A whirlwind of colour awaits you at this charming and informative museum and wildlife park.
The Psyche World Butterfly Park is one of the more unusual attractions on Jeju Island. Visitors can find out more about these fascinating creatures in the flesh before being amazed by the exhibits in the extravagantly quirky museum, which shows the insect world in an entirely new light!
The park is named after the Greek word for butterfly, which also happens to be the Roman name for the wife of Cupid (Psyche). Part educational, part unashamed entertainment, the park combines static displays with live creatures. Over 3,000 species of butterfly are represented, as well as other insects, birds and even snakes.
Waiting to greet you on the ground floor are preserved specimens of butterflies from all over the world, painstakingly displayed to showcase their fine colours and delicate anatomy. The craftsmanship of the curators is evident as you wander from case to case, enabling you to study the insects at a close range impossible in the wild.
Parody World offers a whole new angle on the natural world, with artfully composed tableaux featuring insects in a variety of larger than life situations. Check out the bugs playing football, exercising in the gym, landing on the moon, working on a building site and exploring the North Pole. All the characters are made from insects collected on Jeju Island.
Once you’ve laughed at the weird and wonderful displays, head on up to the first floor to view live specimens in all their natural glory. Watch thousands of colourful butterflies dip and bob through the air, and meet some of the birds and reptiles that are native to the island.
This eclectic museum also contains a collection of jewellery, including some items from the British Royal family, Asian antiques, and a mirror maze, all adding further to the fun. Youngsters can test their skills on the obstacle course and make friends with the animals in the Wild Rabbit Park, before you complete your visit with a snack or a drink in one of the three on-site cafes.
The Psyche World Butterfly Park is situated to the west of Jeju City and is easily reached by taxi or bus from the airport. It is open all year round and there is an entry charge.
