The park's Gwangokji pond was established in 1463 by scholar Gang Hui-maeng after he brought lotus seeds back from Ming Dynasty China.
It is historically significant as the site where lotus cultivation first began in the Korean peninsula.
The park features over 50 varieties of lotus and aquatic plants.
It is managed by the local government to preserve the botanical heritage of the Siheung region.
The white lotus (Baek-ryeon) grown here is historically associated with the literati culture of the Joseon period.
Siheung Lotus Theme Park is a specialized botanical garden centered around Gwangokji, a historic pond known as the birthplace of lotus cultivation in Korea. The park spans approximately 18 hectares and hosts a massive collection of diverse lotus species, including the rare Vicia faba and tropical water lilies. It serves as a living museum for the Baek-ryeon (white lotus), which traces its history back to the Joseon Dynasty. The site functions as both a recreational space and an agricultural research hub operated by the Siheung City Agricultural Technology Center. Wooden boardwalks meander through the marshy terrain, allowing visitors to walk directly over the water surface. The park includes a dedicated greenhouse for tropical flora and an exhibition hall detailing the history of the Gwangokji site. The landscape is primarily flat and open, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands.
The wooden boardwalk that cuts through the center of the main lotus pond provides the most immersive angle for close-up flower photography.
Bring a hat and portable fan as the park has very little natural shade along the boardwalks.
Use insect repellent, as the humid, marshy environment attracts mosquitoes during the peak summer months.
Visit the onsite exhibition hall first to understand the historical context of the Gwangokji pond before walking the grounds.
Avoid visiting in the middle of a sunny afternoon during summer, as there is almost zero shade and temperatures can be uncomfortable.
The park is best experienced during the peak blooming season of summer; the site is an open outdoor area and remains accessible year-round, though it loses its primary aesthetic appeal in winter.
Stay on the wooden boardwalks to avoid damaging the aquatic plants; do not pick any flowers or vegetation.
