June 20, 2023
Location and size
Located in the eastern area of Dongbu-myeon, Geoje Island, stands Geoje Nature Art Land (the Land). It is renowned as the home of Korea’s largest exhibition hall dedicated to the art of bonsai trees, rare natural stones, stone artworks, mini forests, orchids, and more. Encompassing a vast area of 47,935 square meters (equivalent to 75,000 평), the premises also include an additional 1,056 square meters (320 평) allocated for a separate glass greenhouse. This greenhouse is specifically designed to provide an ideal environment for over 500 different orchid species.
Collections
During my visit on a rainy summer day, it became evident why Geoje Nature Art Land is considered a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and admirers of delicate art forms, as well as rare stones and plants. The exhibition hall showcases an extensive collection of exquisite items, offering a wide variety of rare bonsai trees, exceptional stones (both natural formations and artworks), wooden crafts, orchids, and more. Amongst these displays, the stones stood out to me the most. Each possessed a unique shape, accompanied by intriguing stories according to Director Lee Seongbo.
Stone artworks
Stone artworks that give the impression of people standing in line, warmly welcoming you, made me smile and became more curious about the place. They created a feeling reminiscent of a large family portrait with multiple individuals standing together. Observing myriads of facial expressions added even more enjoyment to my visit to the Geoje Nature Art Land.
Oddly shaped rocks
The Land also features fascinating rock formations known as 기암괴석 in Korean, which translates to “oddly shaped rocks.” These rocks have been formed over years of erosion and weathering, resulting in their distinct and captivating shapes today. The left-side photo below is titled ‘ever-changing,’ highlighting the transformation of a rock’s shape over thousands of years. On the right side, there are two rocks resembling two penguins (or another kind of animals) engaged in a kiss. The peculiar shapes of these rocks make for a truly intriguing sight.
Mini Zhangjiajie
Another notable attraction is the ‘Mini Zhangjiajie (미니 장가계),’ which features stacked stones and plants arranged to form fascinating sculptures. The Mini Zhangjiajie park consists of interconnected rocks decorated with various plants, comprising more than 1,300 pieces. It resembles a miniature Chinese park called Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, as seen at https://www.zhangjiajietourguide.com/attraction-p1-zhangjiajie-national-forest-park.html.
Director Lee Seongbo
I believe that the driving force behind this magnificent establishment is Director Lee Seongbo. He has dedicated not only his entire life but also his financial resources to collect and display bonsai, rare stones, crafts, mini forests, orchids, and more. During our visit, Director Lee shared his lifelong dream of creating a space where nature’s treasures—stones, plants, and trees—could be appreciated and cherished all together. His unwavering passion and commitment have brought Geoje Nature Art Land to life, serving as a testament to his dedication and love for these art forms. However, Director Lee expressed his disappointment regarding the declining interest of younger generations in the collections of Geoje Nature Art Land, resulting in a significant decrease in visitors over the years. There were noticeable signs of limited management involvement, including a downsized special greenhouse for orchids. Fortunately, Director Lee has remained proactive in developing strategies to attract more visitors, including school children, with a positive spirit to revitalize the place.
A final word
As long as Director Lee, who aspires to create a natural art park where humans and nature breathe together, remains in charge, I am certain that visitors to Geoje Nature Art Land would be so impressed by the awe-inspiring scenery and the profound sense of devotion that permeates the surroundings. Even a single visit to this remarkable place is sure to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and dedication showcased within its boundaries.