- Address: 17, Oedo-gil, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
- Phone: + 82-55-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese), + 82-70-7715-3330 (cor)
- Area: 73,297 square kilometers. km
- Highest point: 81 m
- The cost of the visit: 7-12 years - $ 2.18, 14-18 years - $ 3.5, from 19 years - $ 4.36
In the southern part of the Republic of Korea , in the middle of the Yellow Sea, is the island of Vedo, which has long been called the "tourist Mecca". Here, a picturesque botanical garden was built, which became part of the Hallyeo Haesang National Park. It is popular not only among tourists, but also among celebrities and politicians who want to relax from the noise of Korean megacities.
History of the Vedo
Until 1969, on isolated from the mainland rocky island there was no electricity, no connection. Only 8 houses were built here. In 1969, during a violent storm, fisherman Li Chang Ho found a refuge on the island of Vedo. After some time he returned with his wife, and they began to grow mandarins and raise pigs. Realizing that the island is not suitable for gardening or livestock, they decided to create a botanical garden here.
In 1976, the couple received government support, after which a long process of plant cultivation began. Today, the Vedo Botanical Garden is a highlight of the southern part of the Korean peninsula, which is rightly called the man-made paradise.
What to see?
The main advantage of the island is a rich flora, grown by man. Due to the mild maritime climate and subtropical weather on the Vedo the Sunshine rose, the windmill, the American agave, the camellia and the cactuses were well established. In total, 3000 species of the most diverse plants grow in the botanical garden.
The territory of the Vedo Marine Park is divided into sectors, each of which has its own landmark . Among them:
- The main gate that opens access to the rocky island;
- The valley of cacti, where besides the succulents themselves, agave, aloe and other desert plants grow;
- the garden of Venus, decorated with flower beds with camellias and stylized sculptures of the mythological goddess;
- Park Benvenuto, designed in the style of the Florentine gardens of Italy;
- the Bamboo road tunnel, covered by natural forest and bamboo trees;
- a park of marble sculptures created by Professor Kim Gwang-Jai;
- a beacon of desires, serving as a guide for arriving excursion boats;
- Observatory Geojedo and Hill of Love, from where you can enjoy the views of the sea coast and all the beauties of the botanical garden.
To see all the sights of Vedo, tourists have only 1.5 hours. This is how long the tour of the island lasts. This is enough to experience the magical atmosphere of the botanical garden, take a walk through its picturesque groves and gardens, and also to drink a cup of tea or coffee at a local cafe. It is located right on the cliff edge, so it also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the local landscapes.
How to get to Vedo?
You can get to the paradise island only on the excursion boat, which departs from the pier in Changxingpo. Before this city can be reached by rail or express bus. From Seoul to Changxing, it is easier to get by bus, which leaves several times a day from the Nambu terminal. Upon arrival in Changxingpo, you should hire a taxi, which in 5 minutes will take you to the pier, where sightseeing motor ships to the island of Vedo are formed. The schedule of their work depends on the weather and the number of passengers.
From Busan to Changxingpo you can get on a passenger boat or an intercity bus, and from Sachkhon - by a limousine bus. To get to the island of Vedo, you will have to buy three tickets: to the excursion boat, to the Hallyeo Haesang National Park and directly to the botanical garden itself.