Thousands of visitors gathered at the Choansan Hydrangea Garden in Nowon-gu, Seoul, for a floral festival that began Saturday [1].
The event transforms a former waste landfill into a public cultural space, showcasing the city's ability to repurpose industrial sites for environmental and community benefit [1].
The festival features 20 different species of hydrangeas [1]. Approximately 10,000 plants are currently on display, marking the peak of the summer bloom [1]. In addition to the floral exhibits, the event includes various cultural performances, including jazz, ballads, and acoustic guitar music [1].
Choansan Mountain underwent a significant transformation in 2023 to become a flower garden [1]. This redevelopment aimed to provide citizens with a seasonal escape and a natural landscape within the urban environment of Seoul [1].
Reporters on the scene noted that the area was crowded with citizens enjoying the blooms. "The festival is in full swing here, and it is crowded with as many citizens as there are hydrangeas," Moon Sang-ah said [1].
The gathering serves as a seasonal attraction for local residents and visitors from other districts, combining botanical appreciation with live entertainment to drive foot traffic to the Nowon-gu area [1].
“The festival is in full swing here, and it is crowded with as many citizens as there are hydrangeas.”
The conversion of the Choansan site from a waste landfill in 2023 to a botanical garden reflects a broader urban planning trend in Seoul to create 'green lungs' within densely populated districts. By integrating cultural performances with environmental restoration, the city is utilizing seasonal tourism to validate the success of its land reclamation projects.
