Exploring Suncheon City: Stroll Korea’s first national garden

An aerial photograph of Suncheon Lake Garden. A pond is in the center of the photo.

Suncheon Lake Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization )

Take a walk to appreciate the beauty of the Suncheonman Bay National Garden. The sprawling grounds of the garden were established to preserve the bay area and are home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Due to the National Garden’s close proximity to the wetland reserve, both attractions are considered as one destination for travelers to the area, making Suncheon City an ecological city.

The National Garden features a variety of beautiful gardens, including a traditional Korean garden and other sections representing 11 different countries from around the world. The garden is filled with an abundance of tulips, azaleas, irises, chrysanthemums, and thousands of other flowers, trees, and plants.

Whether you visit during the day or night, spring or fall, the National Garden always offers breathtaking views to behold. As you explore the grounds, you will be captivated by their grand scale, innovative designs, and splendid beauty.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather as a visit to the National Garden takes about three to five hours to complete. With numerous things to see and plenty of photo opportunities, you might lose track of time.

There are restaurants and cafes inside, but outside food is also allowed. On weekends, the garden hosts exciting events depending on the season such as live music and festivals.

An aerial photograph of Hooded Crane Maze Garden. A pong can be seen beside the garden.

Hooded Crane Maze Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Suncheon Lake Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Recommended trip course

Start from the East Gate, visit the World Gardens, indoor gardens, and stroll through Suncheon Lake Garden. Cross the Dream Bridge to access the Wetland area, zoo, Korean Garden, and Royal Azalea Garden. Following this route will help you explore the entire garden and visit all the main sights within 3-4 hours. Besides these gardens, there are other attractions to check out, including the Rose Garden, Rose of Sharon (Mugunghwa) Garden, Hooded Crane Maze Garden, and more.

Address to the East Gate:

152-55 Gukukjeongwon 1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Naver Map

Recommended for those who want to start by visiting the main attractions and then explore the entire garden.

Address to the West Gate:

47 Gukukjeongwon 1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Naver Map

Families with children who want to see adorable animals and water birds first, are recommended to start their tour from the West Gate.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Closed every fourth Monday of the month)
Ticket: Children 5,000 won / Teens 7,000 won / Adults 10,000 won (50% off for entry after 5 p.m.) - for Suncheon Bay Wetland & National Garden together
Parking: Free

Top 5 sights at Suncheonman Bay National Garden

1. World Gardens

The World Gardens of 11 different countries showcase the unique traditional styles, beauty, culture, and heritage of each nation. These include the British Garden, Dutch Garden, German Garden, French Garden, Italian Garden, Spanish Garden, American Garden, Mexican Garden, Thai Garden, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden.

An aerial photograph of French Garden. Well-arranged trees are in the garden.

French Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Dutch Garden

As the Netherlands is often called the garden of Europe because of its picturesque landscapes with windmills and flower fields, the Dutch Garden shares the beauty of spring in Suncheon City with tulips and a big windmill, which is one of the landmarks.

Dutch Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

2. Suncheon Lake Garden

Surrounded by six hills symbolizing the six mountains of Suncheon, the lake garden is famous for being the most artistic garden in the National Garden. The lake formed by drawing water from the Dongcheon River, signifying the connection between the old town and the new downtown of the city. It offers the most stunning landscape in the National Garden.

Suncheon Lake Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Bonghwa Hill

Within Suncheonman National Garden, Bonghwa Hill is the highest point among six hills where visitors can see panoramic views of the entire garden.

Bonghwa Hill in Suncheonman Bay National Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

3. Suncheonman Bay WWT Wetland & Waterfowl Playground

This wetland is home to various aquatic plants and water birds. The Waterfowl Playground allows you to observe beautiful birds such as flamingos, swans, and herons.

Suncheonman Bay WWT Wetland & Waterfowl Playground (Photo courtesy of Suncheonman National Garden)

4. Korean Garden

The Korean Garden recreates traditional Korean garden landscapes from the past, including palace gardens, scholar’s gardens, and folk gardens.

There is a traditional gate beyond the walkway.

Korean Garden (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

5. Royal Azalea Garden

Suncheon City is the home of 60 percent of the royal azaleas produced in Korea. With over 1,000 rare species of royal azaleas planted along the hillside, this garden is simply blooming with beautiful flowers.