Seoul's autumn garden festival brings 51 new displays to Maeheon Citizens' Forest

Seoul's international garden festival is expanding deeper into the city this fall, adding 51 new gardens, outdoor performances, and wellness programs to Maeheon Citizens Forest in southern Seoul. The 2026 Seoul International Garden Festival, which started at Seoul Forest in May, will now extend to Maeheon Citizens Forest in Seocho District from Thursday through October 27, while the Seoul Forest exhibition remains ongoing.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Maeheon Citizens Forest, the festival showcases gardens crafted by 367 local gardeners, alongside competition entries and sponsors from both companies and institutions.

The 51 gardens featured include 14 competition gardens, with four designed by professional designers, five by local citizens, and five by students. Additionally, there are 31 gardens created by local hobby gardeners and six gardens sponsored by companies. An opening ceremony will take place on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Forest Stage, featuring performances and awards for the garden competition participants.

Visitors can participate in docent-led tours three times a day, during which gardeners will share the stories behind their designs. The festival will also host 128 activities for attendees to enjoy.