Events

Anmyeondo International Flower Exhibition

Monday, 04 May 2009 16:38 Douglas South Korea - Events

When: Perhaps never again?

How much: 8,000 won in 2009.

May 2009

Every few years Anmyeondo hosts the International Flower Exhibition, where florists(?) and such gather to celebrate all that is flower or flower related. They put on a good show, with all sorts of flowers from around the world. Much of the exhibit is for importers and sellers, but there was still a lot to see for the public as well. There were a number of outdoor exhibits, such as a life sized floral mock up of Namdaemun, the south gate of Seoul, and indoor exhibits, such as the indoor garden shown below. Apparently it roams around Asia (2010 it is in Taipei), so who knows when it will come back.

I don't really understand why the mascots are flower child hippie turtles though. I mean flower child I get, but I don't see the turtle relation.

Even if the Flower Exhibition is not in town, the island of Anmyeondo is a large tourist site with beaches and mountains, with many places to stay.

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Last Updated on Thursday, 11 June 2009 15:33

Seoul Lantern Festival

Monday, 16 February 2009 14:59 Douglas South Korea - Events

Location: Jongno, one of the main streets of Seoul

When: Around Buddha's Birthday (May-ish)

Cost: Free

This event is one of the highlights of the year for me. Every year thousands of people come together to make lanterns (like those pictured below) and show them to the people of Seoul in a large parade held to celebrate Buddha's Birthday. The lanterns are of amazing quality and workmanship, and every year there is something new to see. Make sure you stay till the end, as the best floats tend to be at the back of the parade line.

The parade usually starts near Dongdaemun, and works its way down Jongno until it reaches Jogyesa Temple. Good vantage points are near Tapgol Park, between Jonggak (Line 1) Station and Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1,3,5), where they often set up special seats for foreigners. You will be able to hear most of the English explanations of each of the lanterns here as well. Even if you arrive late, it is not too hard to get a good vantage point if you walk far enough down the parade route.

After the parade, many floats are parked near Jogyesa with the lights on, allowing people to take as many pictures as they want at their leisure.

Check the Seoul City website, or any information desk in the city for details on the exact parade route.