A view of Hajungdo, an islet on the Geumho River where the 2026 Daegu Garden Expo will be held. [Daegu City]
A view of Hajungdo, an islet on the Geumho River where the 2026 Daegu Garden Expo will be held. [Daegu City]

Daegu will host the 2026 Daegu Garden Expo at Hajungdo, an islet on the Geumho River, from Friday through Tuesday, under the theme "Draw, Read Aloud, Stay," the city announced Thursday.

The centerpiece of the expo is a collection of 77 themed gardens created by students, residents and businesses.

Twenty student gardens will reimagine Daegu's modern alleyways, modern literature and local history through the sensibilities of younger generations.

Nineteen community gardens will capture everyday moments of happiness and cherished memories shared with family and neighbors.

Eight corporate gardens will showcase distinctive designs blending each participating company's landscaping technology, garden materials and creative concepts.

A "Gyeomjae Theme Garden," developed in collaboration with Daegu's Gansong Art Museum, will also be on display. It draws inspiration from the works of Joseon-era painter Jeong Seon — known by his pen name Gyeomjae — to reinterpret the beauty of traditional Korean art within a garden setting.

A garden industry fair featuring 45 companies and institutions will run alongside the expo, with 57 booths offering a range of products and services including garden plants, supplies and materials.

Additional programming includes a garden talk show bringing together garden artists, students and residents, docent tours with expert commentary, and a companion plant consultation booth.

Daegu will operate free shuttle buses to help visitors reach the venue. Shuttles connecting Manpyeong Station on subway Line 3 to Hajungdo will run daily throughout the expo — every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 10 minutes on weekends.

On Saturday and Sunday, when larger crowds are expected, an additional route linking Joya Branch School to Hajungdo will also be in service.

In addition, the city plans to use the Joya Branch School grounds as a temporary parking lot and install a pontoon bridge connecting the Nogok Sports Park parking lot to Hajungdo to improve access for visitors.

"I hope many residents will visit Hajungdo on the Geumho River, discover the special stories woven into each garden, and enjoy a relaxed and joyful time in nature amid the autumn atmosphere," Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho said.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com