Marcy MinianoI don’t know about you, but whenever I was told to ‘think happy thoughts’ as a child, the first thing that came to mind was a flower field. Picture bright, lovely colours that go as far as the eye could see, paired with the scent of fresh blooms and the soft hum of a valley breeze. It also happens that purple — pretty much all shades of it, really — is my favourite colour. Yes, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that lavender fields are my definition of paradise. So, imagine my joy when I found out that there’s actually one in South Korea called Hani Lavender Farm.
Reminiscent of a farm somewhere in rural Europe, this lavender field in South Korea has all the makings of a bucket-list-worthy destination: charming ambience, proximity to other popular cities and attractions, and of course, a splendid blossom-filled landscape that can launch a thousand Instagram likes.
Image credit: Hani Lavender Farm Instagram Page
That said, Hani Lavender Farm is definitely something worth adding to your itinerary the next time you’re in the Land of Morning Calm. But for now, we’ve listed down a few things you should know beforehand — along with some photos to further spark your wanderlust!
1. It’s a short day trip from Seoul!
Planning a trip to ever-dazzling Seoul? Well, you might also want to allow at least half a day to visit Hani Lavender Farm. Located in Goseong county in Gangwon province, just south of the Korean DMZ, it’s only about a three-hour drive away from the capital!
To get there, take a bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Ganseong Bus Terminal. Once you get to Ganseong (i.e., the main city of Goseong), take a cab going to the farm, which should only take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also opt for a guided tour, though this might be slightly pricier than simply going on your own.
2. It has the ideal spot for a lavender field in South Korea
Image credit: Vicky Chen
Hani Lavender Farm was founded in 2006 by Ha Deok-ho, who is dubbed as the ‘lavender missionary.’ According to Korea’s official tourism website, he initially had a herb shop in Gyeonggi province, before moving to Gangwon to start his own lavender farm. He specifically chose Goseong for its climate: characterised by moderate winters and breezy summers, this valley is most ideal for growing such flowers that have poor cold resistance.
3. It’s open all year round…
Image credit: 김동현
Admission fee is ₩4,000 (~S$4.79) per person, regardless of the season. Although, students, groups, and PWDs can usually avail of discounts.
4. …But June is definitely the best time to visit
Why June, you ask? Well, that’s when the annual three-week Lavender Festival is held! While the lavender fields often start to blossom as early as May, towards the end of spring, June is when the flowers are in full bloom.
Image credit: Hani Lavender Farm Instagram Page
Enjoy a wide array of events happening in Hani Lavender Farm, such as drawing and photo contests, music performances, and lavender distillation demonstrations. What’s more, you can also take fun classes (not included in the admission fee) on how to make your own lavender sachet, perfume, aroma spray, and even pizza!
Image credit: C.J.
But, of course, the highlight of your visit should definitely be strolling around the lavender fields and breathing in their calming scent, with the summer sun shining brightly. It’s almost like a dream sequence, if you’d ask us!
Note: The lavender fields are in full swing until July, in case you’d prefer dropping by post-festival.
5. There are lavender-infused gastronomic delights…
Image credit: Kat Gala
During the festival, Hani Lavender Farm sets up a few cafés and seating areas, where you can marvel at the purple-filled scenery while enjoying some lavender-infused food and drinks! We’re talking about lavender ice cream, iced tea, lemonade, bingsu, and more.
Image credit (L-R): iamkarenini; Kwangil
Aren’t your tastebuds the least bit curious to try these?
6. …And a lot of pretty souvenirs you can bring home!
Regardless if you’ll visit in time for the Lavender Festival or not, make sure to drop by the souvenir shop. You’ll definitely want to bring home something for their wide array of items made with lavender; from soap, lotion, and essential oils, to scented candles, herbal tea, and more! Trust us, you wouldn’t want to leave empty-handed.
7. There are also other pretty blooms around
Image credit: Hani Lavender Farm Instagram Page
Hani Lavender Farm sits on a 33,000 square-metre plot of land that also features other botanical finds. Aside from the crowd favourite lavender, you’ll also find colonies of rye, poppy, chamomile, and hollyhock.
Image credit: 김동현
There’s even an orchard of metasequoia trees by the entrance, where you can have a quiet picnic. All these play somewhat of a supporting role to the main event that is the lavender field.
8. It might soon become an art haven, too
During the annual Lavender Festival, the farm also showcases various artworks from all over South Korea, such as paintings, photographs, and even poetry. In fact, word on the street is that Ha Deok-ho is planning to develop it into an ‘art farm,’ making it a place for visitors to discover works of emerging artists.
9. It took some time for it to be known
Image credit: Hani Lavender Farm Instagram Page
Granted, Hani Lavender Farm has yet to be as popular a naturescape as the likes of Jeju Island and Nari Park. Nonetheless, it has definitely become a must-see South Korea destination in recent years. But, of course, it wasn’t always like this! Back when it was still starting out, there weren’t many visitors in Goseong.
About a decade since Hani Lavender Farm opened, word eventually spread far and wide about the festival and how the farm itself is a sight to behold. Nothing like discovering a splendid lavender field in Asia that can rival those in Europe, right? That said, if you’re planning to visit during peak season, we recommend going on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have better chances of having the place all to yourself!
Also read: Check Out These Flower Fields in South Korea Straight out of A Storybook
10. Even the road leading up to it is purple!
Image credit: JinSun Ko
To get to this lavender field in South Korea, follow the bright purple road. No kidding — there really is such a road, and it’s popularly referred to simply as the Purple Road!
Image credit (L-R): 배고픈 한채형; ｙｕｍＹｕｍ
Just like the farm, this one also makes for a cool IG-worthy photo spot! So, don’t be surprised if you spot people having their pictures taken in the middle of the road.
Also read: Here Are The Best Spots to Enjoy The Lavender Fields of Provence!
Now, doesn’t this make you look forward to witnessing the summertime scenery in Hani Lavender Farm someday? Or better yet, have you already been here, or any other lavender field in South Korea for that matter? Whichever it is, we’re all ears!
