Seoul is preparing to introduce 25 community-based “Attractive Gardens” across its districts ahead of the opening of the Seoul International Garden Show on May 1, 2026. The gardens will be developed throughout the city’s 25 autonomous districts, transforming aging neighborhood spaces into green community environments that reflect each area’s history and cultural identity. The initiative is part of Seoul’s broader effort to expand accessible urban greenery and strengthen connections between residents and public spaces through storytelling-style garden design.
{img}Beginning April 20, previously underused living-area spaces will reopen as newly landscaped gardens created through collaboration between professional garden designers, citizen gardeners and local community gardening groups. These redesigned areas are intended to serve as everyday relaxation spaces for residents while also showcasing locally inspired themes unique to each district. The project supports the city’s long-term strategy to integrate nature into residential neighborhoods and promote environmental awareness through participatory urban landscaping programs.
{img}Several districts have already revealed signature garden concepts that highlight their neighborhood character. In Jongno District, Cheongjin Park will host Cheongjin Damso, an open gardening lounge designed as a communication-focused cultural space that can also accommodate small busking performances. In Seongbuk District, the Garden to Lean On project near Gilbit Park will create a welcoming walking-friendly green zone for residents. Meanwhile, Geumcheon District plans Geumcheon’s Flow along Doha Small Park, a pedestrian-oriented garden designed to connect people and public space through landscaped pathways. In Seocho District, the riverside Wish Garden near Yeouicheon Stream will combine forest scenery, flowers and water features to create a relaxing neighborhood environment.
{img}The main exhibition area of the Seoul International Garden Show 2026 will take place around Seoul Forest, together with nearby sections of Ttukseom Hangang Park and surrounding neighborhoods such as Seongsu-dong and Hwayang-dong. During the event, visitors will also be able to explore 25 small-scale “popup gardens”, each approximately 12 square meters, representing the identity of individual districts in one central exhibition space. After the festival concludes, these popup gardens will be relocated to their respective districts for continued community use, extending the event’s long-term environmental impact beyond the exhibition period.