CheonriPo Arboretum in Taean where forest meets the sea

Overview

Chollipo Arboretum is a coastal arboretum where the sea and forest blend together, offering a place to enjoy a wide variety of plant collections and serene natural scenery. Located on the Chollipo coast in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, it provides a unique atmosphere where the West Sea and garden landscapes come together. It is known as a place cultivated by Dr. Min Byung-gal since 1962 and is regarded as one of Korea’s representative arboretums. It is recommended for foreign travelers who want to slowly appreciate seasonal flowers and trees in nature while experiencing Taean’s distinctive natural beauty.

Highlights

• Garden scenery where the sea and forest blend together
• Chollipo sea view
• Spring blossoms starting from February
• Winter flowers such as witch hazel and wintersweet
• Traditional Korean house and youth hostel stays within the arboretum

Best Time to Visit

Chollipo Arboretum can be visited in all four seasons, but the most pleasant times are spring and early autumn. The weather is ideal for walking, and the gardens feel at their fullest.

To avoid crowds, a weekday morning visit is best. In particular, arriving around 9:00 a.m., right after opening, usually means fewer people and less parking congestion. By contrast, the arboretum tends to be crowded in spring and on weekends.

Operating hours are usually 09:00-18:00 from March to October and 09:00-17:00 from November to February. During some peak summer periods, hours may be extended, but mornings are more comfortable than the hot midday.

In short, for foreign travelers, a weekday morning visit in spring or early autumn is the most recommended. Weekends, public holidays, and especially the peak spring season can be somewhat crowded.

How Long to Stay

If you move quickly through the Miller Garden, the main public area, about 1 hour and 30 minutes is enough; if you explore at a leisurely pace, 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours is appropriate. If you plan to also visit nearby Taean beaches or other attractions, setting aside about half a day is practical.

How to Get There

The most convenient way to get to Chollipo Arboretum is by using Taean-area buses. Since the subway does not connect directly to Taean, you should first go to a bus terminal and then transfer to a local bus.

Subway + Bus

If you are departing from Seoul or another city, take the subway to a nearby express bus terminal or intercity bus terminal, then take a bus to Taean Bus Terminal. After arriving in Taean, transfer from the terminal to a local bus bound for Chollipo or Mallipo.

Bus

From Taean Bus Terminal, take bus numbers 210, 211, or 212 and get off at the Chollipo Arboretum stop. Buses board from the platform toward Sowon, Chollipo, and Mallipo. You can use a transportation card, and there is no need to buy a separate ticket.

Alternatively, you can get off at the Mallipo Intercity Bus Stop and walk about 20 minutes to the arboretum.

Walking

If you start from the Mallipo Intercity Bus Stop, it is about a 20-minute walk to Chollipo Arboretum. It is convenient to search for ‘Chollipo Arboretum’ in a navigation app.

For reference, there is no subway station or exit number in this area.

Photo Spots

• Hydrangea Hill: This is the most representative photo spot in the arboretum. Stand on the central path on the hill and take a photo facing forward or slightly downward so that the flowers surround both sides and the back; this creates a lush background. Late morning to early afternoon brings bright, vivid colors.
• Almokryeonchip Photo Zone: A cute photo spot popular with visitors. If you take a photo from the front of the photo zone and include the decorations or characters together, it makes a nice souvenir picture. Morning or around sunset is relatively easy for shooting with softer light.
• Sections with Sea Views: The strength of Chollipo Arboretum is its scenery where forest and sea can be seen together. If you shoot from the side overlooking the sea with the sea directly in front and trees at the sides like a frame, the atmosphere unique to Chollipo comes through clearly. Late afternoon is the most atmospheric time.
• Forest Trail Path: On paths lined with trees, taking a photo straight ahead along the direction of the path helps create a sense of depth. Shooting in the early morning, when there are fewer people, makes it easier to capture a quiet and clean scene.

Night View

The night view of Chollipo Arboretum is characterized by an atmosphere where the sea and forest blend together. The illuminated observatory, bridge, and the walking path along the seaside create a romantic landscape, making it a good place for an evening stroll.

It is especially nice to visit together after going to Mallipo Beach, and you can enjoy the nighttime atmosphere overlooking the West Coast and Chollipo Sea. The lighting is not overly bright; instead, it softly illuminates the surrounding scenery, which also makes it suitable for photography.

The recommended time is from just after sunset through the evening. Since the sea breeze can be strong, it is a good idea to bring a light outer layer. Based on the original information, there is no specific guidance confirmed for permanent night events, so please check the official operating hours and whether nighttime access is available before visiting.

Seasonal Guide

Chollipo Arboretum is good to visit throughout the year, but the attractions differ clearly by season. Foreign travelers can enjoy a more satisfying visit by checking the representative plants and walking atmosphere for the time of year they are visiting.

Spring

In spring, magnolias and cherry blossoms are the biggest highlights. During the blooming season, the walking paths become especially beautiful, making it a great time for photos and light walks. Since weekends during flower season can be relatively crowded, a weekday morning visit is convenient if you want a quieter experience.

Summer

In summer, hydrangeas and lilies fill the garden with bright color. Because the scenery includes both the sea and forest, it feels cool and refreshing, making it a good summer walking destination. Since there are many sunny days, it is practical to prepare a hat, water, and light sunscreen.

Autumn

In autumn, you can enjoy richly colored scenery centered on fall foliage and chrysanthemums. Thanks to the cool weather, it is one of the most comfortable seasons for walking, and it is great for slowly exploring the garden. It is especially recommended for travelers who prefer natural scenery.

Winter

In winter, camellias and evergreen trees take center stage, showing a calm charm different from other seasons. Rather than vivid flowers, it is good for enjoying the quiet garden atmosphere and the air near the winter sea. Winter operating hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission closes at 4:00 p.m.

Practical Tips

The arboretum operates year-round, making it easy to fit into a travel schedule. If you want to visit for seasonal flowers, spring and early summer are best; if you want pleasant walking weather, autumn is ideal; if you want a quieter atmosphere, winter is a good choice. Combining it with the Taean coast makes for a good half-day or full-day itinerary.

Local Tips

Chollipo Arboretum is located at 434-41 Jinbeol-ro, Taean-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.

Because it is right next to Mallipo Beach, it is good to visit together with a beach trip.

Admission fee information varies by source, so it is best to check the latest rates before visiting. The original material includes both information stating a general admission fee of KRW 10,000 and commentary of KRW 5,000, as well as information stating an adult fee of KRW 13,000.

It is noted that a special program called ‘Secret Garden’, a walk with a gardener, is operated in April, so if you are planning a spring visit, please check the schedule and participation availability in advance.