Love and Lotus Flowers Blooming at Baekje Royal Palace: Everything About the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Flower Festival
Every summer, the most brilliant and beautiful stories unfold in Gungnamji Pond, Buyeo, where the tranquil spirit of Baekje resides. Are you ready to embark on a lotus feast where the poignant love story of Seodong and Princess Seonhwa blossomed? From July 3rd to 5th, 2026, the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is the main event.
Beyond simply appreciating flowers, a special time awaits you where you can experience the history and culture of Baekje with all five senses. Shall we delve into this fantastic festival unfolding in the ancient royal palace pond?
Gungnamji, the Story of a Lotus Royal Palace where a Thousand Years of Love Bloomed
Gungnamji, Korea’s first artificial garden and the site of the love legend of King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa. The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival held here is more than just a flower festival; it is a meaningful event that revives a thousand years of Baekje history and culture in the modern era. Every year, as summer reaches its peak, Seodong Park area is filled with countless blooming lotuses, captivating the hearts of visitors. This festival, hosted by Buyeo County, is full of unique programs that embody the local identity.
The Festival, Its Beginning and Background
The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival, held in the Gungnamji area, was born by combining Baekje’s history with the natural element of the lotus flower. Like the legend where King Mu of Baekje created a pond and sang Seodong-yo to meet Princess Seonhwa, the festival takes their love story as its motif, simultaneously highlighting the beauty of lotuses and the culture of Baekje. From July 3rd to July 5th, 2026, from 9 AM to 10 PM, a splendid feast of lotuses will continue.
Freshness by Day, Enchantment by Night: Main Attractions of the Festival
The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is full of diverse charms offered by both day and night. If Gungnamji’s daytime shines with the pure beauty of lotuses, the night creates a fantastic atmosphere with splendid lights and performances. Here, a variety of programs are prepared for all ages to enjoy, so there’s never a dull moment.
Festival Highlight Programs at a Glance
Klook.com| Program Name | Features | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Gungnamji Fantasy | Water musical based on the love story of Seodong and Seonhwa | All ages, especially those who prefer moving stories |
| Seodong Night Parade | Buyeo downtown night march, a feast of lights | Those who enjoy lively atmosphere and night views |
| Baekje Naval Training Camp Water Gun Battle | Relieve summer heat with large-scale water fights and performances | Families with children, active individuals |
| Lotus Pond Canoe Exploration | Unique experience crossing the lotus fields | Couples, those who want to feel closer to nature |
Experience Baekje Culture with All Five Senses
- Welcome to Seodong: Vivid experience programs are operated as if you’ve gone back to the Baekje era. Various activities are prepared, such as trying on Baekje attire or glimpsing the culture of that time.
- 123 Sabi Crafts: This is a craft experience booth where young artists from Buyeo participate. You can create works reflecting Buyeo’s unique characteristics and keep special souvenirs.
- Lotus Leaf Tea Ceremony Demonstration: In a tranquil atmosphere, you can taste lotus leaf tea, experience tea ceremony culture, and find peace of mind.
Gungnamji, Even More Beautiful at Night
- Gung at Night: When darkness falls, the entire Gungnamji transforms into a beautiful lighting art piece. A night stroll along the lotus fields offers a different kind of enchantment compared to daytime.
A Special Experience Beyond Time: Why Should You Visit the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival Now?
If you want to create unforgettable memories in Buyeo, where the breath of history comes alive, the 2026 Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is an unmissable choice. Shall we find out why this festival will make your summer even more special?
- Uniqueness Only Experienceable During the Festival Period: Although lotuses at Gungnamji can be seen throughout all four seasons, dynamic programs like the ‘Gungnamji Fantasy’ water musical, ‘Seodong Night Parade’, and ‘Water Gun Battle’ can only be enjoyed during the festival period (July 3rd-5th, 2026). Don’t miss the true joy of the festival, available only for a limited time.
- A Comprehensive Art Festival Harmonizing History and Nature: This festival is more than just appreciating lotuses; it is a comprehensive art festival that artistically elevates the historical background of Baekje and the love story of Seodong and Seonhwa. It offers both educational value and cultural enjoyment, making it especially recommended for family visitors.
- Day and Night, a Feast of Contrasting Charms: During the day, you can fully enjoy the pure beauty of lotuses, and at night, you can experience romance in a fantastic atmosphere where splendid lights and performances harmonize. Experiencing two completely different atmospheres in one place is a rare opportunity.
- Creating Your Own Memories with Diverse Experiences: There are abundant programs where you can directly participate and enjoy, such as lotus pond canoe exploration, Baekje era experience, craft making, and tea ceremony demonstrations. Beyond simply observing, you can create your own special memories and souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When and where is the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival held?
It will be held from July 3rd to July 5th, 2026, in the Seodong Park area of Buyeo. Operating hours are from 9 AM to 10 PM.
Q2. Is the festival admission free or paid?
Most festival viewing and participation in main programs are free, but some experience programs may be operated for a fee. It is recommended to confirm details on-site.
Q3. Are there many things for young children to enjoy if I go with them?
Yes, a variety of programs are prepared that children will find interesting, from exciting activities like the ‘Baekje Naval Training Camp Water Gun Battle’ to lotus pond canoe exploration and Baekje era experiences, making it very suitable for family visitors.
Q4. Are there attractions to enjoy at night during the festival period?
Of course. You can enjoy special experiences that shine even brighter at night, such as the ‘Gungnamji Fantasy’ water musical, ‘Seodong Night Parade’, and the ‘Gung at Night’ night scenery program.
Q5. What do you think is the biggest charm of the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival?
The biggest charm is that it offers special memories both day and night, combining the beauty of lotuses unfolding in a historical place steeped in the love story of King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa, along with diverse performances, experiences, and night scenery.
Love Korea? Promote it & Earn.
