A poster for the Seoul Garden Festival / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
A stretch of green in the heart of Seoul is set to transform into a sprawling cultural stage this month, as the city government rolls out a weekslong garden festival packed with music, art and hands-on experiences designed to draw crowds into nature.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that the 2026 Seoul Garden Festival will run from May 16 to June 7, taking place every Saturday and Sunday at Seoul Forest.
Now in its second year, the festival will feature themed weekend programs aligned with the broader Seoul International Garden Show, offering a mix of performances and interactive activities set against the park’s natural landscape.
Opening weekend on May 16 and May 17 will spotlight performances blending traditional Korean arts with contemporary styles under the theme “Garden Pungnyu.” Acts include the band Leenalchi, known for its viral hit “Tiger Is Coming,” alongside groups such as Akdan Gwangchil, Yeonhee Company Yuhee and Hannuri Yeonhee Troupe.
On May 17, performances will shift toward experimental reinterpretations of traditional music, with artists including Haepari and 64ksana presenting electronic-infused sets.
The festival will continue over the following weekends with a lineup of popular musicians. Singer Lee Mujin is scheduled to perform on May 23, followed by 10cm and Jukjae on May 30. MeloMance will close the Saturday performances on June 6, while indie bands will take the stage each Sunday.
Beyond music, visitors can take part in a range of daytime programs starting at 1 p.m., including traditional paper flower crafting, gardening workshops and art activities that invite participants to capture the park’s scenery.
All performances are free, with Saturday shows requiring advance reservations through the city’s public booking system. Officials said the event is designed to offer residents a place to unwind and engage with garden culture in an urban setting.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
