Travel
Seoul International Garden Show 2026 set to bloom across Seoul Forest and Seongsu
Haps Magazine Korea
January 20, 2026
(Illustration by Seoul Metropolitan Government/Illustration courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul is preparing to launch its biggest and longest garden festival yet, with the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show set to open on May 1.
Marking 100 days to go, the city has unveiled the event’s official poster and confirmed major plans to expand the festival footprint beyond Seoul Forest into the wider Seongsu area.
This year’s theme, “Seoul, Green Culture,” reflects Seoul’s push to connect nature with everyday city life, combining garden design with local culture, riverside scenery, and the creative energy Seongsu is known for.
A larger festival, across more of the city
The 2026 edition will span 710,000㎡, making it the largest Seoul International Garden Show to date. The festival is also scheduled to run for 180 days, extending the season longer than previous editions.
The number of gardens is expected to grow to 150, up from 111 last year. Seoul is also working with private companies and institutions to expand corporate and sponsored gardens, with a goal of 50 participating groups and 8 billion won in contributions. Participating brands already confirmed include companies from entertainment, food, fashion, beauty, and publishing.
A major visitor target for 2026
Seoul is aiming for 15 million visitors in 2026, building on the momentum of last year’s show. The city says the 2025 event drew over 10 million visitors and boosted nearby business activity, showing how large scale public festivals can bring economic energy into surrounding neighborhoods.
A new poster inspired by Seongsu’s mood
The newly revealed official poster uses Seoul’s 2026 city color Morning Yellow, paired with the festival’s key color Sky Blue, creating a bright, modern look that matches the creative identity of Seongsu. The design focuses on the area’s experimental, trend driven atmosphere while highlighting the connection between green spaces and the city’s riverside setting.
More events, tours, and local programs
During the festival period, Seoul plans to link the garden show with concerts, exhibitions, and seasonal events held around Seoul Forest. The city also plans to expand docent programs and develop more visitor friendly garden tours, helping both locals and tourists enjoy the show in a deeper and more meaningful way.
With its expanded footprint, longer run, and ambitious visitor goal, the 2026 Seoul International Garden Show is shaping up to be one of Seoul’s biggest outdoor cultural highlights of the year.