Suwon Arboretum Irwol

Suwon Arboretum Irwol, beside Irwol Reservoir in Jangan-gu, is an urban arboretum that opened in May 2023. Its 101,500 m² hold 2,016 plant species, and a large exhibition greenhouse filled with plants from desert and Mediterranean-type climates means there is something to see in every season. It is not far from the subway, which makes it an easy half-day trip from Seoul.

Eight years in the making

Suwon built the arboretum between 2015 and 2022 and opened it on 19 May 2023, on the same day as its sister garden, Yeongheung Arboretum in Yeongtong-gu. Some 52,000 trees and plants went into the ground at Irwol. The grounds are divided into themed areas: a decorative garden, a forest garden, the Korean-style Dasan Garden, an oasis garden and desert garden, a grass garden, shrub and meadow gardens, a dry garden, a wild-greens garden and a winter garden. The reservoir runs right along the edge, so the waterside deck adds a pleasant walk.

What to see

• Exhibition greenhouse: about 3,000 m² of glass housing more than 300 species of dry-climate plants. Paths wind between palms, cacti and succulents, and the view down from the upper walkway is worth the climb.
• Visitor centre: free to enter, with big windows looking over the arboretum and Irwol Reservoir, plus a reading space.
• Wetland and waterside deck: boardwalks and a pavilion by the reservoir bring you close to the waterside plants.
• Dasan Garden: the arboretum's Korean-style garden, a quiet contrast to the exotic plants under glass.
• Children's area: a playground makes it easy to come with kids.

Guided walks, plant-craft workshops and nature activities are on offer, and a plant advice desk will answer questions about your houseplants.

Sister garden: Yeongheung Arboretum

Opened on the same day, Yeongheung Arboretum lies in Yeongtong-gu on the east side of Suwon. At 146,000 m² it is larger than Irwol, with a greenhouse focused on subtropical plants, a rock garden, seasonal flower beds and display and ecological forests surrounding Yeongheung Forest Park. Where Irwol is about gardens and glass, Yeongheung feels more like a forest walk, and comparing the two makes a good day out. Yeongheung is also closed on Mondays.

Tripto tips

• Opening hours: 09:30–17:30 (last tickets 17:00).
• Closed: Mondays; if Monday is a public holiday, it closes on the next weekday instead.
• Admission: there is a fee, with discounts for Suwon residents and families with several children. Check current prices on the official website.
• Time needed: 1–2 hours for the greenhouse and outdoor gardens, half a day if you add a walk around Irwol Reservoir.
• When to go: spring blossom in April–May and the grasses in October are the highlights. In midwinter or on rainy days, the greenhouse is a welcome refuge.
• Getting there: from Sungkyunkwan University Station on Seoul Subway Line 1, one bus takes you there, and a taxi is a short ride. There is a car park, but it fills up at weekends. Hwaseong Fortress makes an easy pairing for a full day in Suwon.