk down a dedicated path to see the coastline up close. For those who find stairs difficult, the Sinseondae Observatory, located on the hill above, offers an equally beautiful panoramic view of the ocean.
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| Sinseondae |
Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach
The name 'Hakdong' is said to have originated from the area's geography, which resembles a crane in flight. This beach, popular year-round, is unique for its black pebbles (mongdol) instead of sand. Sitting on the shore and listening to the soothing sound of waves washing over the pebbles is a truly relaxing experience. With many restaurants and cafes nearby, it's a great spot for a seaside stroll or summer swimming.
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| Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach |
Geoje Botanic Garden
The Geoje Botanic Garden is a fantastic complex featuring the Jungle Dome, Jungle Tower, and a cozy cafe, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, and children.
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| Geoje Botanic Garden - Jungle Dome |
Jungle Dome
The Jungle Dome is the largest botanical conservatory in Korea, a massive space covering 4,468㎡ with a maximum height of 30m, all enclosed by 7,472 glass panes. Inside, you'll find about 10,000 tropical plants and numerous photo-worthy spots. It's a year-round space where you can enjoy ecological experiences with a wide variety of plants.
- Jungle Dome Information
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Opening Hours
- Winter (Nov-Feb): 9:30 AM ~ 5:00 PM
- Summer (Mar-Oct): 9:30 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the next weekday)
- Admission: Adults KRW 5,000 (approx. $3.60 USD), Teenagers KRW 4,000 (approx. $2.90 USD), Children (over 7) KRW 3,000 (approx. $2.20 USD)
Jungle Tower
The Jungle Tower is an exciting experience zone with large slides located right next to the Jungle Dome. It operates in timed sessions of one hour and is a separate facility from the dome. It consists of indoor play structures and five slides, each with height restrictions, so younger children must use the smaller slides. Safety equipment and instructions are provided before use.
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| Jungle Tower |
- Jungle Tower Information
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Session Times
- 1st: 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM
- 2nd: 11:20 AM ~ 12:20 PM
- 3rd: 1:30 PM ~ 2:30 PM
- 4th: 2:50 PM ~ 3:50 PM
- 5th: 4:10 PM ~ 5:10 PM
- Closed: Same as Jungle Dome
- Fees
- Leaf Type (120cm+, under 100kg): KRW 12,000 (approx. $8.70 USD)
- Banana Type (100cm+): KRW 6,000 (approx. $4.35 USD), access to large facilities restricted
- Papaya Type (Toddler, Guardian): KRW 1,000 (approx. $0.75 USD), cannot use facilities
- Under 100cm (Infant, Child): Free
Geoje Panorama Cable Car
The Geoje Panorama Cable Car connects Hakdong Gogae to the summit of Nojasan Mountain. You can choose between cabins with a transparent crystal floor or standard cabins. After getting off, a well-maintained deck path leads you comfortably to the summit observatory. At the top, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Geoje's archipelago. There's also a net playground at the summit for children to enjoy. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the breathtaking beauty of Geoje from above.
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| Geoje Panorama Cable Car |
Maemiseong Castle
Maemiseong Castle is a unique attraction located on the coast of Jangmok-myeon. Its story is as remarkable as its appearance. In 2003, Typhoon Maemi devastated the area, destroying the farmland of a local resident, Baek Soon-sam. To protect his land from future storms, he began building a seawall by hand, using earth and stone. Over the years, this barrier evolved into a structure resembling a medieval European castle, earning it the name "Maemiseong" (Maemi Castle). Its unique architecture has made it a popular spot for tourists looking to capture incredible photos.
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| Maemiseong Castle |
Geoje Island is filled with wonderful destinations perfect for a family trip. Beyond the seven spots introduced here, there are many more places to explore, making it an ideal choice for your next vacation. This weekend, create precious memories with your family while enjoying the magnificent scenery of Geoje Island.