The Seoul International Garden Expo opened May 1 with 167 garden installations created by international artists, citizens, and companies [1, 2].

This event marks a significant expansion of urban green space, allowing visitors to engage with diverse garden cultures and artistic designs within a dense city environment [1, 2]. By integrating nature into the urban fabric, the expo highlights the intersection of public art and environmental sustainability.

Now in its 11th edition, this year's expo is the largest in the event's history [1]. The installations are not confined to a single plot but are spread across a wide geographic area. The displays are centered in Seoul Forest and extend along a linear stretch of gardens reaching the Hangang riverside and the Seongsu area [1, 2].

Organizers designed the layout to encourage pedestrians to explore the city through a series of curated natural landscapes. The variety of contributors, ranging from professional international designers to local residents, ensures a wide spectrum of horticultural styles. The expo serves as a temporary transformation of the city's infrastructure into a living gallery.

According to YTN, the event provides a glimpse into various global garden cultures [1]. The scale of the current exhibition reflects a growing interest in urban forestry and the psychological benefits of accessible green spaces in metropolitan hubs.

Visitors can explore the installations through Oct. 27 [1]. The expo continues to run throughout the summer and autumn months, providing a seasonal transition of the flora displayed across the Seoul landscape [1].

“The 11th edition of the Seoul International Garden Expo is the largest in the event's history.”

The expansion of the Seoul International Garden Expo into a linear urban corridor suggests a shift toward 'distributed' city planning, where green infrastructure is integrated into transit routes rather than isolated in parks. By involving citizens and international artists, Seoul is utilizing public art to promote urban biodiversity and improve the livability of the Seongsu and Hangang districts.