How to enjoy the 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo: Seoul Forest Garden Walk, Experience, Transportation
If you are looking for a leisurely walking festival in Seoul, the 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo is a good choice. According to official information, the event will be held in the Seoul Forest area from May 1 to October 27, 2026, and the main event will be intensively operated from May 1 to May 6. The overall size is indicated to be approximately 150,000 pyeong, so you can stop by for just an hour or two, or even take a half-day walk, and you will be very satisfied.
What kind of festival is the Seoul International Garden Expo?
The Seoul International Garden Expo is a festival that showcases Seoul's green culture by connecting parks and gardens in the city. In 2026, various artist gardens, corporate gardens, and citizen participation gardens will be added to the existing natural landscape of Seoul Forest under the theme of ‘Seoul, Green Culture’. Unlike fancy performance-type festivals, it is suitable for travelers who want to walk slowly, take pictures, and admire plants and designs.
How can I get around?
If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend a course that starts from Seoul Forest Station and follows the expo guide route. Each garden has a different atmosphere, so it's convenient to take a quick look at the whole thing at first, and then revisit the garden you like on the way back. Areas with many flowers make for beautiful photos in the morning or at sunset when the light is soft. People can gather on weekend afternoons, so if you want a leisurely viewing experience, it is better to visit on weekdays.
Among the official programs, there are a docent tour with a garden guide, a walking tour connecting Seoul Forest and Seongsu-dong, and a garden culture program in which citizens participate. If you want a more in-depth look at seasonal planting and garden design, check out the commentary program first. Some experiences require advance registration and operating hours may vary by garden, so it is recommended to check the official program schedule before visiting.
Good point for taking pictures
Seoul Forest has many places where you can see large lawns, shade from trees, and the city skyline. When you look at the expo garden up close, the colors and textures of the plants come to life, and when you look a little further away, you can see the entire structure of the garden. Portrait photos look natural when taken at a point where the road bends slightly beyond the entrance to the garden, on a bench next to a flower garden, or where an installation is in the background. However, in areas with many visitors, care must be taken to take short shots so as not to block passageways.
What to bring and viewing tips
The walking time may be long, so comfortable shoes are essential. On days when the sun is strong, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a small parasol are helpful. When taking photos close to the garden, do not enter the planting area and take photos along the designated route. If you are visiting as a family, it is a good idea to take a break by bringing portable cushions that are lighter than a mat, snacks, and wet tissues.
Transportation and Parking
The most convenient way is public transportation. According to official information, it is about 2 minutes from exits 3, 4, and 5 of Seoul Forest Station on the Suin Bundang Subway Line, and about 11 minutes from exits 7 and 8 of Ttukseom Station on Line 2. Buses can be used at stops in front of the Seongdong-gu Community Sports Center, Seoul Forest, and the main gate of Seoul Forest.
If you are visiting by car, the Seoul Forest Public Parking Lot and Seongdong-gu Sports Center parking lots are provided, but they can get crowded quickly on weekends and during main events. The garden fair is a festival where it is better to walk slowly rather than rushing. If you combine a trip to Seongsu-dong cafe street or a walk along the Han River during your trip to Seoul, you can enjoy it as a one-day trip.
