The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday announced this year’s Seoul International Garden Show will be held at Boramae Park in Dongjak-gu, southwestern Seoul, on the largest scale and for the longest duration, starting from May 22.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the eco-friendly festival, the city government is set to showcase 111 gardens from among a broader range of participants, ranging from students and local communities to garden artists, private firms, state agencies and local governments.
Garden experts from Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic have been invited to present unique gardens that were selected through an international contest in 2024. Ten landscape architecture student-led projects and 16 gardens -- designed by community gardeners -- will be featured in the festival as well.
Foreign residents living in South Korea also created 11 gardens for the upcoming festival.
This year, under the theme of “Seoul, Green Soul,” the garden festival seeks to turn the entire city into a living, breathing garden by reflecting people’s love and respect for nature, according to the city government.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed that the 400,000-square-meter festival space, roughly the size of 56 soccer fields, will not only be filled with the greeneries, but also with diverse cultural and welfare programs, along with hands-on activities.
Visitors can enjoy camping, a “booknic” and music for a glimpse into the garden-themed lifestyle. New garden tools, plants and outdoor living equipment will also be on display.
The Seoul International Garden Show will present different ideas for garden weddings and outdoor venues for wedding photos for the first time in its 10-year history, with hopes to create a new wedding trend in the country.
English docent programs will be available for foreign attendees.
The Seoul International Garden Show 2024, which took place at Ttukseom Hangang Park last year, featured 90 gardens and attracted 7.8 million spectators over approximately five months.
The city government expects to welcome more than 10 million visitors this year, inviting them to experience the beauty of gardens, find peace and create unforgettable memories.
Seoul International Garden Show 2025 runs from May 22 to Oct. 20.
sj_lee@heraldcorp.com
