Travel
Hydrangea festivals return to Tongyeong and Geoje in late June
Haps Magazine Korea
June 17, 2026
(Photo by Tongyeong City/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Two of Gyeongnam’s best-known hydrangea destinations will host festivals later this month, drawing visitors to colorful riverside and coastal flower displays in Tongyeong and Geoje.
Tongyeong’s 10th Gwangdo Bitgil Hydrangea Festival will take place on June 20 along Gwangdo Stream, where a 2-kilometer section centered around Deokpo Bridge transforms into a hydrangea-lined walking path each summer. The stream stretches for 5 kilometers in total and has become one of the city’s most popular seasonal attractions.
The festival will feature a variety of performances, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities set against the backdrop of blooming hydrangeas. Highlights include a children’s painting competition, a dog waiting contest for pet owners, and a free photo service where professional photographers capture visitors among the flowers. Additional attractions include food stalls, picnic areas, cultural exhibitions, and live performances ranging from drumming and dance to acoustic music.
Geoje’s 9th Nambu-myeon Hydrangea Festival will be held on June 27 and 28 at Jeogu Port in the city’s southern coastal area.
This year’s festival carries the theme “Hydrangeas, A Time to Rest,” reflecting the fact that hydrangea blooms in the area are less abundant than in previous years. Organizers said the slogan acknowledges both the natural cycle of the flowers and the need to appreciate the landscape even during a quieter growing season.
Although visitors may not see the same level of full bloom as in past years, the festival will offer a range of activities, including busking performances, hydrangea gardening experiences, photo booths, pop-art portrait sessions, and bubble shows.