The Taean International Horticultural Healing Expo opened April 25, 2026 [1], in Taean-gun County, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
The event marks the launch of what officials describe as the world's first horticultural-therapy expo. By integrating tourism with therapeutic practices, the exhibition aims to promote the healing of the body and mind through the use of flowers and nature.
Located primarily at Flower Island Beach, the expo features a variety of gardens and flower displays designed for therapeutic experiences [2]. The coastal setting provides a backdrop for installations that combine horticulture with the natural environment of the South Chungcheong region [3].
Visitors can explore themed gardens and therapeutic zones intended to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. The event is designed to be an immersive experience where the aesthetic beauty of the blooms serves as a tool for health and recovery [2].
Cha Yun-kyung, reporting on the event, noted the interaction between the local fauna and the exhibits. "We can enjoy watching butterflies fly among the many flowers," Cha said.
The exhibition is scheduled to run until the 24th [4]. Organizers intend for the event to establish a new model for how public gardens can be used for medical and psychological benefit, beyond traditional recreation [3].
“The world's first horticultural-therapy expo.”
This exhibition represents a shift toward integrating evidence-based therapeutic practices into large-scale tourism. By positioning horticulture as a tool for healing rather than just an aesthetic display, South Korea is attempting to commercialize the concept of 'nature therapy' on a global scale, potentially influencing how future botanical gardens and public spaces are designed for public health.
