Visitors, a 600,000-pyeong Garden
Everywhere Full of Life with a New Look
On the 25th, approximately 30,000 people flocked to the pre-opening event of the 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo (hereafter Expo), signaling a positive start for the successful hosting of the Expo.
The pre-opening of the Expo provided an opportunity for about 30,000 people holding ‘special experience tickets’ to preview the Expo grounds in advance.
Visitors waiting to enter ahead of the 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo pre-opening formed a long line at the entrance. Photo by Suncheon City
The ‘special experience ticket’ reservations, conducted simultaneously online and offline since the 15th, sold out 30,000 tickets within a week of opening, demonstrating high anticipation for the Expo’s opening.
On the day of the pre-opening, the National Garden was bustling with people waiting to enter from early morning, and as soon as it opened at 10 a.m., a large crowd poured into the National Garden. Visitors who saw the Expo grounds shared unanimous reactions: “Beyond expectations!” and “The garden has completely transformed.”
The vast lawns and the wide-open views that shake off the stuffiness of the city, along with the tone-and-tone beautiful floral displays, captivated visitors at a glance, earning praise as the best spatial design in the National Garden.
Additionally, the Garden Stay Zone, already emerging online as the best photo spot zone day and night, and the Garden Dream Boat experience, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms?the symbol of spring?while gliding through refreshing waterways, sold out in less than an hour after opening.
Moreover, the expanded ‘Water Bird Playground’ for young visitors, the flamboyant pink flamingo flock, the alpacas and zoo, and the ‘Kkumteul Playground’ where children can run freely, were very popular among family visitors.
Another notable aspect of this Expo is that the route for the National Garden’s Ferris wheel was extended outward to avoid overlapping with pedestrian paths, reflecting the organizing committee’s effort to create a people-centered garden.
One visitor, upon seeing the ‘Green Island’ visible after passing through the National Garden’s South Gate, said, “It’s hard to believe this was once an asphalt road where cars used to run,” adding, “I’m even more excited for the opening day on April 1st.”
Also, a pre-experience guest of the Garden Stay said, “Spending a night enjoying a dinner in a 600,000-pyeong garden gave me a special memory,” and added, “I want to visit again with my loved ones. I highly recommend experiencing a morning in the garden.”
No Gwan-gyu, Mayor of Suncheon, said, “I am grateful to the many visitors who came and showed interest following the pre-opening news. We will do our utmost to create a highly complete Expo site during the remaining period.”
He also expressed confidence, saying, “This spring, come to Suncheon in April! Now, come up to Suncheon and see what kind of city it is and how it is transforming. We will offer you true rest and happiness.”
Meanwhile, the 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo, under the theme ‘Living in the Garden,’ will begin its grand journey lasting seven months from April 1 to October 31, starting with the opening ceremony at Ocheon Green Square on the 31st.
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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