Travel
Seoul Grand Park unveils new gardens and 9,000 peonies to delight visitors
haps Magazine Korea
May 5, 2025
Seoul Grand Park (Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Seoul Grand Park has embraced the arrival of spring with vibrant floral displays and immersive garden experiences, transforming the park into a colorful destination for citizens seeking beauty and relaxation in nature.
At the heart of this seasonal showcase is the Theme Garden, which features a 1,000㎡ area filled with 9,000 blooming peonies and tree peonies.
The floral display, already beginning to bloom in late April, is expected to reach its peak by mid-May. The richly symbolic tree peonies, known as the “king of flowers,” convey themes of wealth and longevity, while the softer herbaceous peonies charm visitors with their full blooms and associations with shyness.
Though often mistaken for one another, the two flowers differ ecologically, with tree peonies retaining woody stems year-round and herbaceous peonies sprouting anew each spring, an added detail that enhances the viewing experience.
Seoul Grand Park has been developing its “Forest of Flowers” project since 2021, successfully creating over 100 gardens throughout the park.
These efforts have earned national recognition, including the 2023 Garden of the Year award and selection as one of the 2024 Top 50 Urban Forests.
This year, several new gardens have been introduced. Gilseop Garden, located near Exit 1 of Seoul Grand Park Station, welcomes visitors with perennial wildflowers and flowering shrubs.
Pulnaem Garden offers a forest path-like atmosphere filled with changing seasonal blooms.
The Hibiscus Pocket Garden, a small space between the park office and the Forest Healing Center, provides close-up views of Korea’s national flower.
Across from Seoul Land, the Hydrangea Garden promises a colorful summer backdrop.
Lastly, the Pine Rest Garden near the giraffe restaurant inside the zoo combines diverse plantings with shaded seating areas for peaceful breaks.
With its expanding gardens and blossoming peony displays, Seoul Grand Park invites visitors to enjoy the tranquility of nature while capturing memorable spring moments.