Comprehensive Guide to Suncheon Bay National Gardens

Located in Suncheon, along the southern coast of Korea, Suncheon Bay National Gardens showcases the beauty of nature and human art over every season. Known as one of the world's most beautiful ecological gardens, it covers over 1.1 million square meters with various themed sections.

Suncheon Bay National Gardens is a key site for wetland preservation in South Korea. Visitors are captivated by its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere.

The garden itself features carefully designed flower beds and educational exhibits, unsurprisingly most popular in springtime. The World Garden Zone displays gardens inspired by different countries, taking visitors on a floral tour of the world. The Wetland Center highlights the importance of wetlands and their inhabitants.

With a full schedule of events and activities, the park offers options for both learning and fun, depending on what Suncheon activities you plan to do after the Gardens. Whether you love plants, enjoy nature, or seek a calm escape, Suncheon Bay National Gardens provides a memorable experience to all visitors.

Located in the heart of Korea, Suncheon Bay National Garden is the country's first national garden and one of the world's top five coastal wetlands. Spanning 1.12 million square metrs in Dosa-dong, Suncheon, this garden was designed to protect the beauty of Suncheonman Bay.

The garden houses 790,000 trees of 505 types and 3.15 million flowers of 113 kinds. Highlights include tulips and royal azaleas, though at different points throughout the year you'll see dozens of different native Korean flowers. In May, the Forest of Sharing blooms with golden canola flowers, just as you see across Jeju Island.

While there, you’ll get to stroll under trees like hackberry and zelkova for shade. When hungry, there's an on-site restaurant, or you can bring your own picnic. Extend your visit by taking the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) to the Suncheon Culture Center.

From there, hop on the Reed Trolley for a 1.2-kilometer scenic ride to Mujingyo Bridge, the entrance to Suncheon Bay. Visitors love the SkyCube, a sky taxi linking the garden with the Wetland Reserve, blending beauty and sustainability.

By Train

Traveling to Suncheon Bay National Garden is easy with the KTX high-speed train. Start at Yongsan Station in Seoul and take a train to Suncheon Station. The trip takes about 3 hours, costing $21 to $50, depending on the class.

Once at Suncheon Station, you're a short ride from the garden. Local buses, taxis, and rental cars are available. For a smooth trip, use public transportation apps or book services in advance.

By Bus

For a road trip, the express bus from Central City Terminal in Seoul to Suncheon Terminal is a convenient and comfy option. The 4-hour ride lets you relax and enjoy the Korean scenery.

With buses every 30 minutes, it’s easy to fit into your schedule. It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during busy times, and ideal to plan on staying overnight in Suncheon or nearby Yeosu, Boseong, or Gwangju.

By Car

If you enjoy driving, a road trip from Seoul to Suncheon Bay National Garden is a great choice. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and offers beautiful views of Korea's landscapes.

There are several rest stops along the way where you can take a break, grab some food, or stretch your legs - using the GPS in your rental car or an English-language navigation app will help you find the best routes and avoid any detours.

When you arrive, there's plenty of parking near the garden entrance. Driving directly gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace without worrying about public transportation schedules, though it can be stressful if this is your first time driving in Korea.

You can also make spontaneous stops at nearby attractions, like the green tea fields in Boseong or beaches in Yeosu. Whether you're traveling alone or with others, the drive to Suncheon Bay National Garden will be an enjoyable start to your adventure.

The World Garden

The World Garden at Suncheon Bay National Garden showcases global horticulture, allowing visitors to explore traditional landscapes from various countries. Stroll through European gardens, feeling like you're in Italy's romantic courtyards or England's neat plots.

Enjoy American garden styles that mix practicality with beauty, or experience the peaceful Japanese gardens with their water features and simple design. The Chinese garden is also a hit, attracting guests with its detailed layouts and beautiful plant arrangements.

Suncheon Lake Garden

A key feature of Suncheon Bay National Garden is the Suncheon Lake Garden, designed by American landscape architect Charles Jencks. This beautiful artificial lake is surrounded by 6 hills, perfect for a peaceful walk.

Visitors can follow paths with various views of the scenery. In the middle of the lake, you get amazing panoramic views, ideal for photos and nature lovers. This mix of natural beauty and smart design makes Suncheon Lake Garden a must-see for anyone visiting the park.

Bridge of Dreams

The Bridge of Dreams is made from 30 recycled cargo containers and 140,000 tiles, each featuring a child's drawing. These tiles express the hopes and dreams of kids from 16 countries. This colorful display turns old materials into a symbol of creativity and hope, making it a popular spot for taking little ones.

Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve

Next to the Suncheon Bay National Garden is the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. You can visit both in one day with a single ticket, allowing you to concurrently enjoy the nature and wildlife of Suncheon Bay with a long, peaceful walk.

The wetlands are perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with over 140 bird species, including several rare ones. The paths are easy to walk and have an observation deck with great views. The hikes suit all ages and fitness levels, with several places to take a bathroom break or even veer off and turn back to the entrance once you're ready to leave.

Whether you love birds or just want a calm day in nature, the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve is a must-see activity in Suncheon.

Plan Your Visit

The garden welcomes visitors from 9:00 am-9:00 pm, but keep in mind that the last tickets are sold at 8:00 pm. For the most vibrant and enjoyable experience, plan your trip during the spring, summer, or autumn seasons.

The gardens close during winter months, so it's best to explore this attraction when the flowers and foliage are at their peak.

Make Sure to Experience SkyCube

Don't miss the SkyCube, a sky taxi linking Suncheon Bay National Garden with the Wetland Reserve. This eco-friendly ride offers amazing aerial views of the garden and wetlands.

It's more than travel; it's an experience. Perfect for those who want to see both attractions in one day, the SkyCube makes the trip memorable.

Know the Garden Layout

Suncheon Bay National Garden is divided into 2 main sections: the West Garden and the East Garden, each offering unique experiences. The West Garden features the Suncheonman WWT Wetland, a beautiful spot for nature lovers.

The highlight is the SkyCube, an eco-friendly sky taxi that takes visitors to the Wetland Reserve with amazing aerial views. This service is both sustainable and convenient, perfect for eco-conscious travelers.

The East Garden is full of diverse plants and themed landscapes. Here you'll find the Botanical Garden, with native and exotic plants, and the Secret Garden, ideal for quiet moments. The East Garden also has international-themed gardens like the lively Mexico Garden, elegant French Garden, and colorful Dutch Garden.

These gardens showcase the plant artistry of different cultures, offering a global experience. With 3 gates for entry, accessing these wonderful gardens is easy and convenient.