Oedo Botania, often called the "Garden on the Sea," in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Geoje City
From coastal botanical gardens to former presidential retreats, Geoje is spotlighting its 80 islands this month by subsidizing 50 percent of travel costs for overnight visitors.
Under the 2026 Heart-Fluttering Island Geoje Half-Price Travel program — a localized tourism drive — the city will refund up to 200,000 won ($133) for out-of-town tourists who register in advance and stay at least one night by May 31. The city selected Oedo, Hwado, Isudo, Naedo and Gajodo as the top island attractions.
Oedo remains the standard for Geoje island travel. Dubbed the "Garden on the Sea," the island reaches its peak in May. Operating under the name Botania — a compound of the words botany and utopia — the island features various subtropical and tropical plants harmonizing with picturesque buildings to evoke a Mediterranean beach.
It became a local landmark, drawing more than 1 million annual visitors after serving as a filming location for the KBS drama "Winter Sonata." Tourists can reach Oedo via cruise ships from the Jangseungpo, Wahyeon and Gujora docks.
Hwado, or Flower Island, offers vibrant spring scenery. Azaleas color the entire island to create a grand sight during the spring. The island also features a road that opens twice a day at low tide, transforming the sea into a quiet walking trail.
Isudo, known as a destination for "joyful mouths," where visitors receive three fresh seafood meals, in Geoje / Courtesy of Geoje City
Isudo appeals to gourmets with bed and breakfasts providing a "one-night, three-meal" package. Located 10 minutes by boat from the Sibang dock in Jangmok-myeon, the island offers fresh seasonal seafood banquets three times a day. Visitors walking the trails after meals might also spot murals and wild deer.
Naedo is a small island situated inside Oedo. It preserves an old growth forest featuring centuries-old camellia, machilus and black pine trees. Lovers' Road is particularly popular among walking couples.
Jeodo, a former presidential retreat, features dramatic coastal scenery in Geoje / Courtesy of Geoje City
Source: Korea Times News
