Travel
Sancheong Saengcho International Sculpture Park to host Flower Lawn Festival in April
haps Magazine Korea
March 19, 2025
(Sancheong-gun)
This April, the hills of Saengcho-myeon, Sancheong will be transformed into a breathtaking sea of deep pink flower grass, welcoming visitors to the 6th Sancheong Saengcho International Sculpture Park Flower Lawn Festival from April 11 to 20.
The festival takes place in Saengcho International Sculpture Park, a 30,000㎡ park known as the largest single flower lawn site in Korea. The hills and embankments covered in vibrant pink blooms resemble a natural carpet of flowers, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. This year, newly installed nighttime lighting and fountain displays will offer an even more immersive experience.
Visitors can stroll along well-maintained walking paths surrounding the flower lawns, enjoying the scenery without stepping directly onto the grass. The festival also highlights Saengcho-myeon’s connection to football—as the hometown of former Vietnam national team coach Park Hang-seo, parts of the flower fields are creatively arranged in soccer ball shapes, drawing the interest of visitors who stop to take photos in themed photo zones.
As visitors ascend the scenic trails, their gaze will shift beyond the flower-covered hills to the sparkling Gyeonghori River, enhancing the overall sensory experience of spring in Saengcho-myeon.
A Unique Blend of Nature, Art, and History
The Saengcho International Sculpture Park, where the festival takes place, is a distinctive cultural and artistic destination that combines 20 modern sculptures from renowned local and international artists with Gaya-period tombs. This fusion of contemporary art and ancient history makes it feel like an open-air gallery set against a pink floral landscape.
To further enhance the festival experience, organizers have expanded the flower fields and planted additional blooms along embankments and roadsides, turning Saengcho-myeon into a springtime paradise. The new flower arrangements include designs shaped like fish and herbal medicine pots, reflecting Saengcho’s heritage as a center for freshwater fish and traditional herbal medicine.
Festival Highlights: Performances, Exhibitions, and Local Specialties
The 2025 Flower Lawn Festival will feature a range of cultural programs, hands-on activities, and specialty markets, including:
Art Exhibitions & Craft Experiences: The Sancheong-gun Wood Carving Master’s Center will display works by National Intangible Cultural Property No. 108, master woodcarver Park Chan-su, alongside weekend flower stand-making workshops.
Live Performances: Busking concerts will add to the festival’s festive atmosphere.
Interactive Events at the Sancheong Museum: The museum will host an exhibition on prehistoric artifacts and historical culture, along with a small flower lawn sports event for families.
Local Market & Agricultural Specialties: Visitors can explore a market featuring Sancheong’s finest agricultural products, providing an opportunity to experience the region’s unique flavors and crafts.
Saengcho-myeon: A Region Steeped in Culture and History
Neulbee Fish Village: Known as the “Hometown of Freshwater Fish”, Saengcho-myeon has long been famous for its rich fishing heritage.
The area surrounding the festival is home to traditional freshwater fish restaurants, serving delicacies like spicy stingray stew, braised pear fish, and various freshwater species including croaker, crucian carp, and loach.
The village’s name, “Neulbee,” refers to the way fish were traditionally laid out in abundance, a nod to the region’s plentiful fish resources from the Gyeonghogang River.
Saengcho Ancient Tombs: Overlooking the sculpture park are the Saengcho Ancient Tombs, a historical site preserving the Gaya culture of the Three Kingdoms period.
Designated as Gyeongsangnam-do Monument No. 7, the tomb complex consists of about 20 large tombs and hundreds of stone chamber burials dating back to ancient times.
Excavations in 2002 and 2004 unearthed significant artifacts, including iron helmets, long swords, horse gear, and Japanese bronze mirrors, offering valuable insights into the historical exchanges between Gaya and Japan.