Hydrangeas are in full bloom in the Jangseongpo area of Ulsan, South Korea, as the region hosts its annual summer festival.
The event transforms the coastal landscape into a major tourist draw, combining natural floral displays with new technological attractions to boost local engagement.
Organizers have planted approximately 37,000 individual plants [1] across the site. These plants comprise about 40 different species [1], creating a diverse array of colors and textures for visitors near the Whale Culture Village. At the peak of the season, the area is projected to feature up to 900,000 flowers [1].
Beyond the gardens, the festival has introduced a monorail tunnel. This new attraction features a mobile marine-video projection system, allowing visitors to experience digital aquatic displays while traveling through the site.
Visitors attending the festival with their families highlighted the rarity of the landscape. One visitor said the natural scenery is difficult to find in typical neighborhoods and that the area is well-developed, noting that their family enjoyed the experience.
The festival aims to celebrate the summer season by blending traditional nature tourism with modern entertainment options. By integrating the monorail's digital projections with the physical garden, the city seeks to provide a multi-sensory experience that appeals to various age groups.
“Approximately 37,000 individual plants comprise about 40 different species.”
The integration of high-tech projections into a traditional floral festival reflects a broader trend in South Korean tourism to modernize natural landmarks. By adding digital infrastructure like the monorail tunnel, Ulsan is attempting to extend the appeal of seasonal blooms into a year-round technological attraction, diversifying the economic draw of the Jangseongpo waterfront.
