Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival Opens on the 15th for Nine Days

320,000 Rose Bushes Form a 5.45 km Rose Tunnel

The 18th Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival, a signature spring event in Seoul, will be held from May 15 to 23 for nine days in and around Jungnang Rose Park.

Last year’s view of the Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival. Provided by Jungnang-gu.

First launched in 2009, the festival is marking its 18th edition this year. The 5.45 kilometer-long rose tunnel along the Jungnangcheon Stream and the spectacle of 320,000 rose bushes attract visitors each year, cementing its status as a leading spring festival in Seoul. This year, the festival is themed “Rangrang 18,” symbolizing both the significance of its 18th anniversary and 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life', aiming to create an interactive festival that bridges generations and social groups.

This year’s festival features notably enhanced resident participation programs. New age-specific programs have been introduced, including the children's hands-on activity “Rose Fairy Nararang,” the “Decorate Rose Sticks” activity for teenagers and young adults, and the rose pot planting program “Spread Jungnang Roses” for middle-aged and older participants.

The rose parade, previously centered around neighborhood participation, has been expanded to include a wider range of local residents, such as hobby groups and families. A special children's area, “Yes Kids Fantasia,” will be available for families, and for the first time, 18 “festival ambassadors” will be selected to commemorate the 18th edition. The ambassadors, dressed in rose-themed costumes, will help with photography and event guidance throughout the festival grounds.

The main event, the “Grand Rose Festival,” will take place from May 15 to 17, each day featuring a unique theme. On May 15, “Happy Rose Day” will include a walking event, the rose parade, the proclamation of Jungnang Rose Week, and performances by district cultural troupes, followed by celebratory performances by singers Bae Ahyeon and Lee Sooho in the evening.

On May 16, “Romantic Rose Day” will feature interactive activities such as Rose Fairy Nararang and Decorate Rose Sticks, a second round of performances by the district cultural troupe, and performances by singers Norazo and CHEEZE. On May 17, “Love Rose Day” will include the Spread Jungnang Roses program, the Jungnang Residents’ Song Contest “Rose Song Festival,” and the main event will conclude with performances by singers Park Seojin and Yumi.

Permanent programs will also be held throughout the area. At the Surimdae Rose Garden, the Jungnang Foundation for Arts & Culture will present its signature reading play “Mangwoo Yeoljeon,” along with busking and multicultural performances. The Jungnang Rose Café will offer the newly developed “Rose Bread” and a festival-themed goods pop-up. At the Rose Flower Light Street near Myeonggol Station, there will be a flea market and busking, and during “Jungnang Rose Week” (May 15–23), local restaurants will offer a 10% discount. In addition, a barrier-free information center will provide accessible festival maps and multilingual guidance for people with disabilities and foreign visitors.

Last year's view of the Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival. Provided by Jungnang-gu.

On the final day, May 23, the Jungnang Artist Festival will be held at Myeonmok Sports Park as a closing event. A new “Moonlight Market” will offer food from local traditional markets and alleyway shops, while “Roseland,” a space combining craft workshops and play experiences, and a social welfare expo will also be available. On stage, there will be an artist concert and a Winners Concert, as well as performances by singers Lee Eunmi, Hwang Minho, and Lee Hyeri.

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