'Midnight Firefly Exploration' runs through Sunday at Bullamsan Butterfly Garden
- From ecology education to glowing insects in the dark, a family experience for learning the value of nature with children
Nowon-gu in Seoul (district mayor Seo Jun-o) is running a special ecology program called "Midnight Firefly Exploration" at the butterfly garden inside Bullamsan Healing Town.
The program gives residents a chance to observe fireflies up close in an urban setting, offering a moment of respite while fostering an appreciation for nature and the environment.
Participants first attend a classroom session covering firefly anatomy, characteristics and life cycles, then examine specimens of the three firefly species native to Korea to learn about environmental conservation. They then move into a darkened butterfly greenhouse to observe adult fireflies glowing in the dark and to see the differences between males and females. The district hopes the experience will give children a natural introduction to the value of protecting the environment.
"Midnight Firefly Exploration" runs from June 27 through July 5, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for a total of five sessions. Up to 40 people per session can participate through advance reservation, with a total capacity of 200. The program is open to families with infants and young children; minors may not attend unaccompanied. Reservations are made through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation website, and the participation fee is 5,000 won (about $3.60).
Meanwhile, the Bullamsan Butterfly Garden — where the special firefly program is being held — is one of Nowon-gu's signature wellness destinations, where visitors can observe butterflies year-round. On weekends and public holidays, it draws up to about 1,000 visitors a day. As of June 30, cumulative visitors in the first half of 2026 stood at 97,384.
Free hands-on programs are available year-round, including a "butterfly nectar feeding" experience where visitors can hand-feed honey to butterflies. The garden also serves as an ecology education hub for children through 3D animation screenings and an insect academy. The greenhouse currently houses about 2,000 butterflies, with more than 70 chrysalises awaiting metamorphosis.
"Bullamsan Butterfly Garden is a precious space where residents can find healing in nature throughout all four seasons," district mayor Seo said. "I hope children will learn the importance of environmental conservation through this firefly exploration, and that families will create beautiful midsummer night memories together."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
