Top 8 geoje Attractions You must Visit
Geoje is a city located in South Gyeongsang province, just off the coast of the port city of Busan, South Korea. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in Okpo and Samsung Heavy Industries in Gohyeon are both located on Geoje Island. The city also offers a wide range of tourist sights.
Geoje History
Geoje has a history stretching back thousands of years. Various artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era have been found at archaeological digs on Naedo, Sandaldo, and Isudo. While no written history can be found from this era, the digs show evidence of numerous small establishments along the coasts. The first written mention of Geoje appears as, Geoje being one of two main divisions of the Dokro kingdom, a member of the Byeonhan confederacy (circa 0-300 AD). The Byeonhan confederacy slowly gave way to the Gaya confederacy(42-562 AD). The Gaya eventually submitted to the Kingdom of Silla.
In the Korean War (1950–53), the military government of General Douglas MacArthur used the island as a place for the settlement for 170,000 POWs, and a prison war camp measuring at 11.8 square kilometres (4.6 sq mi) was established during these years. After the war, a portion (23,000 m2) was converted into a tourist attraction.
Things to do here
- Oedo Botania Island
- Windy Hill
- Historic Park of Geoje
- Haegeumgang
- Maemiseong
- Geoje Maengjongjuk Theme Park
- Geoje Seaworld
- Sinseondae
Oedo Botania Island
Oedo-Botania is a marine botanical garden located on an island in Hallyeohaesang National Park between Tongyeong and Geojedo Island. What started over 30 years ago as a private garden has expanded to cover the entire island in a plethora of plants in European-style gardens, accented by scultures and statues. The garden blooms in a riot of flowers in April, and visitors can walk in the cool shade of the forested trails in summer. Recently, dinosaur footprints were found on the island, adding to its value. The island’s cafe offers drinks and light snacks, along with a fantastic view of Haegeumgang Island and the surrounding blue sea. Oedo-Botania is only accessable via a ferry tour, and there are no accommodations on the island.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
Winter 08:30-17:00
Summer 08:00-19:00 - Admission Fees
Individuals – Adults 11,000 won / Teenagers 8,000 won / Children 5,000 won
Groups – Teenagers 6,000 won / Children 4,000 won - Address: 17, Oedo-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 거제시 일운면 외도길 17 - Phone: +82-55-681-4541
- Homepage: www.oedobotania.com
- Tour Course Information
Main gate – management office – Cactus Hill – Venus Garden – Lee House – Benvenuto Garden – Bamboo Road – Panorama Observatory – Sculpture Park – Eden Church – Hill of Love Observatory – Stairway to Heaven – gift shop – Geojedo Observatory – Breakwater/Lighthouse of Hope - Available Facilities
Themed gardens, observatory, rest area, walking paths, gift shop, etc.
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Geoje via Jangseungpo and get off at Jangseungpo Terminal.
Take a taxi or a local bus to the ferry dock.
windy Hill
On the way to Haegeumgang Village, one may encounter the fishing village of Dojangpo. On the left side of the village is Dojangpo Wharf, from where one can take a tour ferry to Oedo Island and Haegeumgang River. Looking up from here, one can see a hill covered in grass and overlooking the sea. This is Windy Hill.
A growing number visitors come to the place after it was used a filming site for popular Korean dramas such as “Eve’s Garden (2003)” and “Merry-Go-Round (2004).” The name “Windy Hill” was given by those who visited the island and became a fan. Walking toward the hill along the wooden promenade from the wharf, one can see Hakdong Village from a distance.
Useful Informations
- Address: Dojangpo Maeul, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 거제시 남부면 도장포마을 - Phone: +82-55-639-4178
- Homepage: tour.geoje.go.kr
By [Bus]
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an express bus to Gohyeon Bus Terminal.
From Gohyeon Bus Terminal, take a taxi for approx. 45 min.
Historic Park of Geoje
Historic Park of Geoje, P.O.W Camp was built to hold prisoners during the Korean War. Out of a total of 170,000 P.O.W. held here, 20,000 were from China and 150,000 were from North Korea. The camp closed upon the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the war. Remains of the war, such as tanks, trucks and other relics are on exhibit here. The camp was turned into a park in 1997 to ensure that the Korean War is not a forgotten war.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
March-October 09:00-18:00
November-February 09:00-17:00 - Closed
The day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day), the fourth Monday of each month September-March & June (If Monday is a holiday, the next day will be closed.) - Admission Fees
Individuals – Adults 7,000 won / Teenagers 5,000 won / Children 3,000 won
Groups (30 people or more) – Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers 3,500 won / Children 2,000 won - Address: 61, Gyeryong-ro, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 거제시 계룡로 61 - Phone: +82-55-639-0625
- Homepage: www.pow.or.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Gohyeon Intercity Bus Terminal, take a taxi for approx. 10 min.
Haegeumgang
As one of the best sights in Geojedo Island, Geoje Haegeumgang River is called the Geumgang River (Sea Diamond) of the South Sea. As a rock island, Haegeumgang River belongs to Hallyeo Marine National Park, which is assigned as an official green area in South Korea. Its original name was Galgotdo, because it is shaped like the spreading roots of arrowroot. These days it is known as Haegeumgang River, meaning Geumgangsan Mountain in the sea.
The most stunning scenery of Haegeumgang River is the sunset and sunrise and can be best viewed on Ilwollbong Peak or Lion Rock. There is Shipjagul Cave in the center of Haegeumgang River, which is 100m long from east to west and 180m long from south to north. It has been called Shipjagul (meaning ‘cross’ in Korean) Cave because it looks like a cross when viewed from the sky. If you go on the tour, you will be fascinated by the height of the rock walls and the inside of the cave. A long time ago, scholars expressed their yearning for the beauty of nature by writing and reading poems they wrote on sailboats with a bowl of makkoli (rice wine) in their hands.
When you take a ship around the island, you’ll be fascinated once more because of the great works such as the Maitreya Rock, which reflects on Eunjin Maitreya, Candlestick Rock and the 1,300 year old guardian pine tree of Haegeumgang River.
Useful Informations
- Address: San 1, Galgot-ri, Nambu-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 거제시 남부면 갈곶리 - Phone: +82-55-639-4792
- Homepage: tour.geoje.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Tongyeong.
From Tongyeong Intercity bus Terminal, take a bus to Haegeumgang.
Maemiseong
Maemiseong translated into english is Maemi Castle, although it’s also known as Maemi Fortress. In 2003, the typhoon “Maemi,” swept through Gyeongsangnam-do Province and Geoje Island, destroying vegetation, crops and property along the way. Upon witnessing the horrible damage wreaked by the typhoon, a lone man – 백순삼 – decided to build a fortress of sorts to protect his homeland and crops from future typhoons.
Maemiseong Fortress is a wall built by a citizen Baek Sunsam, who lost his arable land due to typhoon cicada in 2003, to protect crops from natural disasters for a long time alone. The repetition of stacking square stones near the sea and filling them with cement has now become a castle reminiscent of the medieval era in Europe. The scale or design is so wonderful that you can’t believe it was built without a single design.
Useful Informations
- Address: Bokhang-gil, Jangmok-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82 55-639-4178
- Homepage: Korean.visitkorea.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Songsanghyeon plaza, take bus no. 87 and get off at taekwang apt. walk for 5 min to maemiseong.
geoje maengjongjuk Theme Park
I knew some of you would love to go to theme park, so here it is, Geoje Maengjongjuk theme park. Geoje Maengjongguk theme park or Bamboo adventure park has 3 adventure course you can enjoy depends on your age and heights, so this one is good place for family escape
Useful Informations
- Opening Hours: 09.00-18.00
- Fee: 2.000 won
- Address: 700 Geojebuk-ro, Hacheong-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82 55-637-0067
- Homepage: Maengjongjuk.co.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Gocheon bus terminal, take a bus no. 36 to 하청부두 and walk for 20 minutes to Maengjongguk theme park
geoje Seaworld
GSW, the One and Only beluga & dolphin encounter theme park, is second to none in Korea. It is expressly designed for cultivating interactive and mutual relationships between human-being and marine mammals through experience, education, leisure, and healing. GSW, the dolphin captive facility is well established in accordance with EAAM Standards and Guidelines for the Management of Bottlenose Dolphins. Our dolphin welfare system with utmost respect and dignity provides state-of-the art care based on scientific knowledge and best professional practices.
GSW is equipped with six numbers of large and spacious pools for exhibition and six inspection tanks. We focus our attention to water quality and environmental conditions to ensure the dolphins’ health and comfort. Approximately 400 seats are offered to spectators for their convenience.
In an effort to provide you with unique and enjoyable experiences and programs like touching, handshaking, feeding and swimming with the dolphins, there are a variety of interactive programs available for all ages and ability levels. GSW ensures 100% satisfaction with the animal encounters programs…we aim to make you smile!
Useful Informations
- Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 10.00-17.00
Weekend: 09.30-18.00 - Fee: 29,000 won
- Address: 15 Jisepohaean-ro, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82 55-682-0330
- Homepage: Geoje Seaworld
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Gohyeon bus terminal, take a bus no. 22 and get off at Sinchon stop.
Sinseondae
Sinseondae Observatory, located between Dojangpo Maeul and Haegeumgang, offers picturesque views of the fantastically shaped rocks against the deep-blue ocean hues. “Sinseon” in Korean mean supernatural beings; the beauty of this spot is said to attract such beings to come frolic. The blue and yellow colors layered in the rocks tell a unique history of the terrain. A stairway from the road leads directly to the lookout point.
Just past a gas station along the coastal highway, Sinseondae Observatory reveals itself. Walking out onto the rocks of Sinseondae, views of the surrounding islands and incredible landscape open up to viewers. Many commercials and TV shows have been filmed here taking advantage of this amazing setting. April and May are the perfect times to see the bright-yellow rapeseed flowers across the island.
Useful Informations
- Address: South Korea, Gyeongsangnam-do, Geoje-si, Nambu-myeon, 갈곶리 산21-19
- Phone: +82-55-639-3000
- Homepage: geoje.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From bus stop in front of Geoje Children Hospital, take bus no. 55 and get off at Dojangpo bus stop.
Walk for 400m to reach sinseondae observatory.
