Gimnyeong Maze Park

Gimnyeong Maze Park is an amazing combination of natural beauty and an intellectual game, located in the picturesque city of Jeju City. As the first symbolic maze in a country like South Korea, this park offers visitors the unique experience of walking inside a living hedge. Its walls are formed from majestic Leyland Cypress trees, reaching up to 3 meters in height, creating a sense of complete isolation from the outside world surrounded by evergreen foliage.

Gimnyeong Maze Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The park's territory is imbued with the spirit of the island: the paths are paved with genuine volcanic rock (scoria), and the maze's shape from a bird's-eye view replicates the outline of Jeju Island. It is not just an attraction, but an entire cultural space where images of dolmens and other significant symbols of local history are hidden among the greenery.

One of the park's most charming features is its "fluffy guards"—about 50 cats live here permanently. The park's founder created a real animal shelter here, so friendly cats walking along the paths or resting on benches have become an integral part of Gimnyeong's atmosphere, making a walk through the maze even more heartwarming and pleasant.

To contact the park administration or clarify details before your visit, you can use the following contact information:

The main challenge the park sets for its guests is, of course, completing the green maze itself. You will be given a map at the entrance, but don't rush to look at it if you want to test your intuition. Inside, winding turns and dead ends await, looking absolutely identical and forcing you to return to the start. Stamp stations are set up halfway and at the end of the route, and the final point is an observatory with a bell: anyone who successfully finds the exit can ring it, announcing their triumph to everyone.

In addition to the quest, the park provides all the conditions for a relaxing break. Be sure to climb the suspension bridge, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the maze's emerald walls and the surroundings. This is the perfect place for vibrant photos. Animal lovers can spend time in the company of local cats—you are allowed to pet them, and special food can be purchased on-site to treat the fluffy inhabitants.

For families with children, there are play areas with puzzles, and a cozy cafe operates at the entrance, where you can relax after your "adventure" with a cup of tea or coffee. In spring, the park is transformed by blooming gardens, and the scent of pine needles makes a walk through the maze not only interesting but also beneficial for your health. Remember the rules: you shouldn't run in the maze so as not to scare the animals or other visitors.

Getting to this unique spot in Jeju City is easy, as it is located near other famous natural landmarks like the Manjanggul and Gimnyeongsagul caves. If you are planning a trip from Jeju International Airport, take bus No. 100 to the intercity terminal, and then transfer to route No. 260. The journey will take about an hour.

For those who value comfort and independence, renting a car is an ideal option. A drive along the island's scenic coastal roads will add pleasant impressions to your journey. Convenient parking is available at the park entrance, and the location is easy to find by following the signs on 122 Manjanggul-gil.

If you prefer not to use public transport, you can always call a taxi directly from the city center. This is the fastest, though more expensive, way to get to Gimnyeong Maze Park.

The history of this place began in 1987, when Gimnyeong Maze Park opened its doors as the first facility of its kind not only in South Korea but in all of Asia. Its creation was made possible thanks to the enthusiasm of Frederic H. Dustin, an American professor at Jeju University who lived on the island for many years and invested his own funds into the project's development.

The maze design was developed by the famous British company Adrian Fisher Minotaur Maze Designs. Deep meaning is embedded in every line and turn: from above, the park's outlines repeat the shape of Jeju Island, and seven symbols of local culture and mythology are encoded within. Walking along the paths, an observant visitor may notice elements referring to ancient dolmens and the island's history.

The park's four-legged inhabitants give it a special atmosphere. Professor Dustin was a passionate cat lover, and it was he who established the tradition of caring for them on the maze grounds. Today, about 50 cats live here, having become full-fledged masters of the park and its living symbol, attracting as much attention as the cypress walls themselves.

To walk through the living walls of the maze at a leisurely pace and enjoy the park's atmosphere, most travelers need about 1–2 hours. If you have an excellent sense of direction, you might finish faster, but the beauty of this place lies precisely in the unhurried stroll and the search for hidden symbols.

We recommend setting aside a total of 2–3 hours for your visit. This time is enough to interact with the local cats after completing the quest, take commemorative photos from the suspension bridge, and have a cup of coffee in the cozy cafe at the entrance. During the peak tourist season or when traveling with a large group, the length of stay may increase slightly.

The park hospitably welcomes visitors daily, including weekends and holidays. Standard opening hours are from 09:00 to 17:50. This allows you to plan your visit for either the morning or afternoon.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the official website or clarify information with local guides before your trip, as the schedule may change slightly depending on the season or special events.

A visit to the maze can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the eastern part of the island. The Gujwa-eup area is rich in theme parks and natural beauty, allowing you to create a packed itinerary for the whole day.

The surroundings offer entertainment for every taste: from high-tech museums to cozy gardens and amusement parks. Here is a list of nearby attractions that might interest you: