Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival 2026

2026 Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival — Ten Million Lotus Blooms at Baekje's Royal Pond, Gungnamji

In midsummer, the town of Buyeo in Chungcheongnam-do bursts into a sea of ten million lotus flowers all blooming at once. The 2026 Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival runs July 3 (Fri) to July 5 (Sun) around Gungnamji (Seodong Park), a royal pond from the Baekje era. Admission and parking are free, and you can stroll in freely without a reservation — a big part of its charm.

Why Go

Gungnamji is a man-made pond recorded in Korean history, said to have been built by King Mu of Baekje. A pavilion (Poryongjeong) at its center, weeping willows, and a surface blanketed with lotus come together so that every angle makes a picture. During the festival the whole pond is covered in pink and white lotus, creating one of the most striking scenes among Korea's summer flower festivals.

Schedule, Venue, Admission

• Dates: July 3 (Fri) – July 5 (Sun), 2026
• Venue: Seodong Park (Gungnamji), Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
• Admission: Free entry and free parking, open viewing

What to See

• Lotus colonies: White, pink, and water lilies spread across the entire pond.
• Poryongjeong & the bridge: The bridge leading to the central pavilion is the signature photo spot.
• Evening lighting: The mood shifts again around sunset, so both daytime and evening are worth catching. (Check official notices for detailed programs and performances.)

The Story Behind "Seodong"

The festival's name "Seodong" is said to be the childhood name of King Mu of Baekje. He is the hero of a legend in which, longing for Princess Seonhwa of Silla, he composed and spread a song called Seodongyo. Gungnamji is the detached-palace pond he is said to have created, designed in the garden style of an island at the pond's center reached by a bridge. More than just flower-viewing, it's a space steeped in Baekje's garden culture and legend — that's what sets Buyeo's lotus festival apart.

Getting There

• Intercity bus: Take an intercity bus from Seoul (Central City) or Daejeon to Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal; Gungnamji is a short distance (walk or taxi) from there.
• Car: It sits in central Buyeo for easy access, with temporary parking lots operating during the festival.

Viewing Tips

• Early morning: Lotus blooms are freshest in the morning and tend to close up in the midday heat — an early visit is recommended.
• Heat & mosquitoes: It's a midsummer waterside, so prepare for sun and mosquitoes (hat, water, repellent).
• Comfortable shoes: The walking path circling the pond is wide, so wear comfortable shoes.

Explore More of Buyeo

Buyeo was Baekje's last capital, and beyond Gungnamji, Baekje heritage sites such as Jeongnimsa Temple Site, Busosanseong Fortress, and the Buyeo National Museum are clustered nearby. Pairing the lotus festival with a Baekje heritage tour makes a full overnight trip. For more on the region, see Chungcheongnam-do.

※ Festival programs and schedule are subject to change per the organizer's official announcements.