Chollipo Arboretum

Lilies

Introduction

Welcome to Chollipo Arboretum, a vibrant treasure trove of botanical beauty nestled on the western coast of South Korea.

Founded by American businessman Carl Ferris Miller, this 64-hectare garden is home to over 12,000 species of plants from across the globe, making it a verdant paradise for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

From the captivating coastal forest teeming with unique evergreen species to the stunning diversity of its magnolia collection, the largest in the world, the Arboretum presents an ever-changing spectacle of colors and fragrances.

The peaceful Woodland Garden, magnificent formal gardens, and the rare Camellia collection add to the allure of this botanic haven.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Chollipo Arboretum, a sanctuary where the synergy of art, science, and nature create an idyllic landscape. It's not just a garden, but a living canvas of Mother Nature's artistic brilliance, beckoning you to explore, learn, and inspire.

Chollipo Arboretum

Chollipo Arboretum (or Cheonripo Arboretum) is a beautiful cultivated site with varied plant species covering the Taean Peninsula's tip on the West coast.

It is where you can see the islands and sea with their best views beyond the Arboretum.

Chollipo Arboretum is home to both native Korean plants and various species of special plants from other countries. It has a wide variety of trees such as magnolias, azaleas and the evergreen ginkgo.

The Arboretum is also known for its various outdoor sculptures which are beautifully displayed throughout the park. These include works by renowned Korean sculptors, Shin Sang-heon and Kim Ki-chang.

Chollipo Arboretum is a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging and bird watching. It's also a perfect spot to just relax and take in the fresh air of its natural environment. Whether you come alone or with family and friends, Chollipo Arboretum has something to offer for everyone.

The Arboretum also offers educational and cultural activities throughout the year. Visitors can take part in various programs such as art workshops for children, traditional Korean music concerts, and lectures about the history of plants and trees in Korea.

Chollipo Arboretum is a great place to visit any time...

Origins

When Carl Ferris Miller, who was naturalized in the United States, it was when he bought the land in 1962 that Chollipo came into being.

The early 1970s
Carl Ferris Miller devoted much of his efforts through almost half a lifetime on the barren Cheonripo Beach.

In 2000
The International Dendrology Society (IDS) selected Cheonripo Arboretum as the "World's Beautiful Arboretum," which matches the west coast's beautiful seaside scenery.

In particular, the intensive collection of magnolia, holly, camellia, maple, and hibiscus is known worldwide.

A vast plant family of 16,000 taxa is living on the beach of Cheonripo. Cheonripo Arboretum turned into a global plant conservation strategy (GSPC: Global Strategy for Plant Conservation) through various roles due to this achievement.

Chollipo now serves as a forest life resource management agency, biodiversity management agency, forest education expert training agency, arboretum expert training institute, and forest education center.

Through such expertise on plants, Chollipo is making every effort to conserve plant diversity and cultivate related experts.

Life Symbols Through Colors

Chollipo Arboretum is employing three primary colors in its pursuit of conserving plant and life in general.

It uses three primary colors: yellow, green, and blue. Each color and meaning are interlinked so that yellow could be felt for people, green for Earth, and blue for the sky.

Colors with less saturation than the primary colors are also used, giving a soft, Korean feel.

Access to Chollipo Arboretum

The Arboretum is open all-year-round. It has been serving and welcoming all guests since 2009.

It takes around one hour and a half to quickly explore the area but should be longer if you want to thoroughly enjoy the plants and the environment.

Admissions & Fees
For the disabled and babies under 36 months are allowed to enter for free. Special discounts are being offered to senior citizens (65 and older), people of national merit, people with minor disabilities, and caretakers of people with severe disabilities.

Taean residents can get 50% off from the original admission fee rates. A group of 30 and more people can also get discounted tickets.

Reminders to Visitors
There are reminders and prohibited acts when entering the Arboretum.

The animals, plants, Earth, and stones are forbidden to be collected as souvenirs or for any other purpose. Fines will be imposed for any violation.

You can also not bring in food, mats, games, tools, and sports equipment in the Arboretum.

Chollipo also prohibits smoking inside, and it is a non-smoking site.

Only a guide dog is allowed inside but not pets.

Min Byeong-gal Memorial Hall
This memorial Hall was designed and constructed in 1994 by Song Jin-soo, the late founder's foster son.

The Hall has a traditional thatched roof style, reflecting the founder's love for the disappearing Korean tradition.

Chollipo uses the Memorial Hall as a space for an anniversary celebration and other events, such as the 10th anniversary of the founder's death in 2012.

Donggwan, the former office, now displays items and artifacts that let you pick at the biography of the founder's love for plants, the past and the present of Chollipo Arboretum.

Website: http://chollipo.org/eng/

Getting to Chollipo Arboretum

All public transportations in Korea, including the bus and train, can finally bring you close to this Arboretum.

By Bus
Nambu Bus Terminal
Central City Terminal
Dong Seoul Intercity Bus Terminal

Take any bus from one of those terminals in Seoul and other major terminals for Taean Terminal.

Taean Terminal
Take a bus from Taean Terminal to reach Chollipo Arboretum. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach the destination.

Then get off at Manlipo Intercity Bus Stop and walk for around 20 minutes to arrive at Chollipo Arboretum site.

Alternatively, get off at the Manlipo Intercity Bus Stop and walk for 20 minutes to arrive at Chollipo Arboretum