Think Camellias Only Bloom in Winter? Camellia Hill Says Otherwise
If you've ever searched for camellia photos while planning a Jeju trip, you've probably come across this name at least once — Camellia Hill, known to be located in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo. As the name suggests, it's said to be a garden built around camellia trees scattered throughout the grounds. Exactly when it opened, how large it really is, or what the admission fee costs — those are details I'd rather be careful about instead of stating flatly. Still, I want to share as much as I can about how it's been introduced and talked about around here for a long time. If you assumed this was strictly a winter destination, today's story might change your mind a little.
Camellias Really Do Start Blooming in Winter, It's Said
As the name Camellia Hill hints, this garden is said to be built around camellia trees. People often think of camellias as flowers that bloom briefly in early spring and fall just as quickly, but here, depending on the variety, camellias are said to bloom over a fairly long stretch from winter into spring. That's probably why photos of red camellias blooming among snow-dusted branches show up so often whenever this garden is introduced. I'd rather stay careful about exactly how many varieties are planted or how many trees there are, but I can say for sure that if you want to see camellias on a winter trip to Jeju, this is a name that comes up again and again.
The location in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, is also worth noting. Andeok-myeon sits in the southwest of Jeju, and it's said to be an area you tend to pass through while moving between well-known spots like Hyeopjae and Jungmun. That's why people often mention it fits fairly well into a route with other stops. Of course, it's safer to double-check the exact location and route before you go, but if you've already got plans around Andeok-myeon, it's worth remembering there's a camellia garden like this nearby.
I thought it was just a flower that blooms briefly in winter and then disappears — turns out it's a garden that wears a different face every season.
— 🍊 GyuliIt's Not Just Camellias — the Flowers Are Said to Change With Every Season
Here's the really interesting part about Camellia Hill. The garden isn't said to end once the camellias fall — a different flower is said to take their place with each new season. In spring, it's said to fill with bright blooms like tulips or canola flowers, and once summer arrives, the deepening greens are described as giving off a whole different mood. In fall, it's said that chrysanthemums and other autumn flowers take over parts of the garden. So if you visit for camellias in winter and go back a few months later, you'd essentially be walking into a completely different garden.
The fact that the garden's expression changes by season is probably especially welcome news for people who visit Jeju often — it means you can't really say you've seen it all after just one trip. Hearing this made me realize the name 'camellia garden' might make people assume it only suits winter, when in fact it's said to be a place worth bringing your camera to all year round. So if your trip doesn't line up with winter, there's no need to feel like you're missing out.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Since the garden is said to be fairly spacious, comfortable shoes are a good idea. It's often described as a slow walk along garden paths, so it helps to leave plenty of time for your visit. Details like the exact admission fee, operating hours, or opening year can shift depending on the season, so I'd rather not state them flatly here. It's worth checking the latest information once more before you go.
Since the garden's look is said to change by season, it's worth deciding when to visit based on which flowers you want to see. If camellias are the goal, aim for winter into spring; if you're curious about bright spring blooms, target the spring season instead. If you enjoy photography, stopping by once each season and comparing how differently the same garden looks could make for a fun record.
GYULI's Tip · If camellias are your main goal, early morning is said to be less crowded and better for photos. Looking up which flowers are in season beforehand will help you get a lot more out of your visit.
If the name 'camellia garden' had you thinking this was strictly a winter spot, I hope today's story shifted that a little. I can't wrap everything up in exact numbers, but I can say with confidence that it keeps being introduced as a garden that wears a different face all year round. If you've got a trip planned around Andeok-myeon, why not slip Camellia Hill into the itinerary this time?