Gokseong World Rose Festival 2026: 1,000+ Rose Varieties in Bloom (May 22–31)
Every May, the quiet riverside town of Gokseong in Jeollanam-do transforms into one of Korea’s most extraordinary flower destinations. The Gokseong World Rose Festival (곡성세계장미축제) brings over 1,000 varieties of roses to full bloom at Seomjingang Train Village — a scenic heritage site where an old steam train still runs along the river. The 16th edition runs May 22–31, 2026.
What to Expect
The festival garden covers a sweeping area along the Seomjin River with meticulously arranged rose beds showcasing varieties from across Korea and around the world — from classic red climbers to rare pastel species you won’t find anywhere else in the country. The combination of the steam train backdrop, river views, and thousand-color rose garden makes this one of the most photogenic events on the Korean festival calendar.
Beyond the roses: live performances, food stalls, themed photo zones, and the famous Gokseong steam train (증기기차) that runs along the Seomjin River — a heritage rail experience that runs daily during the festival period.
Festival Details
- Dates: May 22 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun), 2026 — 10 days
- Hours: 08:00–22:00 (last entry 20:00)
- Admission: Adults 5,000 won / Children & seniors 4,500 won
- Location: Seomjingang Train Village, 232 Gicha-maeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
How to Get There from Seoul
- KTX: Seoul Yongsan → Gokseong Station (~2h 20min) → taxi or local bus to Seomjingang Train Village (~10 min)
- By car: Seoul → Honam Expressway → approximately 3 hours
- Tip: Book KTX tickets early — this is a popular festival weekend destination
Tips for Visiting
- Best time: Morning light (before 10am) or golden hour for photography — midday can be crowded and harsh-lit
- Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays are significantly calmer, especially for the opening week
- Steam train: Rides fill up fast — purchase tickets as soon as you arrive
- Combine with: Gokseong is also famous for strawberry picking (딸기) — many farms near the festival site offer pick-your-own experiences
For more details on visiting Gokseong’s rose festival, see our full place guide for Seomjingang Train Village — and check out our other spring flower spots across Korea.
