Suncheon Garden Expo Achieves Target of 8 Million Visitors

Exceeded Goals with 24 Days Left Before Closing

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu Thanks the 'First-Class Citizens' Who Led the Success of the Expo

The Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo reached its target of 8 million visitors on the afternoon of the 7th, 24 days before its closing.

According to the Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo Organizing Committee (Chairman Nogwan-gyu, Mayor of Suncheon), following 1 million visitors during the recent Chuseok holiday, the expo attracted nationwide visitors enjoying consecutive autumn holidays, achieving the goal within 190 days of opening.

[Photo by Suncheon City]

The organizing committee held a celebration event with visitors at the Naruteo of the Lake Garden in Suncheon Bay National Garden to commemorate the 8 millionth visitor and surpassing 8 million visitors.

The event was attended by Chairman Nogwan-gyu (Mayor of Suncheon), Jeong Byeong-hoe, Chairperson of the Suncheon City Council, as well as Hwang Geum-young, head of the Ilryu Suncheon Citizen Movement Headquarters, and 10 representatives of workers.

The 8 millionth visitor, a couple in their 20s from Gwangju, entered through the East Gate of the National Garden at 3:19 PM.

The organizing committee held an unveiling ceremony of a flower tower created to commemorate surpassing 8 million visitors, followed by a rice cake cutting ceremony with the lucky visitors.

Chairman Nogwan-gyu (Mayor of Suncheon) presented the 8 millionth visitor with a lifetime free admission ticket to Suncheon Bay National Garden, and Chairperson Jeong Byeong-hoe gave a Garden Stay “Shillange” accommodation voucher.

Additionally, the Ilryu Suncheon Citizen Movement Headquarters, which has been leading efforts for the successful hosting of the Garden Expo, sponsored and presented 1 million KRW worth of Suncheon Love Gift Certificates.

Chairman Nogwan-gyu (Mayor of Suncheon) said, “I am deeply moved to welcome 8 million visitors. This achievement was possible thanks to the interest and support from the entire nation. The success of the Garden Expo is not the result of one or two people’s efforts, but thanks to the citizens of Suncheon who worked hard to reach a level recognized by the government and people of the Republic of Korea.” He also expressed gratitude to the public officials working tirelessly at the expo site without weekends, the Suncheon City Council for budget support, and the co-hosts, the Korea Forest Service and Jeollanam-do.

He continued, “Since the expo continues until October 31, we will not let our guard down and will do our best. We will establish a new history and milestone for Korea. Please watch over us.” He raised expectations by adding, “In mid-October, when autumn flowers are at their peak, the silver reeds of Suncheon Bay also create a magnificent view, so please visit the Garden Expo before it’s too late.”

The 8 millionth visitor said, “I had very fond memories of Suncheon Bay National Garden from my visit three years ago. I happened to have some free time and came back here, and I am happy to receive such a great gift as a ‘lifetime free admission ticket.’ It still feels surreal to be the 8 millionth visitor with odds as slim as winning the lottery, but this moment will remain with me forever.”

The Garden Expo opened on April 1 and surpassed 1 million visitors in just 12 days. By the 40th day, it attracted 3 million visitors, gaining attention as an ideal spring travel destination.

In summer, it offered various themed gardens suitable for vacations, such as the cool stream flowing through the National Garden and the Secret Garden Glacier Garden, reaching 6 million visitors on August 27, the 149th day since opening.

Meanwhile, on the evening of the 9th at 7 PM, the Ocheon Green Plaza will host the “Reply 2000” concert featuring stars from the 2000s, providing enjoyment for visitors.

Also, on the 11th, the opening ceremony of the “Namdo Film Festival Season 1” is scheduled to be held at Ocheon Green Plaza.

Suncheon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Lee Yeon-kyung hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.