Reasons to Visit Ulsan's Taehwa River in May
If you're planning a trip to Ulsan in May, you can't miss the Taehwa River National Garden.
Every year around this time, approximately 60 million spring flowers bloom throughout the national garden, which is already an overwhelming number.
From May 15 to 17, I attended the 2026 Taehwa River National Garden Spring Flower Festival.
This year, it was reported that the festival concluded successfully, attracting many visitors.
Festival Name
2026 Taehwa River National Garden Spring Flower Festival
Dates
May 15 (Friday) - May 17 (Sunday), 2026
Location
Taehwa River National Garden Area (Ulsan Jung-gu and Nam-gu)
Admission Fee
Free
Main Flower Varieties
Poppies, Cornflowers, Gypsophila, Golden Ribbons, Peonies
Size
28,000㎡ Flower Garden / Approximately 60 million flowers
Parking Tip:
The closest parking to the peony field is around the national garden's sign number 3. If there is space on the roadside nearby, it's best to park there.
Arriving early in the morning can alleviate parking concerns, but even arriving at 8:30 AM on Sunday may leave you with few options due to the festival's popularity.
What is the Taehwa River National Garden?
Designated as Korea's second national garden in 2019, it spans Jung-gu and Nam-gu in Ulsan. It is filled with flowers in every season, hosting a spring flower festival in spring and a chrysanthemum and reed festival in autumn.
Originally known as the 'River of Death' during the industrialization of the 1960s and 70s, where even fish couldn't survive due to factory wastewater, the Taehwa River was miraculously revived into a 'River of Life' as citizens worked to restore its ecology.
Knowing this background makes the flower fields even more moving.
By the way, the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo has also been confirmed, so it seems likely that this area will gain more attention in the future.
As soon as I entered the festival grounds, I headed straight to the bamboo forest to escape the hot sun.
The bamboo forest stretches about 4 km along the Taehwa River, creating a tunnel where the wind flows through the dense bamboo, providing both coolness and tranquility.
It's lovely during the day, but at night, LED lights transform it into a Milky Way path, operating from sunset until 11 PM. If you visit, consider seeing the flowers during the day and walking the Milky Way path at night—it’s truly magical.
One of the most impressive parts of this festival was the banners reading 'Spring Music Walk,' which had QR codes attached. Scanning them connected to YouTube, playing different music for each area, creating a serene atmosphere as you strolled through the flower fields.
After exiting the bamboo forest, the open Taehwa Riverbank unfolded before me. Walking along the riverside, the gentle breeze was refreshing, perfect for cooling down after walking through the flower fields.
The view from the riverbank was delightful, with carp swimming gracefully in the clear water and migratory birds frequently flying overhead. It’s astonishing to see this place, once called the River of Death, now thriving with life.
The riverside walking path is well-developed for cycling and running, and I encountered many people enjoying their morning and evening jogs. I also noticed some engaging in water sports, reminding me that there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the river.
As I walked, I encountered various international garden installations throughout the garden. While focused on the flowers, it’s easy to overlook these artworks, but taking your time can lead to unexpected discoveries that catch your eye.
These artworks blend seamlessly into nature, enhancing the garden's scenery. With the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo confirmed, I expect to see even more internationally recognized garden installations in the future.
Currently, it’s already wonderful, but I look forward to the Taehwa River National Garden after the expo.
Near sign number 3, I parked my car and was greeted by a stunning peony garden. I had lowered my expectations, having heard that most areas were not yet in full bloom, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them in full bloom.
The peony field is larger than expected and located within the national garden, allowing for an unobstructed view of the refreshing landscape.
With 13 varieties of peonies planted, each with unique shapes, colors, and fragrances, it’s a feast for the senses.
As I turned from the peonies to the bamboo forest, I caught sight of the blue cornflowers, creating a beautiful transition from the red peonies.
Walking through the cornflower field naturally led me to the poppy field, where the vibrant red petals looked like an endless carpet.
In the lavender garden, the subtle fragrance wafted through the air, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Although the sunflowers were not yet blooming, their tall stems hinted at the vibrant summer to come.
In the middle of the garden, I discovered a cozy reading nook called 'Resting Bookstore,' featuring shelves filled with books that visitors can read for free, providing a quiet retreat amidst the festival's buzz.
As I walked through the flower fields, I unexpectedly encountered a pheasant wandering freely among the blooms, a testament to the thriving ecosystem restored along the Taehwa River.
Before visiting the Taehwa River National Garden, here are some tips:
1. Allow at least two hours to explore the entire garden; half a day is ideal for a leisurely visit.
2. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong during the day. Moving slowly under the shade of trees is much more pleasant.
3. If you want to walk the Milky Way path at night, visit after sunset, as it operates until 11 PM.
4. Bringing a mat and snacks is perfect for enjoying a picnic in the flower fields.
5. The Ferris wheel offers a great way to see the entire garden, especially for those who may have difficulty walking.
Even after the festival, the flowers will remain for a while, so if you missed the timing, visiting this month will still provide beautiful scenery.
Walking through a field of 60 million flowers is an experience you should not miss.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224290988564
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