"Gokseong Filled with the Scent of Roses" World Rose Festival Opens Tomorrow

From May 22, Ten Days Across the Entire Seomjingang Train Village
Expanded Festival Grounds for a More Comfortable Visitor Experience
A Stay-Type Spring Festival to Enjoy Both Day and Night

The 16th Gokseong World Rose Festival, representing Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do, will open in splendid fashion at the Seomjingang Train Village for ten days from May 22 to 31, 2026. This year, the festival space has been greatly expanded and interactive content has been enhanced, transforming it into a stay-type spring festival that visitors can enjoy both day and night.

On May 21, Gokseong County announced that it will host the 16th Gokseong World Rose Festival for ten days, from May 22 to 31, at Seomjingang Train Village, officially welcoming spring tourists.

View of Gokseong County Office, Jeonnam.

This year’s festival, held at Seomjingang Train Village—a renowned rose destination in Korea where tens of millions of roses bloom spectacularly each year—adopts the theme “Sixteen, Rose Adolescence – Excitement, Growth, Change.” The event will feature even richer content and more interactive programs.

Notably, the festival has moved away from its previous focus on the Rose Park and now encompasses the entire Train Village, providing visitors with a more comfortable and enjoyable viewing environment. As a result, the popular “Find the Golden Rose” program, traditionally held at the lawn plaza, has been relocated to the Chichippuppu Playground Plaza. Various hands-on programs and promotional zones have also been distributed throughout the festival grounds, ensuring a diverse array of experiences for all visitors.

Convenience spaces where visitors can create lasting memories of the festival have also been significantly enhanced. A new “Rest & Excitement Photo Zone” has been created in the lawn plaza, while uniquely themed photo spots have been installed along the festival routes to make walking even more enjoyable.

There will also be a wealth of participatory programs that bring together locals and tourists. On the opening day, May 22, at 5 p.m., the “Welcome Rose Parade” featuring local residents will kick off the festivities, followed by a vibrant opening performance and celebratory concert, further elevating the festival atmosphere. Additionally, events such as the Rose Park Busking Challenge and the Romantic Rose Proposal have been expanded, giving visitors more opportunities to participate and enjoy onsite.

During the festival, Seomjingang Train Village will extend its hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. By day, colorful roses, photo zones, and experiential programs will catch the eye, while by night, dazzling lighting and a variety of performances will offer a unique and enchanting spring evening experience.

In addition to viewing the roses, visitors can also enjoy the village’s signature attractions, including the steam locomotive and rail bike, making it a special spring memory for families, couples, and friends alike. Furthermore, the county will operate booths selling local agricultural products and food markets, aiming to stimulate the local economy by linking the festival with local businesses.

Gokseong County has completed all comprehensive pre-festival inspections of transportation, safety, hygiene, and convenience facilities in anticipation of large crowds during the festival. The county has also strengthened its safety management system through collaboration with related organizations.

A Gokseong County official stated, “Marking its 16th year, the Gokseong World Rose Festival is ready to welcome visitors with even more advanced programs and stunning rose landscapes. We hope you will experience the unique romance and atmosphere of spring in Gokseong at Seomjingang Train Village during May, the month of family.”

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