Seoul Forest International Garden Expo
Discover how Seoul Forest is transforming into a living showcase of “Garden City Seoul” through immersive gardens, cultural exhibitions, and community-centered green spaces. Before you set up your destinations check this place : Ttuksom Hangang Park
Seoul Forest: From Historic Landmark to Urban Green Oasis
Among Seoul’s many parks, Seoul Forest stands out as one of the city’s most beloved urban green spaces. What many visitors may not realize is that this vibrant park has undergone several remarkable transformations throughout its history.
The site originally housed Korea’s first water purification plant. During the 20th century, it became a horse racing track before the facilities were relocated to Gwacheon. Later, the area briefly served as a golf course and equestrian center. In 2005, the land was reborn as Seoul Forest, a large public park designed for residents and visitors alike.
Today, Seoul Forest is far more than a traditional city park. It has evolved into a dynamic destination where nature, culture, art, and recreation coexist harmoniously. Let’s find out in Seoul Forest International Garden Expo. Check this out to see what you need before plan your visit: https://www.youtube.com/@Prettyyoudaily
The Rise of “Garden City Seoul”
Recently, Seoul Forest has become a symbol of Seoul’s ambitious vision to transform itself into a “Garden City.” Throughout the park, visitors can explore beautifully designed gardens, outdoor exhibitions, and interactive community spaces that collectively create the atmosphere of a massive open-air gallery.
At the heart of this transformation is the Seoul International Garden Expo, an initiative led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to bring garden culture closer to everyday urban life.
How the Seoul International Garden Expo Has Expanded
The expo has steadily grown in scale and influence over the years:
- 2024: Hosted at Ttukseom Hangang Park, connecting riverside landscapes with garden design.
- 2025: Expanded to Boramae Park, bringing garden culture into residential communities.
- 2026: Extended to Seoul Forest, further strengthening Seoul’s vision of a city-wide network of green and cultural spaces.
This progression reflects Seoul’s long-term commitment to integrating nature into urban living.
A Garden Expo Designed for Everyday Life
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo is its emphasis on preserving the natural character of Seoul Forest while introducing creative gardens developed by organizations, businesses, and local citizens. Seoul Forest International Garden Expo highlights every aspects of these various needs as well.
Rather than functioning as a conventional flower exhibition, the event focuses on creating livable gardens—spaces where people can relax, gather, and experience nature as part of their daily routines.
Visitors immediately notice the thoughtfully designed wooden boardwalks winding through the trees. These pathways connect small resting areas and scenic viewpoints, creating the feeling of strolling through an enchanted forest garden.
Colorful flowers and carefully selected plantings blend naturally into the woodland landscape, while park-goers enjoy moments of relaxation on garden benches, take photographs, or simply appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
Community Spaces That Encourage Relaxation
A defining feature of the expo is its strong focus on public participation and community engagement.
One particularly inviting area is the “Book of the Month” reading space, where visitors can sit comfortably and enjoy books in a tranquil outdoor setting.
Throughout the park, wooden deck platforms offer additional opportunities to slow down and unwind. These spaces seamlessly integrate into the natural surroundings, transforming the expo from a temporary event into a genuine extension of everyday urban life.
The forest reading zones are especially popular among visitors seeking a brief escape from Seoul’s fast-paced city environment. Here, people can pause, read, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Themed Gardens Featuring Pokémon and Kakao Friends
Among the expo’s most popular attractions are its themed character gardens, which appeal to both children and adults.
Pokémon Secret Forest
The Pokémon Secret Forest in Seoul Forest International Garden Expo has become a major highlight of the event. Nestled among the trees, visitors encounter Pikachu and other beloved Pokémon characters integrated into the woodland setting.
Long lines often form as families, couples, and solo travelers wait for opportunities to capture memorable photographs.
Rather than serving merely as a photo zone, the installation successfully combines storytelling, landscape design, and nature to create an immersive garden experience.
Kakao Friends Garden
Alongside the Pokémon-themed displays, visitors can also enjoy installations featuring Kakao Friends characters. These playful additions bring a sense of fun and accessibility to the garden environment, making the expo particularly attractive for families and younger audiences.
Where Nature and Art Meet
One of the most striking aspects of the Seoul International Garden Expo is how naturally the gardens blend into the existing landscape of Seoul Forest.
As visitors walk through the park, they unexpectedly encounter new gardens, art installations, exhibition spaces, and rest areas around nearly every corner. The boundaries between forest, exhibition, and public space become intentionally blurred.
This seamless integration allows guests to experience garden culture without feeling as though they are visiting a formal exhibition. Instead, the gardens become part of the journey itself.
Why Seoul Forest International Garden Expo Matters
The Seoul International Garden Expo demonstrates how cities can successfully integrate green infrastructure, public art, and community engagement into everyday life.
Rather than treating gardens as decorative spaces, Seoul is positioning them as essential components of urban well-being. By expanding the expo from riverside parks to neighborhood parks and now to Seoul Forest, the city continues to strengthen its vision of a greener, healthier, and more livable future.
For visitors seeking inspiration in landscape design, urban sustainability, or simply a relaxing day outdoors, Seoul Forest offers a compelling glimpse into what a modern garden city can look like.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo at Seoul Forest showcases a new vision for urban parks—one where forests, gardens, art, and community life coexist in a single space. From peaceful reading corners and scenic woodland pathways to immersive themed gardens featuring Pokémon and Kakao Friends, the event transforms a beloved city park into an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape in Seoul, Seoul Forest International Garden Expo is a destination worth exploring.
