Travel
Exploring Korea’s Geoje in spring: Daffodils, cherry blossoms, and coastal views
Haps Magazine Korea
March 20, 2025
(Photo by Geoje City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
As winter fades, the thrill of stepping into spring brings a sense of renewal. Without the need for grand resolutions, a pair of sneakers is all it takes to experience the shift in seasons under the warm spring sun.
One of the best places to embrace the arrival of spring in Geoje is Gonggoji Daffodil Garden, where flowers bloom early, even before the well-known Chundangmae.
Geoje Gonggoji Narcissus Festival
Heading past Waehyeon Beach and following the winding road, visitors will find Yegu Village. Beyond Yegu Port, atop a ridge, a sea of yellow daffodils set against the backdrop of the blue ocean greets spring travelers.
The Gonggoji Arboretum, once a barren land, was transformed by Kang Myeong-sik and Ji Sang-ak over five decades. After Kang’s passing, Geoje City took over its care, managing 50,000 daffodils across 4,582㎡ of land. With efforts like weeding, pest control, and drainage, the city ensures the garden thrives.
Last year, the inaugural Gonggoji Daffodil Festival, hosted by the Irun-myeon Residents’ Autonomy Council, drew 30,000 visitors in just two days. This year, the second festival will be held on March 22-23 at Yegu Port and Gonggoji, featuring enhanced accessibility with additional shuttle buses and a newly installed signpost.
(Photo by Geoje City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Saetbaramsorigil, Gujora Castle, and Mugwort Soup
Gujora Castle is a favorite photo spot, offering panoramic views of the sea and ancient fortress walls. A walk from Gujora Port leads through charming alleys with colorful murals before reaching a bamboo-lined mountain path. This “Sae-baram” (meaning “east wind” in sailors’ terms) whispers through the bamboo, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Emerging from the shaded path, visitors are greeted by bright sunlight and the vast sea. Further up, the well-preserved Gujorajinseong Fortress, built during the Joseon Dynasty, stands strong, offering a scenic contrast to the distant Gujora Port.
Geoje, historically prone to Japanese invasions, has several castle ruins. A short 10-minute drive from Gujora leads to Jisepo Castle, famous for its lavender and golden chrysanthemums. The city maintains 16,000 plants across 38,762㎡, with peak bloom expected in May.
After a day of flower viewing, a warm meal is in order. One of Geoje’s signature spring dishes is mugwort soup.
Known as a seasonal tonic, mugwort boosts metabolism and strengthens immunity. The rich, savory soup, made with fresh mugwort and soybean paste, is a must-try in early spring.
Cherry Blossom Roads: Jangseungpo Coastal Road & Hakdong Pass
Jangseungpo Coastal Road, connecting Jangseungpo and Neungpo, is a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot. During the annual festival, visitors stroll under pink canopies, enjoying food trucks, flea markets, and cultural performances. This year’s Jangseungpo Cherry Blossom Festival is set for April 5-13, with buds already preparing for full bloom.
For a scenic drive, Hakdong Pass in Dongbu-myeon is an excellent choice. Entering “Hakdong-ri, Dongbu-myeon, Geoje-si, San 47-10” into GPS leads to a picturesque route from Geoje Panorama Cable Car to Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they form a tunnel of pink petals, revealing breathtaking ocean views at the descent.
Sea Breezes and Seasonal Delicacies: Steamed Mullet Soup & The Geoje Panorama Cable Car
The Geoje Panorama Cable Car stretches 1.56 km from Hakdong Pass to the Nojasan summit, offering a seamless blend of forest, sky, and sea. Fifteen of the 45 cabins have transparent floors, allowing an unobstructed view of the landscape below. From the upper observatory, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Nojasan and Hallyeohaesang National Park, with cafes and souvenir shops conveniently nearby.
A local delicacy in Dongbu-myeon is steamed mullet soup, a seasonal specialty. Unlike traditional soup or steamed fish, this dish involves simmering mullet bones with spring greens, ground rice, garlic, cinnamon powder, and soybean paste. As mullet thrives in both fresh and salt water, it is believed to aid digestion. Due to its rarity, this dish is available for only a short period, from late March to early April, making it a sought-after culinary experience.
Geunpo Tunnel: A Hidden Gem
Before leaving Geoje, a visit to Geunpo Tunnel is a must. Known for its picturesque scenery, this location attracts photographers and travelers alike. On the way from Hakdong, blooming camellias and cherry blossoms merge with the shimmering sea, creating a spectacular view.
Originally constructed in 1941 as a military installation by the Japanese army, the tunnel was abandoned after liberation. Today, it serves as a striking photo spot, with silhouette images framed by the cave’s entrance being particularly popular. The best shots are captured during sunset or after rainfall when reflections in the tunnel’s puddles create mirror-like illusions.
With spring unfolding, Geoje is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of nature, history, and culinary delights. Whether strolling through daffodil fields, wandering ancient castles, or indulging in seasonal seafood, the island offers an unforgettable springtime escape.