Bonsai Tree, Botanical Gardens, Gyeongju
In the eastern shadow of Mt. Namsan (남산), just a few minutes up the road from Tongiljeon Shrine (통일전), is one of the more unique tourist attractions in the area: the Gyeongsangbuk-do Botanical Gardens (경상북도산림환경연구소). Even though it has nothing to do with ancient tombs, stone Buddhas or the Shilla Dynasty, the Botanical Gardens are well worth a taking a few hours to explore. With over 100 acres of woodlands, trails and gardens, it’s a great spot for a romantic walk or an afternoon picnic. And if you’re traveling with kids, it’s the perfect place for them to run around and get some energy out. It’s got enough curious attractions that they won’t get bored either.
Gyeongsangbuk-do Botanical Gardens, Gyeongju
On the east side of the road, next to the parking lot and info booth, are the azalea gardens and a nature path through a lovely array of native flowering plants. Strolling a little further in you’ll find the rose gardens and gourd arbors, along with canals and a fish pond; not to mention acres and acres of forest. But my favorite part of this side of the park are the greenhouses of bunjae namu (분재 나무), or bonsai trees. If you’ve got a green thumb or you’re a gardening aficionado, you can actually buy them here at very reasonable prices; the smallest starting as low as 20,000 won.
Bonsai Tree, Botanical Gardens, Gyeongju
Meandering across the road to the west side of the park, you’ll find an herb garden, several hothouses of cacti and exotic plants, a museum and (of course) acres and acres more of forest. But what I stumbled on recently is the zoo tucked in the back corner of the park. This one’s definitely a hit with the under 12 crowed, that is if they weren’t already wowed to death by the azalea gardens.
Botanical Gardens' Zoo, Gyeongju
Though, depending on your feelings about zoos, it could also be a bit of a downer. The bunnies look like they’re locked up in Gitmo, for God’s sake. That said, this is probably the only way you’ll actually see some of Korea’s all-too-rare wild fauna these days. Not all the animals look completely miserable either. The Korean deer seem quite relaxed and stately in their shady enclosures, while the wild boar might as well be having a keg party as they wallow in their mud baths.
Wild Boar, Botanical Gardens' Zoo, Gyeongju
The Gyeongsangbuk-do Botanical Gardens are open year round, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, though the gardens are at their best when the Spring flowers are blooming or the leaves are changing in the Fall. It makes a great afternoon out combined with the ancient carvings of Tapgol Valley (탑골) and Borisa Temple (보리사) nearby on Mt. Namsan (남산). To get to the Botanical Gardens, drive south out of Gyeongju on N.R. 7 heading towards Ulsan. Take your second right after passing the Gyeongju National Museum and follow the signs towards Tongiljeon Shrine (통일전). Driving for just a minute or two, the parking lot for the botanical gardens is on your left just past the bridge over the Muncheon River (문천). If going by bus, catch the local bus to Tongiljeon Shrine (통일전). Get out at the bus stop for Borisa Temple (보리사) immediately after you cross the bridge over the Muncheon River (문천).
View Chilbulam Hermitage (칠불암), Gyeongju in a larger map
And here you can zoom in for a better aerial view of the grounds courtesy of Naver:
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