Seoul is set to unveil a new urban green space showcasing the beauty and traditions of Korean garden culture with the opening of the Korean Forest Garden on Namsan on June 27.

Located within the former Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden in Itaewon, the 30,000-square-meter site has been redesigned to highlight Korea’s natural landscapes and traditional garden aesthetics while offering visitors a place for relaxation in the heart of the city.

The garden features 11 themed spaces grouped under three concepts: traditional culture, nature and ecology, and rest and recreation.

Inspired by some of Korea’s most famous forests and gardens, the project reinterprets elements from destinations such as Damyang’s Soswaewon and Juknokwon bamboo forests, Uljin’s Geumgang pine forests, Jeju’s Gotjawal woodlands, and Gangjin’s Dasan Chodang.

Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes planted with native and traditional species including plum trees, crape myrtles, bamboo, and pine trees. Walking paths, rest areas, and scenic viewpoints have been designed to blend naturally with the surrounding environment and showcase the changing seasons.

Among the highlights is Jidangwon, a garden inspired by traditional Korean pavilions, where a bamboo grove and pond create a tranquil setting. Nearby, a barefoot forest trail allows visitors to experience the natural terrain of Namsan firsthand. Yeongjiwon features a peaceful pond and crape myrtle trees modeled after Damyang’s historic Myeongokheon Garden.

The nature-themed section includes moss gardens, bamboo groves, pine forests, and flowering landscapes designed to offer opportunities for relaxation and ecological appreciation. The moss garden provides a rare sense of calm and simplicity within the city, while the bamboo garden emphasizes the sounds of wind and nature. The pine forest area includes earthen walking paths designed for barefoot strolls.

For panoramic views, visitors can head to Namsan Maru, an elevated observation space overlooking both the forested slopes of Namsan and the Seoul skyline.

To celebrate the opening, Seoul will host a special program as part of the Namsan Summer Festival from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 27.

Activities include guided tours led by forest interpreters as well as free hands-on experiences such as traditional mother-of-pearl fan making and Korean-inspired tattoo sticker workshops.

USAG Yongsan

Camp Casey