The Suncheon Bay Garden Expo 2013 opens its doors to the public on Saturday, marking the first time that Korea is hosting the international garden event with a 15-year history. The Garden Expo, which is organized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers, is located in Suncheonman Bay, in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province and will run through Oct. 20. 

The expo stands as an example of natural beauty and an eco-friendly environment with three sections including the 564,000-square meter main expo site featuring 10 country gardens and a wide-variety of themed gardens; the International Wetland Center, 100,500 square meters, featuring a number of ecological learning and experience halls; and an arboretum measuring 253,000 square meters that features the Royal Azalea Garden and a forest exploration zone.

The expo is estimated to have cost around 245.5 billion won and is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors a day from all over the globe. With Suncheon being one of the cleanest cities in Korea and the development of landscaping and horticultural brought on by hosting this year’s garden expo, organizers expect Suncheon Bay to be transformed into the nation’s ecotourism hub.

Tickets to the exposition can be purchased in advance online at interpark.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)