Closing of Suncheonman International Garden Expo

214-Day Journey, 9.8 Million Viewers Achieve Box Office Success

Free Admission from November 1 to 5

The 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo concluded its long 214-day journey and officially closed with a closing ceremony held on the 31st under the theme "A New Beginning The Nopge."

The event was attended by about 10,000 people, including National Assembly member So Byeong-cheol, Korea Forest Service Commissioner Nam Seong-hyeon, Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok, related organizations, expo workers, and volunteers.

Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo Closing Ceremony [Photo by Suncheon City]

The closing ceremony opened with cheerleading and the entrance of the flag bearers, followed by a card section, fireworks ceremony, a video screening capturing the 214-day journey, congratulatory speeches, and the closing address.

During the flag bearer parade, about 250 people including volunteers, first-class planners, and organizing committee staff who had gathered energy for the success of the Garden Expo marched together holding flags, adding to the emotional atmosphere.

To commemorate the significance of this expo, which shone with citizen participation, the organizing committee held a "Citizen Hanmadang" event with Suncheon City before the official closing ceremony, offering various programs.

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok, who attended the event, said in his congratulatory speech, "Through the Garden Expo, Suncheon has splendidly demonstrated that the region's charm and competitiveness can succeed not only in Korea but also globally, marking a significant milestone in the shining era of local governments. We will also support Suncheon City's innovative challenge to animate gardens. Once again, congratulations on the success of the Garden Expo."

Nam Seong-hyeon, Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service who supported the Garden Expo, promised, "Based on the success of the Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo, Korea will deepen its immersion in garden culture every day and continue to develop garden policies until the day when people are healed together with gardens."

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu, who oversaw the Garden Expo, said, "The past 214 days were a dreamlike time when Suncheon shook Korea with gardens, and the whole country was enthusiastic about Suncheon," and "Thanks to you, the 9.8 million visitors and Suncheon citizens who visited the gardens were incredibly happy."

Thus, the officially closed 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo was held for 214 days from April 1 to October 31 this year under the theme "Living in the Garden."

By bringing gardens into the city, it attracted a final total of 9.8 million visitors, surpassing the target of 8 million visitors.

It is evaluated as an event that rewrote Korea's garden culture by sparking a "garden craze" and clearly presented the direction for future cities.

Meanwhile, the expo organizing committee announced that to repay the public support for the expo, the entire expo area including Suncheon Bay Wetland will be open free of charge from November 1 to 5, immediately after the closing.

The Suncheon Bay National Garden will close for a break starting November 6 after the appreciation event.

Suncheon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Yeon-kyung hss79@asiae.co.kr