The garden covers approximately 180,000 square meters of land and water.
It is specifically designed as a water purification facility using natural plant-based filtration.
The name 'Semiwon' translates to 'washing one's heart with water and viewing flowers'.
It contains a dedicated memorial area for Admiral Yi Sun-sin, featuring a recreation of his turtle ship.
The garden maintains a collection of rare aquatic plants that bloom specifically in the summer months.
Semiwon Garden is a large-scale aquatic botanical garden situated at the confluence of the Bukhangang and Namhangang rivers. The site features extensive lotus ponds designed to purify the water of the Paldang Reservoir. Visitors navigate the grounds via traditional stone paths, wooden boardwalks, and a unique floating bridge constructed from pontoons. The garden displays hundreds of lotus species, including the rare 'Big Victoria' water lily. It incorporates elements of traditional Korean garden design, such as water wheels and stone sculptures, to reflect on the relationship between nature and human ecology. The park is managed as a public educational space focused on water conservation and environmental awareness.
The floating bridge connecting Semiwon to the nearby Dumulmeori area.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the majority of the garden is exposed to direct sunlight with minimal shade.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the stone pathways and wooden bridges cover a large, uneven area.
Do not attempt to walk on the river ice in winter or visit during heavy monsoonal rain when path accessibility is restricted.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Avoid picking flowers or stepping into the water-filled plant beds.
