17th Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival Opens on May 16

A Nine-Day Urban Rose Festival Along Jungnangcheon
A Celebration of Roses, Music, and Culture in the Heart of Seoul

The 17th Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival, which has become one of Seoul's signature festivals, will be held in spectacular fashion for nine days from May 16 to May 24, 2025, around Jungnang Rose Park.

First launched in 2009, the Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival is now in its 17th year. Living up to its reputation as "the most beautiful festival in Seoul," this year's event will once again feature the nation's longest rose tunnel, stretching 5.45 kilometers along the Jungnangcheon Stream, and will showcase 10 million roses from 310,000 bushes across 228 varieties, all ready to welcome visitors.

During the Grand Rose Festival, which runs for three days from May 16 to May 18, a wide variety of performances, hands-on experiences, promotional events, and exhibitions will take place centered around Jungnang Rose Park. The festival will conclude on May 24 with the Jungnang Artist Festival at Myeonmok Sports Park.

The Highlight: Three Days of the 'Grand Rose Festival' (May 16-18)

The heart of the festival is the 'Grand Rose Festival,' held from May 16 to May 18.

On May 16, the events will include the Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival Walking Competition, a rose parade featuring residents from 16 neighborhoods, the Jungnang Rose Week Opening Ceremony, and celebratory performances by popular singers Song Gain and Wink. On May 17, activities will include planting companion roses, a rose history docent program, rose art experiences, and celebratory performances by well-known singers Boohwal and Monni. On May 18, the festival will feature performances by district choir groups from Seoul's autonomous districts, the Jungnang District Citizen Awards Ceremony, a citizen singing contest, and celebratory performances by popular singers Hwang Minwoo, Hwang Minho, and Jung Minchan, bringing the three-day festival to a close.

Festival Features: Rose Industry Content, Festival History, and Citizen-Led Programs

A wide array of side events themed around roses and culture will be held throughout the festival grounds.

At the Rose Play Garden, the 'Jungnang Rose Pop-up Exhibition Hall' will showcase content that combines the rose industry with interactive experiences. There will also be a Rose Industry Exhibition, festival merchandise, the ZeROSE Market featuring eco-friendly products, and a rose map, all designed to captivate visitors.

The festival's history exhibition is also drawing attention. Selected photos and works illustrating the festival's development, chosen through a public contest, will be displayed at the park golf course, the Rose Pop-up Exhibition Hall, and the rose tunnel, offering visitors a chance to walk through the festival's timeline and stories.

At the Surimdae Rose Garden, Jungnang artists will perform busking and multicultural shows. In addition, each neighborhood will host Anabada flea markets and experience/craft booths, there will be a small and medium-sized business promotional hall, and an outdoor library, all providing a variety of resident participation content. On the Rose Flower Light Street (Dongil-ro 163-gil), which leads from Exit 7 of Meokgol Station to the festival grounds, a flea market and busking performances will set the festive atmosphere even before visitors arrive at the main venue.

Food booths operated by Jungnang's traditional markets, local businesses, and organizations will offer a variety of dishes, providing another source of enjoyment for festival-goers.

During Jungnang Rose Week (May 16-24), participating local restaurants will offer a 10% discount to festival visitors. (For a list of participating businesses, please refer to the official website.)

Festival Finale and Related Events at Myeonmok Sports Park on May 24

On the final day of the festival, May 24, the 'Jungnang Artist Festival' will take place at Myeonmok Sports Park. The event will feature busking performances by Jungnang artists, as well as the Jungnang Winners Concert, which will showcase residents who have demonstrated outstanding talent at events such as the citizen singing contest, Jungnang Talent Concours, and Kang Sochun Children's Song Festival. In addition, a social welfare expo and Anabada flea market will be held alongside various related programs. Special performances by singers Park Sangchul and Byun Jinseop will serve as the grand finale of the festival.

Ryu Gyeonggi, mayor of Jungnang District, stated, "The Jungnang Seoul Rose Festival has become a landmark event each spring, transforming Jungnang Rose Park into a sea of 10 million roses and moving countless visitors. This year, we have prepared a wide range of performances, hands-on activities, and exhibitions so that everyone who visits Jungnang can enjoy a festival that delights all five senses. I hope you will create special memories with your family, friends, and loved ones while enjoying the beautiful roses."