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Parks & gardens

Soswaewon

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Soswaewon

Soswaewon

Soswaewon is a traditional private garden in Gwangju, established by the Joseon-era scholar Yang San-bo. The site is designed to integrate man-made structures with the existing natural landscape, featuring pavilions, ponds, and walking paths. Travelers visit this location to observe traditional Korean landscaping and experience a quiet environment.

Getting There

The garden is located on the outskirts of the city. From Gwangju city centre, you can reach the site via taxi or local bus. The journey typically takes between 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the grounds and explore the various pavilions and garden sections.

When to Visit

The garden is accessible throughout the year, with the scenery changing across the four seasons. To avoid larger groups of visitors, arriving early in the morning is recommended. The site can become crowded during peak autumn foliage and spring blossom periods.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine a visit here with other nearby sites to optimize your itinerary:

  • Hwanbyeokdang: A nearby pavilion located 0.5km away.
  • Mudeungsan National Park: A larger natural area located 4.7km from the garden.
  • Mudeungsan: The mountain peak located 5.7km away.
  • Asian Culture Center: A cultural complex located 8.9km from the site.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Soswaewon

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Soswaewon Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Gwangju 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Gwangju grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Hwanbyeokdang

Heritage & monuments

Hwanbyeokdang

Hwanbyeokdang is a pavilion on a hill above Gwangju Lake at the foot of Mudeungsan, designated a scenic site for its outstanding surroundings. It's a peaceful place to stroll and take in a sense of the past.

0.5 km away
Mudeungsan National Park

Parks & gardens

Mudeungsan National Park

This national park centers on Mudeungsan, a 1,187-meter peak, and was designated South Korea's 21st national park in 2013. The summit itself is off-limits, but hikers can climb to Seoseokdae at 1,100 meters and take in the scenery.

4.7 km away
Mudeungsan

Nature

Mudeungsan

Standing 1,187 meters high, this mountain is Gwangju's signature peak and South Korea's 21st national park. Since the summit, Cheonwangbong, is off-limits, visitors hike up to Seoseokdae to enjoy sweeping views instead.

5.7 km away
Asian Culture Center

Museums & galleries

Asian Culture Center

A national cultural facility in Dong-gu, Gwangju, offering exhibitions and programs for exchanging and learning about cultures across Asia. Since opening in 2015, it has become a complex dedicated to introducing Asian culture.

8.9 km away
Wongaksa

Temples & religious sites

Wongaksa

Wongaksa is a Buddhist temple in downtown Gwangju's Dong-gu district, built in 1914 and steeped in history. It's a peaceful place to explore right in the heart of the city.

9.1 km away
Gwangju Folk Museum

Museums & galleries

Gwangju Folk Museum

This public museum was established by the city of Gwangju to collect and preserve disappearing folk artifacts of daily life. It's a good place to take a close look at traditional living culture and folk relics.

10.9 km away