Jeonju

Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum: Visiting Routes and Rules at the 340,000 m² Botanical Garden Next to the Expressway

Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum is Korea’s only road-specialized arboretum, created to restore the natural environment damaged by expressway construction. Admission and parking are free, but operating-hour information varies, and there are restrictions on leaving designated trails, commercial photography, and bringing pets, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the visiting routes before your trip.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Sep 2, 2026 15 min 171

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A Roadside Arboretum at the 170-kilometer Point of the Honam Expressway

The Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum is Korea’s only arboretum specializing in roads. While constructing expressways, the Korea Expressway Corporation collected various plant species to restore damaged natural environments and uses this site as a nature learning center.

The arboretum is located about 170 kilometers from the Suncheon starting point of the Honam Expressway, at an elevation of 20–30 meters. Covering 340,000㎡ and holding genetic resources from 3,410 plant species, it is primarily a place for plant conservation, propagation, distribution, and research into native plant development rather than simply a space for relaxation.

한국도로공사 전주수목원의 녹음과 산책 공간을 보여주는 사진입니다. — A photograph showing the greenery and walking areas of the Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum. — Photo source: jeonju.go.kr

12 Areas That Are Easy to Miss Within 340,000㎡

The plants are mainly arranged for observation by family. The arboretum is divided into the General Arboretum, Rock Garden, Medicinal Herb Garden, Wetland Garden, Wild Grass Garden, Rose Garden, Rose of Sharon Garden, Bamboo Grove, Educational Garden, Southern Tree Species Garden, Glass Greenhouse, and Stream Garden, making it difficult to quickly see every area in one visit.

Jeonju Arboretum has walking trails, and the official guidance recommends checking the map and planning a route in advance. Based on visitor reviews, seeing the entire arboretum can take about half a day, so it is practical to decide first whether to visit only specific areas or tour the entire 340,000㎡ site.

전주수목원 산책로 주변에 식재된 식물을 보여주는 사진입니다. — A photograph showing plants planted along the walking trails of Jeonju Arboretum. — Photo source: jeonju.go.kr

Open Until 7 p.m. from March 15 to September 15

According to Jeonju tourism guidance, during the summer season from March 15 to September 15, the arboretum is open from 09:00 to 19:00, with last admission at 18:00. During the winter season from September 16 to March 14, it is open from 09:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 17:00.

However, the Korea Expressway Corporation’s official website lists visiting hours as 09:10–18:00, with last admission at 17:00. Since the starting times differ between the two official notices—09:00 and 09:10—on the reference date of this article, August 18, 2026, it is safest to check the official website or call 063-714-7200 immediately before departure to confirm the admission hours for that day.

계절에 따라 색이 달라지는 전주수목원의 정원 풍경입니다. — A seasonal garden landscape at Jeonju Arboretum, whose colors change throughout the year. — Photo source: jeonju.go.kr

Closed on Mondays, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok Day

The closing days are every Monday, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok Day. Admission is free, so there is no need to prepare ticket money; however, free admission does not mean entry is allowed on a closing day.

Admission is listed as free. Information that may change, such as operating hours and closing days, can be checked on the official Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum website. The main telephone number is 063-714-7200.

무료로 개방되는 전주수목원의 정원 구역을 보여주는 사진입니다. — A photograph showing a garden area at Jeonju Arboretum that is open free of charge. — Photo source: jeonju.go.kr

How to Take Buses 423, 424, or 428 from Jeonju Intercity Bus Terminal

For visitors from outside the area, Jeonju Intercity Bus Terminal can serve as a starting point. The listed transportation options are buses 423, 424, and 428 departing from the intercity bus terminal, but the stop names and walking times from the alighting points to the arboretum have not been confirmed.

Therefore, rather than getting off solely based on the bus number, ask the driver where to get off for “Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum” and cross-check the address on a map: 462-45 Beonyeong-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State. Parking facilities are reportedly available, but the official parking fee table and the number of available spaces have not been confirmed.

From the Bridal Wreath Spiraea Observatory to the Rose Courtyard

The main photo spots introduced include the Bridal Wreath Spiraea Observatory in the parking lot, the Scenic Rest Area in the Aquatic Plant Garden, and the Rose Courtyard in the Rose Garden. After arriving at the parking lot, it is efficient to visit the Bridal Wreath Spiraea Observatory first, then check the locations of the Aquatic Plant Garden and Rose Garden on the map.

In spring, the scenery features bright, colorful tones; in summer, dense green foliage; in autumn, fall foliage and blue skies; and in winter, landscapes resembling ink wash paintings with snow flowers on every branch. The blooming period for the roses and the peak autumn foliage dates have not been separately confirmed, so it is better to plan around seasonal scenery rather than targeting a particular flower.

Leaving the Observation Trails and Tripod Photography Are Not Allowed

Visitors may not enter areas outside the observation trails and designated rest areas. Damaging or collecting trees, flowers, or fruit without permission is also prohibited, so do not enter flower beds to look at plants more closely or take fruit away.

Commercial photography is prohibited; the examples given include wedding photography, snap photography, and first-birthday photography. Picnic mats, amplifiers, and tripods are also prohibited, and the use of sports equipment such as balls and bicycles is not permitted. Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs, so this destination is unsuitable for itineraries involving companion animals.

Food Rules for Groups of 15 or More

Groups of 15 or more may visit for an educational tour without submitting a separate application. However, to protect the arboretum environment, groups of 15 or more are prohibited from bringing in food or beverages.

Group recreational activities, games, and exercise are also not allowed inside the arboretum. For inquiries about group visits, call 063-714-7200. Individual visitors should likewise plan their schedules so that they remain on the observation trails and in designated rest areas.

Three Wheelchairs Available for Rent and Information Yet to Be Confirmed

Visitor information introduces three wheelchairs for rent, accessible restrooms, and tactile paving as barrier-free facilities. However, these details were not directly confirmed on the official page, so wheelchair users should first call 063-714-7200 to ask about rental availability and the actual routes.

The availability of English information, audio guides, and strollers, whether payment is cash-only, exact distances between facilities, and viewing restrictions based on the season or weather have not been confirmed. Foreign visitors making their first trip should save the address and bus numbers and plan to arrive with sufficient time before last admission, even though entry is free.

Before You Go

Address: 462-45 Beonyeong-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State
Hours: Official website listing: 09:10–18:00, last admission 17:00. Jeonju tourism guidance: summer season (March 15–September 15) 09:00–19:00, last admission 18:00 / winter season (September 16–March 14) 09:00–18:00, last admission 17:00
Closed: Every Monday, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok Day
Admission: Free
Phone: 063-714-7200
Official site: http://www.ex.co.kr/arboretum/
Transport: Buses 423, 424, and 428 departing from the intercity bus terminal. The bus stop names and walking times could not be confirmed
Parking: Parking facilities available. Some sources describe parking as free, but the official parking fee table could not be confirmed
Time needed: About half a day to tour the entire arboretum, based on visitor reviews
Accessibility: Information mentions three wheelchairs for rent, accessible restrooms, and tactile paving, but these could not be directly confirmed on the official page

The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official guidance again before visiting.

Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum Jeonju Arboretum botanical garden visitor information free admission visiting rules

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