Suncheon Bay National Garden Surpasses 1 Million Visitors... A Catalyst for the Local Economy

Four Days Ahead of Last Year: Surge in Family Visitors and Foreign Tourists
Vibrant Local Economy as Restaurants, Cafes, and Accommodations Bustle with Activity
Floral Displays to Feature Roses and Peonies in May, Lilies and Hydrangeas in June

On April 20, Suncheon Bay National Garden surpassed 1 million visitors this year, setting the record four days earlier than the previous year. The strategy of reinterpreting the garden as a space to be experienced, rather than simply a place to view flowers, has been widely credited for this achievement.

There have also been changes in the composition of visitors. There has been a noticeable increase in family visitors, moving away from the previous dominance of group bus tours. The number of foreign visitors of various nationalities, including Chinese cruise tourists, reached about 9,000—an increase of approximately 50% compared to the same period last year—further strengthening the garden’s status as a global tourist destination.

Suncheon Bay National Garden surpassed 1 million visitors this year on the 20th, setting a record 4 days earlier than last year. Provided by Suncheon City

This year, Suncheon Bay National Garden is focusing on expanding spatial experiences. Plans are underway to reinterpret existing spaces and enhance the depth of experience through cultural events and floral displays that combine with new content.

At the Streamside Garden, where the sound of flowing water and lush greenery create a tranquil atmosphere, the "Garden Meong" program (which includes knitting and writing sessions) has been operated, offering visitors a new way to spend time and relax within the garden—receiving a highly positive response.

In the Space Hub area, a relaxed garden culture unfolded under the theme of "Garden Picnic," where visitors enjoyed lunchboxes and picnic mats, accompanied by jazz performances that were perfectly suited for spring, delivering deep satisfaction to guests.

Additionally, in the Netherlands Garden, where tulips are in full bloom, the "Tulip Wonna Bom" event featured a hybrid program combining hands-on activities, photography, and drawing, prompting responses such as, "You can enjoy gardens in this way too." These experience-centered programs have spread organically through social media, creating a relay promotion effect on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

In particular, more than 100,000 visitors flocked to the garden over the weekend of April 11 and 12, energizing the entire local economy, including restaurants, cafes, and accommodations throughout Suncheon. This once again proves that Suncheon Bay National Garden has established itself as a key driver of the regional economy.

A local business owner near the national garden said, "Compared to the same period last year, sales have increased by more than 30%, marking the highest sales since opening. Although it’s physically demanding, I can’t help but smile thanks to the influx of customers." Visitors not only energized the vicinity of the garden but also played the role of "vitamins" by spreading vitality throughout Suncheon, including Jo-Rye-dong, Ujang, and Araetjang.

The garden is expected to become even more diverse in the future. A series of programs blending experiences, culture, and events—such as the French Garden, Princess & Prince Festival (tentative title), Space Hub, Starlight Serenade (Candlelight Concert), a soaking show run throughout the garden, Le Mouton walking gatherings, BBQ Chicken & Beer Festival, and baseball cheering squads—will be offered in succession.

Floral displays will also be renewed. In May, roses and peonies will bloom in sequence, and in June, lilies and hydrangeas will follow, presenting content that matches the flow of the seasons. In particular, amaryllis—a flower that can only be seen on the Taxodium Path—will begin to bloom this week and will be available for viewing until June.

An official from Suncheon Bay National Garden stated, "Suncheon Bay National Garden is evolving beyond a space for simply viewing flowers, into a multi-dimensional platform where people can stay, experience, and share emotions. We will continue to expand content that leverages the unique characteristics of each season and space, aspiring to grow as Korea’s leading global garden tourism destination and a vital hub for the regional economy."

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