Goyang Flower Expo 2026: Picnic Spots & Kids' Fun

Goyang International Flower Exhibition

Words/Photos © Gogh

Hello everyone! This is Gogh, exploring the world with my two kids.

After my previous visit to the Goyang International Flower Exhibition with my parents and my youngest, Pukesi, I couldn't shake off a slight regret. So, this past May 1st, Labor Day, Moldip and I decided to head out and experience it for ourselves! My parents had mentioned it was “not as great as expected,” a sentiment I instantly understood the moment I stepped onto the grounds. I've put together an honest review that parents pushing strollers will surely relate to, along with essential tips for anyone planning a visit.

1. A Bright Walkway, Perfectly at Kids' Eye Level

The moment I stepped onto the grounds, I instantly understood my parents' somewhat lukewarm assessment. With most of the plants planted low to the ground, babies in strollers might have seen more legs than beautiful flowers.

However, for Moldip, it was truly a magical world. One passerby even exclaimed, "This is perfect for you!" as all the plants were perfectly at Moldip's eye level. From vibrant geraniums to countless other beautiful varieties, Moldip zig-zagged through the paths, eager to capture a memory at every photo zone.

She was so eager to explore that it was hard to get a good front-facing shot, but seeing her peacefully crouched beside a lakeside bench, gazing at the water, confirmed that coming here was absolutely the right decision.

If you're wondering if it's worth the admission fee, yes, absolutely. It's well worth it. While my schedule for the rest of 2026 makes a return visit difficult, I'm already planning to visit again next year (2027).

2. Picnic & Parking Strategies for Your Next Visit

This time, we arrived in the afternoon, timing it with Pukesi's feeding schedule, which made our visit feel rushed. If I had another chance, I'd definitely aim for a 10:00 AM entry.

Moreover, we noticed many visitors spreading out picnic blankets and enjoying packed lunches right from the entrance. Even though we'd already had lunch near the musical fountain, I couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Since same-day re-entry is allowed, you could grab a meal inside, or explore nearby restaurants and then come back for a more fulfilling experience with your family or partner.

Daily parking during the event is a very reasonable ~$1. Even so, considering the overall walking paths, it's much more efficient to start your visit from Jeongbalsan Station and head to the main exhibition area.

Gogh's Insight

Ilsan Lake Park is quite expansive. If you start from Gate 5 like I did, reaching the Rose Garden can be exhausting.

To truly enjoy the core exhibitions, make sure to target the entrance near Jeongbalsan Station!

3. Performance Schedule & Rose Garden Status

The 'Rose-Colored Stage' within the Rose Garden hosts a variety of events, including magic shows. Moldip was captivated by the magic show, watching intently for a long time. These events were scheduled to continue on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026. I've organized the schedule in the table below, so check the times before your visit.

The roses are key! Currently, the garden is awaiting natural bloom, so the buds haven't fully opened yet. While the expo concluded on May 10th, 2026, the most beautiful time for roses is typically from mid-May through June, so keep that in mind when planning your perfect photos.

Next Year, I'll Be First in Line with a Picnic Blanket!

Although we didn't have enough time to explore the entire park, spending Labor Day (May 1st, 2026) with Moldip in such a fragrant space was truly joyful. If you have a child who loves plants, there's no better playground. I plan to revisit when the roses are in full bloom in mid-May (2027) and share an optimized itinerary starting from Jeongbalsan Station. Look forward to my next post, where I'll share our Ilsan Lake Park picnic experience with both Moldip and Pukesi!

I'll be back soon with more family outing and travel tips!