I often reflect that the best decision I ever made was to plant seeds and nurture them. What started 60 years ago as a weekend passion for cultivating the land has now become a flourishing sanctuary. The park I built tree by tree and the few bears and koi I once cared for have all grown into a magnificent family. Beartree Park is the result of a lifetime dedicated to the joy of growth.
Beartree Park, enriched by the layers of time and infused with deep devotion, is no longer just a private family legacy. It is my sincere hope that this sanctuary becomes a place where more people can share in its bounty, and where our children can come to discover a lifelong love for nature within this beautiful arboretum and zoo.
Witness a sixty-year legacy fueled by a single individual's dedication and passion for the natural world.
We invite you to explore the story of how a humble greenhouse dream evolved into this beloved destination
Small Greenhouse, Grand Vision
1959-1962
What started as a simple hobby—growing orchids with his wife after work—eventually blossomed into Founder JY Lee’s lifelong passion and the core of his world.
The Legacy Begins: Songpawon
1963
Founder JY Lee envisioned his new land in Uiwang as a "bank of life." He personally scouted and planted rare trees from every corner of Korea. Inspired by the graceful "waves" of wind through the pine trees, he named his sanctuary “Songpawon.”
Despite his demanding career as a top executive at a corporate, his weekends remained dedicated to the soil, nurturing the forest that would eventually become Beartree Park.
Mastering Orchid Cultivation
1977
To bring advanced orchid techniques to Korea, JY Lee visited a Japanese professor seven times before finally learning the secrets of sterile cultivation.
His four-year dedication led to Korea's first mass production of orchids. This achievement was driven not by profit, but by his pure, lifelong love for nature.
The Expansion of Life
1981
In 1981, while the government encouraged bear farming for profit, JY Lee had a different vision. Moved by compassion for animals in poor conditions, he chose to care for them personally rather than seeking financial gain. He built a new sanctuary within the garden and spent his daily life watching over and protecting his new animal family.
A New Chapter in Sejong
1978~1989
JY Lee moved his beloved garden to what is now Sejong City to provide a more spacious home for the trees and bears. This relocation was more than just a move; it was the birth of a grand arboretum. On this vast new land, his private sanctuary finally evolved into the beautiful park we see today.
A Place for Everyone to Enjoy
2000
As the garden grew to over 360,000 square meters, it became a vibrant tapestry of life. JY Lee decided that such beauty was meant to be shared. Moving beyond a family retreat, he began a journey to create a public arboretum. By researching leading parks and zoos around the world, he laid the foundation for a space where nature and people could coexist in perfect harmony.
The Birth of Beartree Park
2009 - NOW
In 2009, the private sanctuary of Songpawon was reborn as Beartree Park. Spanning a vast 80-acre site, this unique park offers a beautiful blend of themed spaces and wildlife habitats.
Witness the breath of nature as you encounter more than 100 bears and various animals in their lush homes. Whether you are strolling along our seasonal trails or enjoying a relaxing break at our cafes, there is always something new to discover. Beartree Park is a living cultural space that delivers a different kind of inspiration every season, inviting you to reconnect with the natural world.
Be Part of Our Story
A harmony of wildlife and nature, crafted by 60 years of devotion.
The journey of Beartree Park never ends. Step into our garden and become part of this extraordinary legacy today.
