6 places to see hydrangeas in full bloom across Korea this summer

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As summer unfolds, gardens and forests across Korea transform into a sea of blue, pink and purple. The star of this seasonal spectacle is the hydrangea, a flower known for its globe-like clusters and fascinating, color-changing petals.

Native to East Asia and the Americas, hydrangeas captivate flower lovers with their delicate beauty and dramatic hues. Their colors — ranging from soft blues and purples to vibrant pinks — vary depending on soil acidity, adding to their mystique.

In Korea, hydrangeas are especially popular during the early summer months, with peak bloom typically occurring between June and early July. Their voluminous blossoms create stunning photo backdrops and attract visitors to gardens, temples and coastal trails where the flowers flourish.

Here are some top spots to enjoy hydrangea blossoms and take Instagrammable photos around Korea this summer:

Hydrangeas bloom at Manor Blanc, a cafe on Jeju Island, May 23. Yonhap

1. Seoul International Garden Show

Visitors to the Seoul International Garden Show can find hydrangeas among the diverse floral displays. The 2025 edition, held at Boramae Park in southern Seoul, features 111 themed gardens designed by professionals, students and citizens. While the official program doesn't specify flower types, the variety of gardens likely includes hydrangeas, especially given their popularity in summer.

2. Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest in Seongdong District is well-known for its Hydrangea Garden, where visitors can enjoy vibrant blooms from June through July. Shaded walking paths lined with hydrangeas provide a peaceful setting for strolls and photography.

3. The Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province

A Hydrangea Festival is currently underway at the Garden of Morning Calm, a sprawling garden founded by a retired horticulture professor and his wife. Home to 4,500 plant species, including 750 wildflower varieties, the garden spans nearly 3.3 million square meters. The festival runs through June 22.

Hydrangeas are in full bloom at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village in Ulsan in this file photo from June 10, 2024. Korea Times photo by Park Eun-kyeong

4. Jangsaengpo Hydrangea Festival, Ulsan

From June 7 to 29, the southeastern coastal city of Ulsan is hosting the Jangsaengpo Hydrangea Festival at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village. This year’s theme, “Jangsaengpo, Drenched in Hydrangeas,” showcases over 30,000 hydrangea plants representing 40 varieties across a 102,000-square-meter hillside. Attractions include night light shows, street concerts, magic performances and photo zones. Free weekend shuttle buses operate between Taehwagang Station and the festival site for added convenience.

5. Gongju, South Chungcheong Province

Held annually in late June, the Yugu Saekdong Hydrangea Festival coincides with the hydrangeas' peak bloom. This year’s event runs from June 27 to 29. The main venue, Yugu Saekdong Hydrangea Garden, stretches along a 1-kilometer riverside, featuring stunning displays and scenic photo spots. For more details, visit the Gongju City website.

People walk around the 4est Garden in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, in this undated photo. Courtesy of 4est Garden

6. The 4est Garden in Haenam, South Jeolla Province

The 4est Garden in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, is a must-visit for hydrangea lovers. Covering 26,000 square meters, the garden is home to over 250 varieties and around 9,000 hydrangea bushes. The flowers typically reach peak bloom starting in the second week of June. This year’s first 4est Garden Hydrangea Festival will run from June 14 to July 14. Notably, the 4est Garden also has Korea’s only hydrangea genetic resource management center.