Muan Hoesan White Lotus Pond: A 330,000㎡ Pond, White Lotus Blooming Season and Actual Walking Route

Why Bokryongji Became a Lotus Attraction in 1981

Hoesan Baekryeonji is a pond of approximately 330,000㎡, or about 100,000 pyeong, located in Ilero-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Its original name was Bokryongji, but after the Yeongsan River estuary embankment was completed in 1981, the water volume decreased and it lost its function as a reservoir. It was later transformed into a pond where lotuses grow.

When Muan began its lotus festival in 1997, Bokryongji was renamed Baekryeonji. This name change explains how a former agricultural reservoir was transformed into the tourism space it is today, showcasing lotus ecology and local festivals.

What Can You See at the 330,000㎡ Pond?

Hoesan Baekryeonji is introduced as the largest natural white-lotus habitat in the Orient, with one million white lotuses blooming each year from July to September. In particular, guidance indicates that the flowers are in full bloom across the approximately 330,000㎡ Baekryeonji area in July and August, making this the most suitable period for visitors seeking white lotuses.

It is not home only to white lotuses. More than 30 types of lotus, including water lilies, red lotuses, pygmy water lilies, and yellow water lilies, as well as more than 50 species of aquatic plants, inhabit the area. It is also known as a habitat for prickly water lilies. With a nature study area and an aquatic plant ecology center, visitors can explore various aquatic plants beyond taking flower photographs.

Visiting from 09:00 to 18:00 and Free Admission; Walking Is Separate

The main viewing area is indicated as operating daily from 09:00 to 18:00, and admission is described as free. Since no confirmed information on regular closing days was found, visitors planning around specific facilities or events should check the latest notices on the official Hoesan Baekryeonji website.

Walking around Hoesan Baekryeonji is Informationed as possible at all times. Therefore, outdoor walking itself may be possible after 18:00, but facilities with set operating hours, such as the waterside glass greenhouse, should be considered to operate within the 09:00–18:00 period. The latest closing time for admission to the main viewing area, photography-restricted zones, and whether English information and audio guides are available could not be confirmed from the public information.

Getting from Ilero-eup to the Hoesan Baekryeonji Bus Stop

The address is listed as 333 Baengnyeon-ro, Ilero-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, and the telephone number is 061-285-1323. The official website is tour.muan.go.kr/lotus. Foreign travelers are advised to enter “Hoesan Baekryeonji” or “Hoesan Baekryeonji Bus Stop” as the destination in a map app.

Routes displayed around the Hoesan Baekryeonji bus stop include Routes 50, 55, 230-3, 232-7, and 232-4. Routes 50 and 55 are public buses that circulate the Oryong Parking Lot, with records showing extended service to Hoesan Baekryeonji. Past guidance also recorded seven daily county-bus services from Ilero-eup to Hoesan Baekryeonji. However, the official transfer method from railway stations or bus terminals, current schedules, service intervals, station exits, and walking times could not be confirmed.

• Routes displayed around the Hoesan Baekryeonji bus stop: 50, 55, 230-3, 232-7, and 232-4
• Stop information shows a stop toward Dodeokji approximately 9 m away
• Parking is indicated as available, but the number of spaces and parking fees could not be confirmed

Flat Wooden Decks and a 1–2 Hour Route

The wooden deck path crossing the reservoir is introduced as being designed mainly around straight sections with no slope at all. There is also a waterside walking trail and a broad grassy plaza, making the layout suitable for travelers who prefer flat paths along the water to steep uphill routes.

Reviews recommend allowing approximately 1–2 hours. Within this time, visitors can plan to see the lotuses and the aquatic plant ecology center together; the visit may take longer if they spend a long time taking photographs during the summer blooming season or resting in the grassy plaza. Since whether wheelchairs and strollers can pass through the entire route and the accessibility of the restrooms could not be confirmed, visitors should consider the flat deck sections and entry conditions for each facility separately on site.

How the Scenery Changes During the Muan Lotus Festival in July and August

The Muan Lotus Festival is held around Hoesan Baekryeonji. The 29th festival in 2026 opened on June 26 and was held for three days through June 28.

During the festival, visitors should expect event-focused routes and increased visitor numbers rather than the usual quiet walks. In 2024, a Children's Reading Golden Bell competition was held at the main lotus festival stage from 10:00 to 12:00 on July 28, with 140 students in grades 3–6 as eligible participants. Since 150 students were eligible for the same event in 2023, those wishing to participate should separately check whether advance registration is required.

Using the 12,054㎡ Auto-Camping Area Together

The Hoesan Baekryeonji auto-camping area is a facility built on a 12,054㎡ site. Information materials introduce it as including 23 regular camping pitches and 20 caravans. Camping hours are from 14:00 until 11:00 the following day. Camping fees are listed as ₩25,000–₩35,000, and caravan fees as ₩60,000–₩120,000.

A reopening notice dated January 6, 2026, states that the site contains nine bungalows for four to six people, seven caravans, 10 deck sites, and 13 regular sites. Restrooms, a cooking area, showers, a barbecue area, and pavilions are provided as shared amenities, while electricity, firewood sales, hot water, walking trails, and a sports field are listed as additional facilities.

During the peak season from May through October, the site operates daily; during the off-season from November through April, it is indicated as closed on Mondays. Reservations can be made through the Muan-gun tourism portal website, and reservations for 2026 opened sequentially starting with February dates. The site is reported to have 32 fire extinguishers, one fire hydrant, one fire sand box, and 20 fire detectors, but current room rates and remaining availability must be checked on the reservation page.

Planning to Bring Pets and Enjoy Summer Water Activities

Public information introduces the site as allowing pets throughout all areas. Pets must be kept on a leash, and visitors must bring waste bags and clean up after them. However, it is not specified whether this applies equally to the main viewing area and facilities inside the campground, so visitors should expect separate rules for entering the indoor ecology center or event venues.

In 2026, it was reported that the Hoesan Baekryeonji water-play area would operate from July 16 through August 23. Since the water-play area is a seasonal facility, its operating hours cannot be assumed to be the same as the lotus viewing hours of 09:00–18:00. Swimwear, changing facilities, and admission requirements should be checked in the notice for the relevant year.