With kids, the easiest way to see the Seoul International Garden Expo in August is to arrive around 4 p.m., walk for about three hours until sunset, and take the Suin-Bundang Line to Seoul Forest Station instead of driving. Entry is free with no booking needed, but some activities are paid and require reservations, so prepare “garden viewing” and “activities” separately.
Quick Summary
The 2026 Seoul International Garden Expo ran from May 1 to October 27 around Seoul Forest and Seongsu-dong. In July and August, hours were 2–9 p.m., with free entry and no booking; only some activities were paid. Seoul Forest Station Exits 3, 4 and 5 are about a two-minute walk away. Check the official Seoul city and festival pages for program changes before you go.
Who It Suits
The Seoul International Garden Expo suits elementary families who prefer walking and observing to long exhibition texts, and anyone looking for a free evening outing in Seoul. Kids who struggle outdoors in the heat or tire after three hours of walking shouldn’t try to cover every zone.
Family Route
Arrive at Seoul Forest Station at 4 p.m., check the event map at the entrance, spend 60 minutes on the designer and participatory gardens, rest on a shaded bench for 20 minutes, revisit three gardens your kids pick for photos, walk the forest paths at sunset, then have an early dinner or coffee in Seongsu-dong.
Rather than trying to see all 167 gardens at the Seoul International Garden Expo, let kids pick one “most colorful,” one “with water” and one “most surprising” garden. Asking why shade feels cooler or which flowers attract insects connects naturally to elementary science.
Parking and Public Transport
Seoul Forest Station on the Suin-Bundang Line is closest, and Ttukseom Station on Line 2 is about an 11-minute walk. Organizers recommend public transport because parking gets crowded.
If you must drive, the Seoul Forest public lot is open 24 hours at 150 won per 5 minutes for small cars, about 5,400 won for three hours; check the current rate and availability before leaving.
Hours, Booking and Admission
In 2026, the expo ran until October 27, with August hours of 2–9 p.m. Entry is free, and regular garden viewing needs no booking. Garden tours and activities vary by session, age and price, so check the official program page for booking links and seats. Outdoor programs can change for rain, strong winds or heat waves, so check same-day notices.
Tips with Kids
Bring water, hats, a light jacket, insect repellent and a small towel. A USB rechargeable handheld fan with a fine finger guard is also handy.
Don’t step into the gardens or touch the plants; give kids observation missions instead of letting them run. Families with strollers should stick to the main loop rather than dirt paths.
Food and Cafés
After two to three hours at the Seoul International Garden Expo, head toward Seoul Forest or Ttukseom stations to eat. Weekend waits in Seongsu can be long, so instead of targeting one famous spot, check kid-friendly menus, restrooms and seating on a map app. For cafés, put air conditioning, seats and restrooms ahead of photo appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros: the Seoul International Garden Expo offers free access to a wide variety of gardens, linked with Seongsu in one route, and a natural way to talk about plants, cities and the environment at a kid’s level. Cons: it’s mostly outdoors and weather-dependent, and the grounds are so large that kids tire quickly without a plan.
Things to Note
Even on August afternoons the ground stays hot, so avoid long walks before 4 p.m. If rain, wind or heat warnings are issued, check the KMA forecast and event notices. In crowded photo zones, have one adult take pictures while the other watches the kids.
FAQ
- Do I need tickets? Regular garden viewing is free with no booking; some activities and tours need reservations.
- How long does it take with elementary kids? Plan two to three hours on the key zones, with a 20-minute break built in.
- Can we go in the rain? The park stays open, but outdoor programs may be cancelled; watch for wet decks and dirt paths.
- Is parking hard? It’s likely crowded on weekends and evenings; the subway is more reliable.
- When is the best time for photos? Around sunset, when the backlight softens; check the sunset time for your date.
Dates, hours and ticket prices in this guide are as of the 2026 edition. Check the official website for the latest information and future editions before you go.
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Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.