My Herb Island Adventure

For our first whole day in South Korea, my mom and I visited Herb Island, a herb tourism farm theme park. We enjoyed it so much that I vowed to be back there soon. But how we got there is an entirely different story. (read: tiring, confused, wrong bus, evicted from train, lost, lost, lost.)

For future adventurers to Herb Island, read thoroughly to save yourselves from frustration and stress! Directions at the end of this post.

For this trip, I believed that I had researched enough information on transportation details and directions. Boy, I was wrong. The directions I got online, (forgot where) were very confusing! Following the instructions, we headed for the Uijeongbu Station but along the way, all passengers were to get off at Arongdong Station. We followed the crowd and walked through an overpass then came to the opposite side of the rail. Then we rode the train towards Uijeongbu. But from there, the instructions I got online were totally not useful since almost all people that we asked were not familiar with the places listed on it.

I will spare you the detailed lost-and-found story, but the bottom line is that we got on and off different subway stations, and asked for directions from so many people. And finally, we arrived at Soyosan station.

Soyosan or Soyo Mountain Station

A station officer who speaks good English pointed us to the bus stop. Later, we were already across the street waiting for bus 53 (that's according to my research, but turned out to be the incorrect one). He came out of the station, and made one of his boys ran across the street towards us with a printed instruction for bus drivers. I was so grateful for his thoughtfulness that I gave him a big almost 90-degree bow across the street. (In the photo: He's the one who's turning to head back to the entrance door.)

I still have this paper with me. :)

We rode Bus 53 thinking that we would finally reach our destination. Little did we know that minutes later, we would be evicted from it. The bus driver grumbled something in Korean then pointed to the door. From what we understood, we were to wait for bus 57 at the bus stop. We got off and waited. The waiting shed was a bit deserted with only occasional passing by of trucks carrying soldiers! I suddenly felt panicky. Not sure where the Korean border was located, I silently prayed that no nuclear bombs and the likes would fall on us.

At last, Bus 57 came. I waved at it wildly. Literally. (I just want to make sure that it will stop!) We showed the printed instructions to the driver, and after some time, we arrived at Herb Island. Finally!!!

get off the bus when you see these signs

Samjeong Elementary School - a quiet learning place

Following the signs, we walked until we reached Samjeong Elementary School. We continued walking until we were finally at the entrance of Herb Island. (Phew!) Entrance fee is 3,000 won (approx. Php 120)  per head.

Map of Herb Island

We were starving by the time we arrived, but the place was too wonderful and we just had to take a few shots before heading for lunch.

And now, our first shots of Herb Island:

The Herb Museum

Herb Island's Venice

Doll Collections at the performance circle

The first sights to welcome visitors are the Herb Museum and Venice. The whole theme park is obviously very European-inspired. 

The performance area. FYI: These are Pinoy performers:)

We also chanced upon a band performing in the center arena. But the sun was quite unforgiving that day, so only a handful of guests braved the heat to enjoy their performance.

Gondola Station

Now, we just had to set aside picture-taking and attend to the more important matter of the moment- our hunger! So off to Herb Restaurant, Glass Room!

View from inside the Glass Room

Herb Restaurant's outdoor part is garden-themed, a perfect setting for an afternoon chat and tea. Benches are in vibrant yellow-green colors, that adds much to the charm of the area. We chose to be seated inside the glass room though, (obviously, for the airconditioning). We ordered a set meal of pork cutlet and a vegetarian bibimbap. (I think that was the healthiest food I'd ever had. :p)

Pork Cutlets :)

An herbal bibimbap with edible flowers hehe

I can't exactly remember the taste, but I think we were both happy with our orders, and the fact that we were seated inside such an adorable place, I think even vinegar would taste sweet!

After having our lunch, we finally set out to explore what this place has to offer.

Our first stops were the souvenir shops...

Sun-Mul Gagae or the Present Shop

The Sun-Mul Gagae or Present Shop is quite small and it offers the usual touristy stuffs like mobile phone accessories, keychains plus some other interesting items. As with the rest of the theme park, the shop is also filled with artsy-crafty-retro inspired decors.

Present Shop: There's always some picture-worthy corner, be ready with your camera!

The Haengbok Gagae or Happiness Shop:

Welcome to the Happiness Shop!

Flower lovers and craft enthusiasts will surely love this place. Happiness shop is the longest shop in Herb Island where you can find potpourri, artificial flowers, herb candles, herbal soaps, incenses, dolls, picture frames, and many other lovely things.

Happiness Shop: Potpourri, anyone?

Happiness Shop: So much to see!

We bought herbal soaps, scented sachets (Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, etc.) and other small things to bring back as gifts. I especially love their Sandalwood scented sachet for my closet. I regretted not buying more for myself!

Scented sachet at 1,500 or 2000 won (Php 70-90)

The next must visit place is the Herb Bakery.

Herb Island Bakery

What to find: Herb bread, herb cookies, herb jams, herb drinks ...

And specialty here is (drumroll please... ) the Herb Garlic Stick! I tried one and was not disappointed. If I had tasted it before leaving Herb Island, I would have come back for some more.

My Herb Garlic Stick

Another shop that took away much of our time:

Photo from Herb Island Brochure

The Aroma Shop sells herb oils, teas, bath and body items, aroma pouches and so much more interesting trinkets. They also offer massage and free tea tasting. The different aromas of herbs, oils, and tea made a great combination, giving the whole shop a unique and relaxing smell.

Small bottle of Jasmine Tea at 5,000 won. (around Php 220)

For those who are not into souvenir shopping, Herb Island is also designed to give visitors so many photo opportunities. With their Mediterranean-inspired structures, everyone can  pose with Europe's famous landmarks.  

Herb Island's own Trevi Fountain

Un petite village: a French experience

After a long day of exploration and picture-taking, you may want to take a rest and have some traditional Korean food. The Herb Kalbi Restaurant is the place for you. According to the brochure, they have excellent Kalbi soup (beef rib). Hmm, maybe I'll try that next time.

Herb Kalbi Restaurant

Other places of interests include Animal Farm, Flower Shop, Observatory, Herb Plants Museum, Flower Garden, Waterfall Garden, Therapy Centre, and Herb Workroom. I would recommend guest to allot at least one whole afternoon to see much of the sights.

 

 

 

You will also find a very different Herb Island at nightfall. We wanted to stay until night time so that we can enjoy the scenic night view. But we were scared to get lost so we reluctantly went home before sunset. See you soon Herb Island..

 

 

 

Herb Island is open everyday from 10 am to 10 pm.

Entrance is 3,000 won per person.

 

 

 

Directions to Herb Island:

From my own experience, the best route would be: (taking a bus from Soyosan Station)

1. Ride the subway to Soyosan Station.

2. From the station, walk to the opposite side of the road and wait for Bus 57.

3. Get off the bus when you see the sign Herb Island 300m. (that is the Samjeong-ri stop)

4. From there, you'll have to walk for a few minutes. you will pass by Samjeong Elementary School.

5. You will find a guard at the bottom of a slope. That is the entrance of Herb Island.

Do not worry about getting lost. Just follow the signs. :)

Map to Herb Island

Bus 57 schedule:

From Soyosan (Soyo Mountain) Station to Herb Island

Departure Time   7:50   8:50 9:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 14:50 15:50 16:50 17:50

Arrival Time       8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30

From Herb Island to Soyosan Station

Departure Time 8:40   9:40 10:40 11:40 12:40 13:40 14:40 15:40 16:40 17:40 18:40 19:20

Arrival Time      9:10 10:10 11:10 12:10 13:10 14:10 15:10 16:10 17:10 18:10 19:10 19:50

** While it is hard to tear yourself away from a beautiful place such as this one, do try to make allowances when planning your travel time. Be at the bus stops at least 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

Other directions from the Herb Island Brochure:

1. Take a train (Line 1) for Dongducheon Station.
2. When you get to Dongducheon Station, ride Bus 57 on the other side of the station.
3. Go through the Sinbuk Hot Spring, get off at Samjeong-ri (Samjeong Elementary School)
4. Walk 300 meters to Herb Island.

-or-

1. Take a bus (for Pocheon) at Dong Seoul Terminal (East Seoul Terminal) or at Suyu Intercity Bus Terminal
2. Take Bus 138 in front of Uijeongbu Station (Line 1)
3. Take Bus 57 in front of Hanmaeum Pharmacy (near Kang Hospital) in Pocheon.
4. Get off at Samjeong-ri (Samjeong Elementary School)
5. Walk 300 meters to Herb Island.

* Just choose which of the three directions is the easiest or shortest route for you. Personally, I think the first two are better.

Herb Island, the best present of nature.

Herb Island offers rest for both your body and mind through the stimulation of the five senses. 

--> that is according to their brochure, but I totally agree. :D