Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Suncheonman Bay National Garden as you explore themed gardens bursting with seasonal blooms! Wander through the enchanting Bridge of Dreams and admire the world-famous spiral hills. Learn about Korean history and culture at the Peace Garden. Plan your unforgettable escape to this horticultural wonderland!
While you may have heard of Suncheon Bay because of wetlands and reed fields, Suncheonman Bay National Garden is enough on its own to make you want to visit Suncheon.
Suncheonman Bay National Garden (순천만국가정원)
Suncheonman Bay National Garden, a haven for plant enthusiasts, sprawls across a vast landscape in Suncheon, South Korea. Founded in 2013, the garden boasts over 1,112 square kilometers of meticulously maintained grounds, complemented by the natural beauty of the adjoining 28-square-kilometer Suncheon Bay wetland area.
Essentially, it was created to curb the excessive tourism in Suncheon Bay which was impacting the local wildlife. This massive garden can take more than a few hours to cover completely. The idea was to entice tourists to visit the Garden so that after exploring it, if they wanted they could then go to the Bay. This would then be a buffer between the wetlands and tourists.
A Floral Paradise
The garden is home to a wide variety of plant life. You will find more than 860,000 trees and over 650,000 autumn flowers, including sunflowers, roses, and cosmos. Years of cultivating its natural habitat have transformed Suncheon Bay National Garden into the city’s eco belt, brimming with over 500 tree species and 113 flower varieties.
The Natural Beauties in Garden
World Garden
Suncheonman Bay National Garden is home to the World Garden which showcases diverse flora of different countries. They are designed by the respective countries so you can experience a little regional delight and distinct horticulture style of countries like Turkey, Thailand, and Spain while in Suncheon, South Korea.
#PublicSpacesMX | Mexico’s Garden🌿
— Diplomacia Pública MX (@DiplomaciaPubl) August 8, 2023
📍It is located in the National Garden of the Bay at Suncheon🇰🇷.
🌸Referents of #PublicDiplomacyMX 🇲🇽 are present, such as the Dalia and a structure alluding to the pyramid of Kukulkan.
🤝It represents the friendship between both nations. pic.twitter.com/LIIiNcyjZt
Dutch Garden
The Dutch Garden transforms into a vibrant wonderland each April, bursting with colorful tulips in full bloom. It’s the perfect opportunity to imagine yourself transported to the Netherlands for a fleeting moment. But be aware, these beauties are seasonal stars!
Chinese Garden
Another crowd-pleaser at Suncheonman Bay National Garden is the Chinese Garden, undeniably the most popular section. This collaborative effort between Ningbo, China, and Suncheon, South Korea, brings to life a cherished Chinese folktale – “The Butterfly Lovers.” Often referred to as China’s Romeo and Juliet, the tragic love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai is beautifully woven into the garden’s design.
Thai Garden
The Thai Garden, despite its smaller size, manages to condense the essence of Thailand into a delightful microcosm. Lush greenery, intricate sculptures, and traditional design elements transport you on a sensory journey to Southeast Asia. Suncheon even had its own garden displayed at a Thai expo back in 2012.
Bridge of Dreams
Bridge of Dreams is a charming bridge, connecting the two gardens over Dongcheonn River, is a vibrant display of colorful tiles. The outer layer features a mosaic of Hangul characters, the Korean alphabet. But the heart of the bridge lies within. Here, over 140,000 students from 16 countries have contributed their artistic dreams and aspirations! Each tile is a testament to their hopes and a beautiful reminder of the bridge’s symbolic purpose.
Suncheon Lake Garden
Suncheonman Bay National Garden boasts a unique and captivating landscape feature – the spiral hills. Designed by world-renowned landscape architect Charles Jencks, these hills pay homage to the city of Suncheon. Their swirling forms, inspired by the city’s geography, are a major draw for visitors.The best vantage point to admire these beauties is from the designated path. Here, you’ll also encounter another design marvel – the Dongcheon Bridge. This blue bridge gracefully represents the Dongcheon River, cleverly connecting the spiral hills. The bridge’s design allows visitors to experience the unique topography without ever encountering those going in the opposite direction. It’s a testament to both functionality and aesthetics.
Korean Peninsula Peace Garden
Designed to promote a future of unity over division, the Peace Garden incorporates several symbolic elements such as Pedestrian Bridge, JSA-like Buildings, and many more. You will also find a Peace Clock which is a powerful symbol established in April 2018, representing the promise of peace made during the historic North-South summit. Created with the Ministry of Unification, Wall of Stories showcases personal stories and messages of hope for a unified Korea.
East Gate of Earth and the West Gate of Light
These are just the names of two entrance gates of the Garden. If you are coming to the Garden via taxi, you are most likely going to be entering through the East Gate. From this gate, you will come across the World Garden Area first. Bridge of Dreams is most easily accessible through the West Gate.
Beyond the Flowers: Suncheon Bay Wetlands
Suncheon Bay is another place you can add to your itinerary as it is one of the ecological wonders in South Korea. It is home to hundreds of species and is one of the top rated coastal wetlands in the world. When you cross the Bridge of Dreams in the Garden, you will come across Sky Cube. It is a scenic gondola ride that glides along the river, offering picturesque views, and the ride ends at the Suncheon Literature Hall Museum. From the museum, a pleasant 1.2-kilometer walk leads you to the entrance of the Suncheon Bay area. Here, you’ll find a ticket vendor where you can purchase access to various attractions. Explore the Suncheon Bay Museum, delve into the unique ecosystem of the reed fields, or challenge yourself with a hike up to the observatory – the choice is yours!
When to Visit?
Suncheonman Bay National Garden offers a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry throughout the year, but the optimal time for your visit depends on the specific floral experience you are looking for.
- Spring (April – May): You can witness a vibrant explosion of color as tulips, azaleas, and canola flowers paint the landscape. The once-dormant fields awaken, transitioning from winter browns to a verdant tapestry.
- Summer (June – August): You can enjoy yourself in the garden’s colorful embrace. Lush greenery dominates the scenery, with various sections boasting unique blooms specific to the summer season.
- Autumn (September – November): If autumnal hues are your favorite, then get ready to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of these shades. Camellia flowers grace the gardens, while the foliage explodes in a vibrant display of oranges, reds, and yellows.
- Winter Wonderland (Closed): The garden closes its doors during the winter months, allowing nature to rest and recharge for the upcoming season.
No matter when you choose to visit, Suncheonman Bay National Garden promises a captivating experience of nature’s ever-changing beauty.
Important Information About Suncheonman Bay National Garden
- Where is it?: 47, Gukgajeongwon1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 국가정원1호길 47 (오천동))
- Ticket Cost:
- Adults: W8,000; Students: W6,000; Children: W4,000
- The Sky Cube is 8,000 KRW round-trip
- Parking: Free
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