Guide to visiting Geoje islands for half price

From coastal botanical gardens to former presidential retreats, Geoje is spotlighting its 80 islands this month by subsidizing 50 percent of travel costs for overnight visitors. Under the 2026 Heart-Fluttering Island Geoje Half-Price Travel program — a localized tourism drive — the city will refund up to 200,000 won ($133) for out-of-town tourists who register in advance and stay at least one night by May 31. The city selected Oedo, Hwado, Isudo, Naedo and Gajodo as the top island attractions. Oedo remains the standard for Geoje island travel. Dubbed the "Garden on the Sea," the island reaches its peak in May. Operating under the name Botania — a compound of the words botany and utopia — the island features various subtropical and tropical plants harmonizing with picturesque buildings to evoke a Mediterranean beach. It became a local landmark, drawing more than 1 million annual visitors after serving as a filming location for the KBS drama "Winter Sonata." Tourists can reach Oedo via cruise ships from the Jangseungpo, Wahyeon and Gujora docks. Hwado, or Flower Island, offers vibr