Suncheon Tourism Surpasses 1 Million Visitors in April

Suncheonman National Garden, a Special Garden Embracing Space Content

May Events Including 'Night Suncheon Tour' to Enjoy with Family

Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do announced that the number of tourists visiting Suncheon surpassed 1 million just over a month after the opening of Suncheonman National Garden on April 1. This represents an approximately 3.5-fold increase compared to the previous month.

The most visited places were Suncheonman National Garden and Suncheonman Wetland, attracting about 800,000 visitors throughout April. Notably, there was a significant increase in foreign visitors and family groups.

[Photo by Suncheon City]

The secret to this success lies in not resting on the laurels of the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo, but enhancing the garden’s completeness and integrating only the essential content to transform it into a garden where three generations can hold hands and enjoy together.

▶ Suncheonman National Garden reborn as a special garden embracing space-themed content

The theme of the returning Suncheonman National Garden is “Suncheon where even astronauts come to visit.”

Space content has been incorporated into the garden. The garden is not just a place to preserve the past but a space that reflects the flow of the times and embraces the future. The city has transformed it from a simple “garden to see” into a “garden to enjoy” by adding space content, animation, and digital elements that resonate with various generations.

The “Space Hub,” renovated from the idle space in front of the South Gate, is a 175-meter-long runway garden where astronauts can first encounter. The aging Dream Bridge has been transformed into the “Space Bridge,” where a spaceship has landed, filled with media content showcasing Suncheonman’s past and present, leaving no room for boredom.

“Secret Adventure,” linked with 4D technology, allows visitors to experience the thrilling journey of the astronaut “Woodbear” through all five senses, making it popular not only among children but also seniors.

Finding animation characters scattered throughout the garden offers another layer of fun.

Characters from the animated film “Yumi’s Cells,” released in April, as well as popular EBS animation “Dudadakung,” have hidden themselves in the garden. Young people take commemorative photos with their partners in front of the cute cells, while children run around the spacious garden with “Duda,” creating their own memories.

▶ The garden that lights up Suncheon’s night, attracting overnight tourists

The garden at night offers a different charm from the daytime garden. This year, the city adds minimal lighting to spaces where everything is asleep, presenting tourists with a completely different garden experience.

“Duda House,” a renewed souvenir house, features works by artist Park Bong-gi, depicting the origin of life in nature through bright lights and sculptures, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The character water parade held around Dongcheon beautifully decorates Suncheon’s night, providing both exciting and visual enjoyment.

With nighttime attractions and activities increasing, the number of tourists staying overnight in Suncheon is steadily rising. Weekend occupancy at accommodations near the National Garden is fully booked, and the weekend lodging rate across the city reached 83%, an increase of over 10% compared to the previous month.

The economic warmth brought by the National Garden has spread throughout the city. Suncheon has now risen as a destination where tourists stay longer, not just a city they pass through.

▶ In May, enjoy a unique trip with family: “Night Suncheon Tour”

The “Night Garden Tour,” a premium nighttime tour program piloted throughout April alongside the opening of Suncheonman National Garden, was a great success with daily full bookings.

The “Night Garden Tour” is a program for a limited number of pre-booked participants, accompanied by professional guides who provide detailed explanations about the renovated facilities and various themed gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular nighttime scenery more deeply.

The city plans to operate an expanded version of this program called the “Night Suncheon Tour” starting in May.

The “Night Suncheon Tour” is a program that lets visitors experience the National Garden at night as well as the evening atmosphere of downtown Suncheon.

Up to 30 people can participate per day, and the tour runs from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Participants can enjoy new content such as Secret Adventure and the water parade within the National Garden, and have special experiences through downtown tours and hands-on programs.