Jeju is often called, “Honeymoon Island” as many newlyweds spend their romantic getaway here. On the Korean Strait, Jeju Island was formed by volcanic eruptions 2 million years ago. This terrain became sculpted into a wild, volcanic landscape of basalt and lava. Moreover, it’s balanced with colorful flowers and gardens, amidst the rocky shores and extinct volcanoes throughout the island. From the port-of-call, Jeju City, I experienced a wonderful day at the Jeju Island attractions, such as, the Spirited Garden and Glass Castle Theme Park.
Spirited Garden – Bunjae (Korean Bonsai)
Spirited Garden is a unique Bunjae (Korean Bonsai) and rock garden created by one man. Its essence is deep and meditative, as all Bunjae Gardens intend to be.
However, the story behind this creation by a Farmer, Bum-Young Sung, also defines the pioneer spirit of the Korean people. This 10-acre sanctuary consists of 7 small gardens. These include other expressions, for example, ponds, man-made waterfalls, stone bridges and statues. All is interspersed by beautiful Bunjae trees and rocks.
Since 1968 Bum-Young Sung cultivated his labor of love, opening to the public in 1992. Originally considered a wasteland covered in basalt, he transported 15 tons of basalt and earth for 20 years. He built stone fences to protect the trees from the island’s harsh winds. His hard work and discipline. as a result, more than paid off. This sanctuary offers a meaningful and beautiful garden to share for visitors.
Walk & Learn About Bunjae Trees
Jeju Island Attractions
Walking through the Spirited Garden, I learn a lot about Bunjae cultivation and its purpose. The cultivation produces small trees, that mimic the size and shape of full-size ones. They use techniques, for example, pruning, root reduction, defoliation and using shallow containers.
I learn tips for cultivation on the walking tour. Each season has special guidelines. For example, in summer do not let water touch the flowers or leaves. On a hot day a drop of water may burn them out. In autumn, fruits become wrapped and damaged leaves cut off. Lastly, in winter the shape of the tree is adjusted for balance.
With Bunjae Gardens, there’s also suggestions on the best way to observe their essence for each season. For instance, with spring the focus is flowers, summer the green leaves, autumn the fruits and winter the shape of the naked tree. Overall, the purpose is contemplation for the viewer and discipline and creativity of the producer.
Spirited Garden Guidelines when contemplating Bunjae Tree:
Look bottom up from shade of trees, displaying shapes based on exposure to winds, sun, frost & dew
Observe from low angle (those who stoop know more and those that stay upright less)
Do not touch, ask about cost, or make thoughtless evaluations
No standard to determine price or make evaluations (Price agreement b/w buyer and seller)
“Bunjae can be thought of as an act of seeking the truth of life, leading the souls of humans closer to its origin, Mother Nature.” -Bum-Young Sung
Because I was there in late February, I got to see the trees through the lens of late winter, with most the trees naked and freely showing their vulnerable shapes. However, being a subtropical climate, there were some fresh buds opening early for a few cherry and apple blossoms on Bunjae trees.
Plus, I saw many full-sized tangerine trees with bright orange fruit around the garden perimeter. Jeju Island is renowned for its luscious and plentiful tangerine orchards. I stopped at a garden shop for a refreshing glass of sweet tangerine tea.
Rock Art & Dol Hareubangs
The rock art interspersed between the trees is splendid, complementing the plants with feng shui and balance of elements. The garden’s stone statues of the Dol Hareubangs display an island symbol of Gods, offering protection against demons and promoting fertility. Overall, the atmosphere left me feeling tranquil and inspired from the natural harmony, with a vivid imagination on how beautiful it would be at the peak of spring season.
Glass Castle Theme Park
Near the Spirited Garden is the Glass Castle Theme Park. Initially, I was skeptical about going there, but it was part of my tour. I feel pleasantly surprised at what a creative and colorful escape this was for me. It offers a walking path with naturalistic glass figurines throughout the park.
Upon arrival, there was a glass coral reef before the entrance with colorful fish, seaweeds and rocks. Entering the door of the indoor gallery is a giant, glass green bean stock spiraling its way up to the high ceiling. At the top is the second floor, where visitors take workshops and make their own glass bottles.
At the main garden, it’s like stepping into a colorfully animated Alice in Wonderland setting. We spend 1-hour walking throughout the main featured areas, however, there are walking trails throughout the perimeter in the woods. While this park has the largest glass diamond and ball, this was not so much my interest. Rather, I curiously walked through the transparently jeweled, chiming tunnel, reverberating and glittering in the winds…
Walking through this wonderland of delicate glass felt like being in a dream. I notice fish made of soju bottles in a mirror lake, a purple glass bridge, psychedelic mushrooms, and a rainbow of flowerbeds and pumpkins. I marvel at the giant kaleidoscope of green, yellow and blue morning glories standing taller than me, along with human-size teacups, floating in the water. The park’s bright illusion is that limbo, where the line between reality and dream world is nebulous…
Colorful Flowerbeds & Glass
Being early spring, there are organic flowerbeds, pink cherry blossoms and white apple blossoms, alongside artificial glass tangerines on trees and glassy flowerbeds. The blending of these 2 worlds takes you to the childlike mind, where fantasy and reality are one as a fertile playground for the imagination.
Overall, Jeju Island Attractions
Overall, Jeju Island is a wonderful balance of rugged, volcanic landscapes and colorful gardens. Both the Spirted Garden and Glass Castle Park express colorful palettes of nature and art for inspiration.
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