Seoul Forest: 2026 International Garden Festival
Meggie
2 days ago
A charming, whimsical and stimulating way to hang out in nature inside the urban landscape, Seoul Forest really steps it up during the annual spring festival.
I won't get into specific logistics here, as the festival is such a long event with so many moving parts- and unexpected shifts in schedule.
The highly- anticipated Pokémon exhibit hasn't really opened yet, many days after it was supposed to, as everyone showed up in excitement to see it at once. So, the best way to plan your time here is to scope out especially recent posts from verified official sources who represent the specific event or exhibits.
Don't worry; even if it stays closed, you can still get fantastic views of almost every scene and character safely behind the roped- off sections, in the general walkway. It's hilarious and delightful.
Most of the park exhibits and specialty gardens have Korean information placards kr signs, with limited English, but not really other languages. I was surprised more of the event didn't have audio options, only because it's such a phenomenal production.
Sadly, I missed the multiple free docent-led tours available. Try one out, I'm sure it bridges the gaps!
Artists, foresters, landscape designers, botanist, conservationists and any other related profession you can imagine from around the world come together for special installations across the massive grounds.
I loved seeing locals relaxing, exercising, catching up, picnicking and even napping here. You can feel the best parts of culture and humanity here!
It is so clean. I wish there were more trash bins around, especially for picnics and for the snacks sold onsite, but people figure it out.
I saw families, people on dates, individuals catching a quick sleep, a running club and some tourists. I was fortunate to go on a week night, before the ultra busy weekend nights I hear can get quite packed, so it felt leisurely and calm to me. None of the stages had events at the time so I enjoyed the quietness and break from big city commotion.
No space is left empty of art- even under the highway, this artificial cacti scene fascinates.
I had a really hard time sorting out public transportation away from here when I wanted to head out, which was unexpected, especially based on other reviews and suggestions I read. Because the park is so large, it takes a long walk (no scooters or bikes allowed most of inside) to leave the vicinity.
There weren't amazing subway options nearby, and getting a taxi via a rideshare app was really tricky. The garden perimeter connects to a lot of major roadways without places for vehicles to pull over for passengers, let alone to temporarily park. I had 6 taxis ordered and only 1 came through, and it was only because the driver was committed and skilled.
That shouldn't stop you from going, especially by bus, but consider it a factor when you're already worn out from a big stroll inside!
It is a phenomenal bird watching locale for the city, no surprise there! The birds are everywhere, especially now that spring is in full bloom.
The Forest is open 24 hours a day and night, which is fantastic for any schedule, personality, vibe and experience. If you can, come during the day nesr dusk and stay as everything changes colors and lights up the dark!
