Spirited Garden
A Piece of Heaven on Earth
Spirited Garden is a world-renowned garden created through the tireless dedication of farmer Bum-Young Sung, who began cultivating barren land in Jeoji-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju, in 1968. Over more than five decades, his vision transformed into a unique garden where nature, art, and philosophy harmonize.
Spanning over 40,000 square meters, the garden features seven themed sub-gardens adorned with native Korean trees, meticulously cultivated bonsai, and rare natural stones and rock formations. Each garden surrounds serene ponds, open lawns, and Jeju’s signature volcanic stone walls, gates, and bridges—offering visitors a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
The garden’s facilities, constructed from natural basalt stone, embody the architectural beauty of Jeju’s landscape and further enhance its charm. Spirited Garden stands as a symbol of Korean aesthetics and spirit, officially designated as a National Private Garden by the Korean government.
It has welcomed countless global dignitaries, including former and current Chinese Presidents Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping—making it one of the most visited landmarks by world leaders in Korea. Remarkably, Spirited Garden and the journey of its founder are featured in China’s official 9th-grade textbook “History and Society” as a cultural inspiration and a model of Korean spirit and perseverance.
“I am deeply moved by the beauty of this garden. Congratulations on creating a piece of heaven here on Earth.”
— Alexander Vershbow, Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea
Monday 09:00–18:00
Tuesday 09:00–18:00
Wednesday 09:00–18:00
Thursday 09:00–18:00
Friday 09:00–18:00
Saturday 09:00–18:00
Sunday 09:00–18:00
Spanning over 40,000 square meters, the Spirit Garden features seven themed gardens, each encircling serene ponds and expansive lawns. The grounds are adorned with native Korean trees, meticulously cultivated bonsai, and rare natural rocks, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. The 'Garden of Thoughts' is a particular symbol of Korean aesthetics and spirit, designated as a National Private Garden and an unmissable iconic attraction, showcasing a perfect blend of nature, art, and philosophy.
The Spirit Garden is open year-round, with each season offering its unique beauty. However, the scenery is particularly stunning in spring when flowers are in full bloom or in autumn when the maple leaves turn red. We recommend booking your tickets through online travel platforms. Booking with KKday is not only convenient and fast but also ensures smooth entry, saving you waiting time for on-site ticket purchases and providing a seamless experience. Once your booking is confirmed, you can easily redeem your voucher for admission.
The Spirit Garden is located in Chyu-ri, Han-gyeong-myeon, Jeju Island. From Jeju City, you can take a taxi or rent a car, with a travel time of approximately one hour. If you opt for public transport, you can first take a bus to a location near Han-gyeong-myeon and then transfer to a local shuttle or taxi. Parking facilities are available on-site, convenient for self-driving visitors. It is advisable to plan your transportation in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Extensive effort is dedicated to the maintenance and management of the Spirit Garden. The flowers, trees, and bonsai within the grounds are meticulously cared for by a professional horticultural team, ensuring optimal landscaping throughout the seasons. Additionally, facilities are constructed using natural basalt, integrating with Jeju Island's natural characteristics, and undergo regular cleaning and inspections. All these detailed maintenance efforts aim to create a clean, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment for all visitors, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the garden's tranquility and artistry.
The refund and exchange policies for Spirit Garden tickets vary depending on the terms of the ticket type you booked. Generally, most online platforms offer flexible cancellation services, which may include a free cancellation period or a partial handling fee. To ensure your rights, we recommend carefully reviewing the refund and change policy details on the product page before purchasing your tickets to understand the specific terms for refunds and modifications, enabling you to manage any changes to your itinerary.
The Spirit Garden is not just a natural beauty of Jeju Island but also holds profound cultural and historical significance. It has hosted several international dignitaries, including former Chinese Presidents Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping, making it one of the most visited landmarks by foreign leaders in Korea. Furthermore, the life journey of the Spirit Garden and its founder, Song Beom-yeong, is included in China's ninth-grade official textbook, hailed as a model of cultural enlightenment, Korean spirit, and perseverance.
The design philosophy of the Spirit Garden stems from founder Mr. Song Beom-yeong's over fifty years of relentless dedication, aiming to harmoniously integrate nature, art, and philosophy. The garden's planning skillfully utilizes Jeju Island's unique geographical environment, with facilities built from natural basalt and seven themed gardens meticulously arranged. Every detail, from the expertly cultivated bonsai to the volcanic stone walls, ponds, and bridges, embodies his grand vision of transforming barren land into a 'paradise on earth,' allowing visitors to experience peace and contemplation during their stroll.
Jeju's Spirit Garden ingeniously incorporates Jeju Island's unique natural elements, making its landscape distinctive. The ubiquitous volcanic stone walls throughout the garden are not only a symbol of Jeju Island but also integrated into the garden's architecture, adding a rustic aesthetic. In addition, the meticulously cultivated bonsai and rare natural rocks in the garden are natural works of art that have been shaped by decades, or even longer, of geological time. These elements complement each other, creating a harmonious and Zen-like space that embodies the philosophy of coexistence between humans and nature.