Achim Goyo Arboretum (Morning Calm) - near Seoul

Achim Goyo Arboretum is where the beauty of Korea has been planted into a garden. The arboretum opened in 1996 through the efforts of horticulture professor Han Sang-Kyeong of the Sayuk University, with the dream of creating a uniquely Korean garden known for its curves and balance. "Achim Goyo (Morning Calm)" comes from the Indian poet Tagore, praising Korea as the country of the morning calm. The naming emphasizes the importance put on creating a uniquely Korean beauty in the garden.

The arboretum is composed of 10 theme-based gardens. About 1,000 different kinds of flowers and plants greet their visitors in each season, and it was used as the background for the movie "Pyeonji" (Letter). The first garden you see when you enter the arboretum is the Korea Garden. Jar stands and greenery fill this area feels like the backyard of someone’s house. The next garden is the Wild Flower Garden, which has a collection of various Korea wild flowers, and then the Bunjae Garden, which has potted plants grown into works of art.

The most popular tourist attraction is the Hagyeong Garden which has an observation tower from which you can see the entire arboretum. The Morning Square at the center of the arboretum is an open grass field with a great view all around. The evergreen tree which appeared in the movie "Pyeonji" is here, and the place has a very spacious atmosphere. Besides these gardens, there is also the Chimyeopsu Garden, Seonnyeotang, Mugunghwa Hill, and Herb Garden. Achim Goyo Arobretum is most beautiful in April to May when the flowers bloom, and also in the fall when the leaves that turn color blends elegantly with the surrounding gardens. Each season brings a unique festival at the arboretum: in March, the Nan Exhibition, in April-May, the Royal Azaleas, in May, wild flowers, and in May-June, iris flowers. The arboretum is beautiful all throughout the year, but it’s most impressive when you stroll around the gardens in the morning fog.

Directions :
Seoul (Sangbong Bus Terminal) ->Imchori Take a bus headed to Hyeonri, get off at Imchori. First bus 07:00 / Last bus 20:00 / runs every hour / takes one hour.
Imchori ->Achim Goyo Arboretum
From Imchori to the arboretum is 4km. There is no public transportation, so you need to take a taxi or walk (takes 1 hour on foot).

Information :
- Inquiries: 031-584-6703 (Kor)
- Homepage: http://www.morningcalm.co.kr (Kor/Eng)
- Hours:
(May.-Oct.) 09:00-20:00 /
(Nov.-April) 09:00-18:00
* During special exhibition periods or holidays the opening hours may be extended.
- Admission Fee:
Weekdays - (age 20 and older): 4,000 won / (below age 20) : 3,000 won
Weekends, Holidays - age 20 and older 5,000won / below 20 3,000won
* 30 or more people are considered group, with 500won discount per individual. No discounts on holidays.

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