SEOUL, GOKSEONG & ULSAN, May 16 (Korea Bizwire) — From the southern riversides of Jeollanam-do to the urban trails of Seoul, rose festivals are in full bloom across South Korea this spring, drawing crowds with dazzling floral displays and vibrant cultural programming.
The 15th Gokseong World Rose Festival opened Friday at Seomjingang Train Village in South Jeolla Province under the theme “All Day Rose.” Running through May 25, the 10-day celebration has extended its hours until 10 p.m. to feature illuminated garden landscapes and nighttime street performances. A newly launched pop-up store will showcase Rozy Friends, the festival’s character developed in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization.
“This is the only place in the country where you can see 1,004 varieties of roses in one spot,” said a Gokseong County official. “We’ve significantly expanded our evening programs to allow visitors to enjoy the full experience after dark.”
In Ulsan, the 2025 Ulsan Grand Park Rose Festival is set to run from May 21 to 25. Organized in partnership with SK Innovation, the event aligns with preparations for the 2028 International Garden Expo. Now in its 17th year, the festival will take place in the nation’s largest rose garden, spanning 56,174 square meters and showcasing 3 million blossoms from 265 species.
Meanwhile, Seoul’s Jungnang District is hosting the 17th Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival from May 16 to 24. Festivities begin at Junghwa Sports Park and stretch 1.5 kilometers to the Surimdae Rose Garden stage, with a celebratory performance kicking off the parade.
A highlight of the Seoul event is the 5.45-kilometer rose tunnel along the Jungnangcheon Stream — the longest in the country — featuring 228 rose species and over 310,000 bushes in full bloom.
Together, the festivals reflect South Korea’s growing embrace of flower-themed urban and rural revitalization efforts, transforming local landscapes into cultural showcases each spring.
Image credit: Gokseong County, Jungnang District, Yonhap/photonews@koreabizwire.com
