Namyangju Launches 'Namyangju Garden Culture Expo' to Build a Garden City with Citizens

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) kicked off the '2025 Namyangju Garden Culture Expo' on September 26 at the lawn yard of Dasan Central Park.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is delivering a greeting at the lawn yard of Dasan Central Park on the 26th during the '2025 Namyangju Garden Culture Expo.' Provided by Namyangju City

This expo was organized with the goals of spreading garden culture, enhancing the city's garden city brand, and expanding citizen participation, all based on the region's garden infrastructure and human resources. The city aimed to establish gardens as a part of everyday culture through this event.

The opening ceremony was held at 5 p.m. on the outdoor stage at the lawn yard of Dasan Central Park, attended by Mayor Joo Gwangdeok, provincial and city council members, as well as citizen gardeners. Following the welcoming and congratulatory speeches, the city choir and the children's choir marked the beginning of the expo with a 'Garden Concert' celebrating the beauty of gardens.

In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Joo Gwangdeok stated, "A garden is no longer just a space to look at, but a classroom for rest, healing, and learning." He added, "The Garden Culture Expo is a process in which citizens dream of and realize a sustainable future together. Through the expo, let us develop Namyangju into a place where garden culture truly thrives."

Throughout the venue, a garden industry exhibition, flea market, and camping zone offered visitors a wide array of attractions and activities. Stages and photo zones created by citizen gardeners demonstrated the value of a citizen-led expo and provided an opportunity to further integrate gardens into daily life as part of the local culture.

This year's expo, themed 'Garden Journey,' runs from September 26 to 27. The venue features a drawing contest, meditation experiences, Dasan-themed garden walks, a plant carrot market, and flower seed sharing, creating a festival where people of all ages can enjoy a variety of programs together.