A Free Outdoor Festival in Seoul You Shouldn’t Miss
Seoul International Garden Show 2026 is one of the city’s largest outdoor events, transforming Seoul Forest into a walkable landscape of gardens, installations, and cultural spaces. Held across one of Seoul’s most popular parks, the exhibition brings together nature, design, and K-culture in a way that feels immersive rather than staged.
Unlike typical festivals, it is designed as a fully walkable, city-scale experience, where each zone offers a different atmosphere. The best part is that it’s completely free, making it one of the most accessible outdoor events in Seoul.
Event Overview
- Dates: May 1 – October 27, 2026
- Viewing Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (festival zones only)
- Location: Seoul Forest & Maehun Citizens' Forest
- Theme: Seoul, Green Culture
- Admission: Free
Is There Really a Pokémon Forest in Seoul?
Yes—and it’s one of the biggest highlights of the entire event.The Pokémon Secret Forest is a large themed garden (approx. 2,800㎡), featuring characters like Pikachu and Eevee placed throughout a nature-inspired setting.
However, there’s one important detail:
👉 This zone is only open from May 1 to June 21, 2026.
👉 This zone is only open from May 1 to June 21, 2026.
If you're visiting Seoul after June, you will miss this section entirely—so timing matters.
There will also be a Pokémon pop-up store on-site, likely selling limited edition merchandise, which can be a major draw for international visitors and collectors.
Festa Garden is the main exhibition space featuring designer gardens and industry showcases.
There will also be a Pokémon pop-up store on-site, likely selling limited edition merchandise, which can be a major draw for international visitors and collectors.
6 Themed Gardens to Explore
The festival transforms Seoul Forest into multiple curated zones, each with a different concept.
Trendy Garden is inspired by the creative vibe of Seongsu, and if you want to explore the area beyond the festival, check out my [detailed Seongsu-dong Shopping Guide] for the best flagship stores and Korean fashion brands.
Character Pop-up Garden features Pokémon, Kakao Friends, and LEGO collaborations.
Riverview Garden offers open landscapes connecting the Hangang River and Jungnangcheon.
Riverview Garden offers open landscapes connecting the Hangang River and Jungnangcheon.
Each zone offers a completely different atmosphere, making it feel like multiple destinations within one park.
Things to Do at the Festival
There’s more than just walking and sightseeing.You can join garden docent tours for guided explanations, enjoy live jazz and busking performances across the park, and participate in hands-on gardening workshops like moss ball making or DIY mini gardens. Food trucks and the garden market also make it easy to spend several hours here without planning ahead.
For a longer stay, this can be combined with a broader route like [4–5 Day Seoul Itinerary Guide].
Brand Gardens & K-Culture Highlights
This festival goes beyond nature—it’s also a brand-driven cultural space.Major brands like Dior, Starbucks, Porsche, and SK Telecom participate with their own garden installations. There is also a special “Kwangya Forest” by SM Entertainment, making this a unique stop for K-pop fans exploring Seoul.
Each brand interprets its identity through garden design, creating visually striking and highly shareable spaces.
Free vs Paid: What You Should Know
The festival itself is free, but some parts involve additional costs.Entry to Seoul Forest, all outdoor gardens, the Pokémon zone, and live performances are free. However, workshops may require a material fee, and food, drinks, and merchandise at the market or pop-up stores are paid separately. Limited edition goods, especially character items, may attract long lines.
Some indoor facilities within Seoul Forest may also have separate fees or operating hours.
You can easily reach the festival without a car. Subway access via Seoul Forest Station or Ttukseom Station is straightforward, and Kakao T taxi works reliably in this area. Travel time is around 20–30 minutes from central Seoul.
How to Get There (Easy Access)
Address: Ttukseom-ro 273, Seongdong-gu, SeoulYou can easily reach the festival without a car. Subway access via Seoul Forest Station or Ttukseom Station is straightforward, and Kakao T taxi works reliably in this area. Travel time is around 20–30 minutes from central Seoul.
Public transportation in Seoul is easy to use, with the T-money card widely accepted across subways and buses— [complete guide on how to use the T-money card in Seoul].
Tips for Visiting
The Pokémon Forest is only open until June 21, so visiting early is important. Arriving around 11:30 AM is recommended if you want to enter popular zones without waiting. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.For the best photo spots, look for luxury-themed installations like Dior Garden and Porsche Garden. If you're visiting Seoul during seasonal transitions, my [best time to visit Seoul guide] will help you plan around weather and crowd conditions.
The Seoul International Garden Show 2026 is more than just a park event—it’s a combination of nature, culture, and branded experiences in one place.
The Seoul International Garden Show 2026 is more than just a park event—it’s a combination of nature, culture, and branded experiences in one place.
With free entry, limited-time attractions like the Pokémon Forest, and direct access to Seongsu, this is one of the most accessible and rewarding outdoor experiences in Seoul.
Image courtesy of Seoul International Garden Show Organizing Committee