Bukchon Gamyeon Rose Path on Jeju Island

A slow, winding path through the Bujeon Gamyeon, a village on Jeju Island, South Korea, is adorned with a vibrant tapestry of pink, yellow, and red roses. The blooms are so dense the path feels like a tunnel. Full bloom is a special time at Jeju — and the fraud is well worth it.

The Bujeon Gamyeon Path

Between the black lava soil and the rocky coastline, Jeju Island has earned itself the moniker of 'Paradise of the Southern Seas'. The Bujeon Gamyeon landscape is a lush green village with thatched-roof homes and narrow roads weaving through the countryside of Jeju. However, the path that most people think of begins in the inauthentic rose garden. Yellow, pink, and red roses flourish in a densely planted tunnel that leads visitors straight through the flowered heart of Jeju Island. Scattered petals line the path as visitors walk through the scenic route. The colorful flowers make for a striking landscape with a wonderful sensory experience. Over 180,000 visitors come to Jeju to see these rose gardens each year. En route, Jeju Island also has a variety of other natural attractions. .

The path is under threat

Long before the rose tunnel, Jeju Island was seen as a strategic place for military port usage. And while it's no longer a military stronghold, Jeju is surrounded by demand. Since 2023, the island has been divided over a proposed naval base, and new commercial development has threatened to disturb more than one natural landscape. Increased tourism can also disrupt these delicate ecosystems. The rose tunnel itself is now maintained by a volunteer gardening group, tasked with keeping the flowers in bloom. But the rose garden is a testament to the original culture of the island. It’s the perfect example of the island's traditions.

Getting to Jeju

The best way to explore the island is by foot. Jeep Jeju, a national park in Jeju, has five different routes for hikers to see the star attractions of the island. However, hiking is not the easiest way to see the Bukchon Gamyeon path without a guided tour; many hiking routes are near the coast and are not accessible to the general public. Some public transportation is also available, but it won’t take you directly to the private gardens.

Breaking down the Bujeon Gamyeon Path’s unique roses

These well-established rose gardens were originally built in the 1990s and have since been well-maintained. The rose gardens are famous, but the roses themselves aren’t your typical roses. The roses grown there are your standard garden roses, other species with deep roots. A landscape maintenance group called the Jeju Agriculture and Rural Development Initiative has done much of the work replanting roses for the past two decades. There are yellow roses, pink roses, and red roses in the many species. Each type of rose is associated with different cultural meanings. The yellow roses represent new experiences. The pink roses are associated with new memories. Red roses represent the red sunsets of Jeju island.

Exploring the sensory experience

The roses also have a unique smell. The smell of the rose gardens is a mix of fresh flowers, grass, and earth. The combination is more enticing than any other sensory experience. Hundreds of people come to Jeju island to smell the roses in the spring and have a unique experience. This sensory experience, along with the sight of the landscape, makes for a truly immersive experience. Members of the various Jeju gardening organizations easily access the roses and are committed to maintaining the garden. The rose garden is one of the only gardens on the island that truly showcases the beauty of Jeju.

Planning your visit

Most people arriving to Jeju Island are more likely to see: The Sogwelosebong Crater, with the largest freshwater lakes of the island and Geomunoreum lava tubes, the most extensive lava tube system in the world. But if you’re looking for a quieter experience, many tourists also visit the Bukchon Gamyeon rose garden in the heart of Jeju.

• What to Wear: As Jeju Island is very mountainous, the temperature can vary greatly from day to day. The best advice is to check the weather before you leave. Also, the walkway can be muddy, so make sure to pack shoes with good grip.
• The best time to visit: It’s recommended to visit Jeju Island in the spring when the roses are in bloom. The garden opens from 9 AM to 6 PM daily, and it costs 2,5000 KRW From the island's natural idylls to its rich history, Jeju Island is a place to be treasured. Bukchon Gamyeon is one of the most pristine places on the island, with a rich cultural experience that many people overlook.