By Honorary Reporter Rosemarie Ann Cuevas from Philippines
Photos = Rosemarie Ann Cuevas

While many tourists choose to visit Seoul, not many go to the northern Seoul suburb of Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province. 

The month of May presents the perfect opportunity to explore Goyang, which transforms into a breathtaking floral destination for its annual festival International Horticulture Goyang Korea. Running from April 26 to May 12, this year's edition was its biggest to date with thousands of flowers and plant species displayed indoors and outdoors from over 200 institutions representing 30 countries and 50 cities. I visited this event on May 4.

Goyang City Hall from 1991 began hosting the festival. Originally showcasing domestic flowers, it evolved into an international event by 1997 in attracting visitors from 30 countries. Today, this month-long celebration in May draws flower enthusiasts worldwide.

Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province, dazzles with global flora at this year's International Horticulture Goyang Korea.

The theme of this year's festival, "Flower in the Earth," emphasized the connection between flowers and a healthy environment and promoted eco-friendly cultivation methods for sustainable development. 

Ilsan Lake Park, the country's largest of its kind, in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province, features a giant inflatable lotus flower with moving petals at its center during the festival.

Held at Ilsan Lake Park, the festival offered more than just beautiful flowers; it was bustling with family-friendly activities. My smartphone overheated from snapping so many picture-perfect moments. The festival's official train had kids smiling and waving like celebrities, passing by booths selling souvenirs and giving visitors a glimpse of what they could buy.

A flower train decorated with blossoms of violet and indigo hues circle the lake park.

Flower water bikes were a major attraction at the festival, offering a leisurely way to explore the lake surrounded by colorful flowers and tall trees. Perfect for two or more people, these pedal-powered boats had long lines for just a 20-minute ride in which one could see picnickers and cyclists around the lake. 

A line of eager riders stretches by the lake to pedal the colorful flower water bikes.

Crowds wandered through the flower market, purchasing beautiful flowers grown at 38 farms in Goyang including cacti and succulents. In addition to flowers, the festival had a wide selection of unique souvenirs including beautifully carved wooden displays.

The flower market booths overflow with a diverse selection of succulents, cacti, plants and flowers.

Gift seekers could choose from a wide variety of handmade bags, summer hats and purses embroidered with colorful floral motifs inspired by the festival. Crafts made in or around Goyang included pottery, clothes and do-it-yourself keepsakes.

Among the many souvenirs to buy and see were the eye-catching namu paengi (traditional spinning top). A city cooperative also offered a treasure trove of Goyang-themed goodies.

The beautiful handcrafted souvenirs here include wooden carvings, floral merchandise and wooden toys.

This year's International Horticulture Goyang Korea was a feast of floral beauty, exciting attractions and unique souvenirs. Make sure not to miss the event next year to discover the charm of Goyang.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.