Discovering the Beauty of Mulhyanggi Arboretum in Osan

[By Choi Kyung-sook]
As the monsoon season passes and summer heat sets in, many seek refuge indoors. However, there are places where one can enjoy a refreshing break in nature, such as Mulhyanggi Arboretum located in Osan, Gyeonggi Province. Just thinking about the shade provided by the trees makes one feel cooler.
Mulhyanggi Arboretum is a representative arboretum in Gyeonggi Province where visitors can encounter a variety of plants throughout the seasons. In summer, vibrant hydrangeas and the national flower, hibiscus, greet visitors. After reading an article stating that over 50 varieties of hibiscus were in full bloom, I hurried to visit.
Upon entering the arboretum early on a weekday morning, I discovered that since July of last year, admission has been free for residents. Grateful for this, I stepped into a lush green landscape. In the first resting area I encountered, visitors were already enjoying the cool forest, with families leisurely spending time with their snacks and drinks.
As I walked further in, I naturally stumbled upon the hibiscus garden. While many think of hibiscus as just one type of flower, it actually comes in various forms and colors. The traditional hibiscus with a white backdrop and red center, as well as pink and double-petal varieties, each have their unique beauty.
Hibiscus is a representative summer flower that blooms new flowers daily from July to October. Its resilience in producing flowers continuously symbolizes the spirit of our people. I enjoyed comparing the different varieties of hibiscus by alternating between the flowers and their labels.
Another highlight of summer at Mulhyanggi Arboretum is the stunning hydrangeas, blooming in shades of blue, purple, and pink. They create a picturesque scene that compels everyone to take out their phones and capture the beauty.
While the flowers are captivating, the arboretum offers more than just a visual feast. The Mulhyanggi Plant Bookstore and the Forest Exhibition Hall provide opportunities to cool off and learn about the ecology of the forest and trees. The bookstore had detailed descriptions of the hibiscus varieties, making it a fascinating visit. It was a delightful experience to sit quietly and enjoy the view of the forest outside while taking a break from the summer heat.
Mulhyanggi Arboretum is more than just a place to admire flowers; it serves as a cultural space for learning about and experiencing nature. If you wish to stroll through the cool forest paths while enjoying hydrangeas and hibiscus, I highly recommend visiting Mulhyanggi Arboretum in Osan. It's a perfect spot for family outings as well as solo healing walks.
Mulhyanggi Arboretum
• Address: 211 Cheonghak-ro, Osan, Gyeonggi-do
• Admission Fee: Free
• Closed: January 1, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and every Monday (if a Monday coincides with a holiday or long weekend, it will be closed on the following weekday)
• Opening Hours: March 1 to October 31 from 09:00 to 18:00 / November 1 to the end of February from 09:00 to 17:00 (Last admission one hour before closing)

Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224370136987
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