Western Routes bicycle path logo.

Hoesan White Lotus Habitat

Yeongsangang Bike Path

Hoesan White Lotus Habitat (회산백련지; map), located in Muan County, is the largest natural habitat for white lotus (백련) in East Asia. Covering approximately 33 hectares (330,000 square meters), this expansive wetland transforms into a breathtaking sea of white blooms during its peak season from July through September.

The Floating Glass Greenhouse stands amid the Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, surrounded by a vast expanse of lotus leaves, with traditional and modern buildings in the background.
The Floating Glass Greenhouse stands amid the Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A vast lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches toward modern structures, including the Floating Glass Greenhouse, under a partly cloudy sky.
A lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches toward modern structures.
An informational sign about the lotus flower and white lotus stands in front of the expansive Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with the Floating Glass Greenhouse visible in the background.
A sign about lotus flowers in front of the expansive Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A wooden suspension bridge leads to a white observation deck overlooking the Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with a large pavilion visible among the trees in the background.
A bridge leads to a white observation deck at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A scenic view of a wooden bridge crossing over a lotus-filled pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with lush greenery and distant mountains creating a peaceful backdrop.
A view of a bridge crossing over a lotus-filled pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A wooden suspension bridge decorated with traditional Korean ornaments spans the lotus pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, leading toward a white observation deck.
A bridge with traditional Korean ornaments spans the lotus pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.

The habitat’s origin dates back to the Japanese colonial period, when the reservoir where the lotus habitat sits was constructed to irrigate farmland. However, after Yeongsan River Estuary Bank was completed in 1981, the area’s supply of freshwater increased and farmers depended less on the reservoir.

In 1955, a local resident, inspired by a dream of 12 cranes landing on the water, planted 12 white lotus roots along the reservoir’s edge. Overtime, he and locals grew the area into today’s lotus habitat, filled with countless lotus flowers perched atop the water.

Beyond its beauty, the habitat is a key ecological zone, supporting over 50 species of aquatic and riparian plants, including the endangered prickly water lily (가시연꽃). It also provides an essential habitat for fish, amphibians, and insects, making it a model of wetland conservation.

Visitor Experience

A white observation deck rises above the lotus pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, offering visitors panoramic views of the wetland landscape and surrounding mountains.
A white observation deck rises above the lotus pond at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A serene view of a wooden bridge crossing through a lotus field, with the Floating Glass Greenhouse visible in the distance at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A bridge crossing a lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A dense sea of vibrant green lotus leaves covering the surface of the water at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, showcasing the flourishing wetland.
A sea of vibrant green lotus leaves at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
The lotus-covered waters at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretch across the landscape, with the floating glass greenhouse visible in the distance, offering a view into the expansive lotus habitat.
The lotus-covered waters at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretch across the landscape.
A lush sea of green lotus leaves stretches across the Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with rolling hills rising in the background, creating a picturesque rural landscape.
Green lotus leaves stretches across the Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
The lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches toward the Floating Glass Greenhouse.
The lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches toward the Floating Glass Greenhouse.

Hoesan White Lotus Habitat offers a blend of scenic beauty, ecological education, and relaxation:

  • White Lotus Bridge – A 280-meter-long wooden bridge crossing through the lotus fields, offering up-close views of the blooms and shaded pavilions to rest.
  • Floating Glass Greenhouse – Redesigned in 2021, this greenhouse-café overlooks the wetlands and serves as an educational center on the habitat’s flora and fauna. Its unique design was inspired by the delicate curves of lotus petals. It offers sweeping views of the fields.
  • Walking Trails & Pavilions – Pathways weave through and around the banks of the lotus-covered reservoir.
  • Boat Rides – Visitors can paddle through the lotus fields, enjoying an immersive experience of the wetland’s ecosystem.

Visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace, as the site is open year-round with free admission and 24-hour access.

Muan Lotus Festival

Held each summer (July ~ August) at the peak of the lotus bloom, the Muan Lotus Festival (무안 연꽃축제) celebrates the habitat’s beauty and ecological importance. Festival highlights include:

  • Boat rides through the lotus fields for a unique perspective.
  • Traditional performances & cultural exhibitions showcasing local music, dance, and crafts.
  • Lotus-inspired cuisine, such as lotus leaf rice, tea, and desserts, available at food stalls.
  • Family-friendly activities, including lantern-making, eco-education workshops, and guided nature tours.
  • Evening events, featuring lantern-lit walks and fireworks displays.
Vibrant green lotus leaves floating on the water in Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
Vibrant green lotus leaves floating on the water in Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
The Floating Glass Greenhouse, an architectural centerpiece at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, overlooks a vast lotus pond, blending modern design with the natural wetland environment.
Floating Glass Greenhouse, an architectural centerpiece at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A wooden walkway winds through the lotus habitat at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, leading to a shaded pavilion with lush greenery and colorful flowers lining the paths.
A wooden walkway winds through the lotus habitat at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A vast expanse of lotus leaves covers the water at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with the floating glass greenhouse standing prominently in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery.
A expanse of lotus leaves covers the water at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
A vast lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with green and yellow leaves stretching toward a tree-lined walking path, provides a scenic view of this ecological site.
A lotus field at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, with leaves stretching toward a tree-lined walking path.
A close-up view of lush green lotus leaves at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat, capturing the intricate texture of the leaves floating atop the water's surface.
A view of lush green lotus leaves at Hoesan White Lotus Habitat.
The vast Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches across the landscape, with the Floating Glass Greenhouse and nearby village nestled against forested hills in the background.
Hoesan White Lotus Habitat stretches across the landscape, with the Floating Glass Greenhouse.

Practical Information

  • Open Year-Round & Free Admission – Visitors can explore the habitat at any time, though peak bloom season is July to September.
  • Parking & Accessibility – A large parking lot and well-maintained trails make it accessible for all visitors.
  • Nearby Amenities – The site includes rest areas, picnic zones, and a water park for families.
Highlights
Get There
Yeongsan River
Ocheon Bike Path Title
Geumgang Bike Path Title
Seomjingang Bike Path Title
Yeongsangang Bike Path Title
Cross-Country Routes logo.
East Coast Routes logo.
Western Routes logo. Korean bicycle paths.
Jeju & More Routes logo. Korean bicycle paths.