The Seoul International Garden Show is back this year — bigger and longer than ever! 🌳

After attracting more than 10 million visitors last year, the show returns this year under the theme "Seoul, Green Culture" — expanding beyond Seoul Forest into the wider Seongsu-dong area.

Spanning over 710,000㎡ across 180 days, the exhibition offers a special experience — where the garden extends beyond a single exhibition format to become the city itself. 🖼️

From "Writer’s Garden" featuring international artists to the “Participation Garden” with companies, institutions, and local governments and “Linear Garden” connecting Hanyang University Station, Seongsu Station, and Konkuk Univ. Station — over 160 gardens are featured, offering a new landscape at every turn!

Beyond that, a variety of garden and culture programs — including performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities — will run throughout the Seongsu-dong area. Plus, the Garden Docent Tour is also available for a more in-depth experience. 🎧

Since Seoul Forest — the main venue — is within walking distance of Seongsu-dong's café street, it's the perfect chance to unwind in the garden and then explore Seongsu-dong's trendy pop-up stores and cafes. 😆

Come experience a truly special moment where nature, art, and the urban pulse of Seoul converge into one!

Did you know there's a place where you can lie on the grass in the middle of the Hangang River, enjoying music and art all at once?🎵 

Nodeul Island, located in the heart of the Hangang River, is one of Seoul's iconic cultural complexes where nature, culture, and relaxation come together!

Want to soak up the open river view, catch a romantic sunset, and enjoy a free performance? 👉 Head to Nodeul Yard ! 🌅

One of Nodeul Island's highlights is the sweeping panoramic view of the river. By day, you get the sparkling river against the city skyline — and by night, a breathtaking view of the sunset-lit skyline perfect for your best shot. In spring and fall, a variety of outdoor events are held here too — we can't wait to see what's planned for this year! 👀

Want a peaceful break with artworks? 👉 Head to Nodeul Bookstore & Nodeul Gallery. 📚

If you need a peaceful healing time during outdoor activity, try indoor places. You can read a book and take a break in the Nodeul Seoga, a cozy rest space with books and music, anytime. In the Nodeul Gallery, you can experience monthly exhibitions with cultural content for free and discover the latest art trends.

You can visit Nodeul Island by Hangang River cruise! How about having a unique experience in Seoul cruising along attractive courses across the Hangang River not by the usual bus, but by hopping on a cruise? 🚢

※ Some waterfront areas of Nodeul Island are restricted due to ongoing construction, and F&B facilities have permanently closed. Major facilities including the performance hall and gallery remain open. Food trucks are available on weekends for the time being.

Hangang Play Place is an indoor space where you can take a break around the Hangang River! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Recently opened at Ttukseom Hangang Park, Hangang Play Place is a cultural complex that brings imagination and fun to the Hangang River.

With its unique inchworm-shaped building, exhibition, hands-on experience, and resting spaces — allowing you to not only enjoy scenery but also the space itself. 🐛

The whole family can enjoy the place together, with floors 1 and 3 dedicated to Hangang Play Place and the second floor hosting play café.

On the first floor, people can experience media art alongside interactive activities such as Hangang walk and water play.

Also, on the third floor, Hangang River-themed videos and various cultural programs are available for free! People can enjoy free time in the relaxing lounge with the Hangang River views and Otter Playground for kids. 🛝

You can take in the wide-open Hangang River view from indoors. The space flows naturally into the outdoor areas –– making it a comfortable spot to linger regardless of the weather. 🌞

Additionally, visitors can also access the venue via the Hangang bus, as Ttukseom Hangang Bus Dock is a 3-minute walk away. You can take pedal boating around the area. 🦆

Enjoy a special time in Hangang Play Place, a whole new side of the Hangang River!

Looking for an oasis in the city amid a concrete jungle?

Boramae Park is here for you!

Boramae Park, located in southwestern Seoul, was once the Korea Air Force Academy site, and has now been reimagined as a green retreat for locals, with extensive greenery and amenities. Also, the park was the venue for the Seoul International Garden Show last year! 🚶

Double cherry blossoms and tulips in spring and autumn leaves in fall –– it’s a perfect spot to spread out a picnic mat and unwind.🌷🍂

At the center of the park is the sprawling “Central Lawn Plaza,” along with walking paths, a Musical Fountain, the Air Park featuring an aircraft structure, and a Dog Playground where pets can run freely. ✈️

With its spacious grounds, Boramae Park is comfortable even for group tourists — and a great spot to recharge between city sightseeing. 🐕

Enjoy Seoul's local life up close, blending in with people taking a walk and families lounging on the grass!

When the sun sets, the outdoor tables spill out onto the streets, making the entire alleyway into one big outdoor terrace.

The pojangmacha (Korean street tent bar) street around Jongno 3-ga dates back to everyday life in the 1970s–1980s, and many people still visit to enjoy a hot bowl of fishcake soup, various side dishes, and a glass of Soju and beer. The colorful tents and glow of lights show the most authentic Seoul scenes of the night.

Euljiro has its own distinct charm! The alleyways there were the heart of Seoul's industrialization, and it's now called "Hip-jiro("hip" Euljiro)". You can find craft shops and cafes by day and vibrant neon signs set the scene for outdoor tables by night. ☕

Notably, some venues are able to accommodate hundreds of seats and accept group reservations of 10 or more. They are located close to many major sightseeing spots such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Dongdaemun, and Myeongdong — making them a natural evening stop after a day of sightseeing. 🌇

If you're looking to feel the soul of Seoul's night — the people, the streets, and the warmth of it all — this is a must-visit!

How was Seoul’s charm this May? 🌿

We hope you can plan your "live like a local" journey to enjoy the spring of Seoul with the places introduced in this issue. 🌸

From a peaceful garden stroll to a relaxing afternoon by the Hangang River and a vibrant night among the old alleyway shops — connect these different charms into one itinerary for a truly fulfilling Seoul experience.

Why not have a relaxing time through the city, experience daily life like a local, and discover a whole new side of Seoul? 😀

With a fresh spring breeze in May, may your time in Seoul bloom into an unforgettable memory. 🌿