Eunice’s Garden in Ansan: A Hidden Botanical Café Near Seoul
After enjoying lunch at , we got back in the car and drove past Baegun Lake, winding our way through narrow farm roads. Our destination? A place called Eunice’s Garden.
When we arrived, we were surrounded by what looked like a forest. But it wasn't a natural one — it was clearly cultivated, full of trees and flowering plants. Was this a nursery? A private arboretum?
Just down from the entrance stood a striking red building. This, we learned, was the restaurant. Walking through the middle entrance, we were reminded of places like or — a peaceful, themed garden getaway.
On the path, we saw a sign that read “I:PUL GARDEN.” Was this the garden’s previous name? Despite the heat of the day, walking under the trees felt cool and pleasant — nothing like the scorching asphalt roads outside. As we strolled, we discovered quirky and fun sculptures scattered throughout the garden.
Eventually, the path opened up to reveal a large building topped with the same sculpture we saw earlier — only this time, it was huge. We thought it was the café, but it turned out to be a flower shop filled with potted plants, hydroponic greens, and herb-themed goods.
One plant caught my eye — the Watermelon Peperomia, nicknamed “Watermelon Pepe” for its striking green and white striped leaves. It’s not only cute, but also a natural air purifier. It’s said to remove xylene and formaldehyde from indoor air. Just make sure to keep it somewhere warm and bright.
The real surprise came when we went up the stairs to the café. The passageway wasn't just a staircase — it was an indoor greenhouse filled with trees beneath a glass ceiling. It was like walking through a lush conservatory, cleverly designed to make full use of the sloped terrain.
At the café, we sat by large windows that opened out into the forest. It felt like we were still outside, basking in the green light of the woods. I couldn’t help but wonder how this place would feel in autumn or winter.
We ordered marigold tea, cherry blossom tea, and iced rooibos. Rooibos was familiar, but the floral teas intrigued us. The marigold tea looked like it was made of yarn flowers — curious, subtle in taste, but oddly soothing. The cherry blossom tea was similar but more fragrant.
Health Benefits of Marigold and Cherry Blossom Teas
At home, I looked up their health benefits.
Marigold (Calendula):
Antioxidant properties – Rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, it helps combat aging and supports immunity.
Anti-inflammatory effects – Useful for joint pain, digestive discomfort, and skin inflammation.
Eye health – Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
Skin regeneration – Promotes collagen production and skin renewal.
Digestive support – Can soothe the stomach and improve digestion.
Cherry Blossom:
Antioxidant-rich – Helps reduce oxidative stress and aging.
Relieves stress – The scent has calming and mood-lifting effects.
Improves skin elasticity – May slow down skin aging.
Boosts immunity – Packed with vitamins and minerals.
Detoxifying – Assists the body in removing toxins.
Of course, herbal teas should be enjoyed in moderation. They are no substitute for water, and excessive consumption can have unintended effects. I once had too much jasmine tea and ended up running to the restroom all day — turns out it was the diuretic effect!
This garden was once just farmland and orchards. Since 1975, the founder began planting cherry trees, maples, and ornamental trees — eventually transforming the area into a 27,000-pyeong (about 89,000 square meters) forest garden. In 2014, they opened the I:PUL Indoor Garden — the greenhouse café and flower shop we visited. In 2017, it was even selected as one of the “Top 100 Gardens to Visit” by the Korea National Arboretum.
This place shows how time, vision, and effort can turn farmland into something truly magical. It's not about one being better than the other — it's about the beauty of transformation.
The friends I visited with are ones I first met in 1984 — 40 years of friendship. As we enter the second half of our lives, I’m reminded of how precious long-lasting friendships are. They say that, like good wine, good friends only get better with time. I hope we continue aging well together — fragrant, rich, and deeply cherished.
Info
Address: 139 Banwolcheonbuk-gil, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Phone: +82-31-437-2045
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
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