An autumn festival blending chrysanthemums with a range of cultural events is set to open later this month.
The Metropolitan Area Landfill Site Management Corp. will hold the 2026 Dream Park Chrysanthemum Festival at the Dream Park Wildflower Complex from Oct. 16 to Oct. 25.
Set against the wildflower complex that the corporation has cultivated through eco-friendly landfill management and green space development, the 10-day festival is designed as a space for rest and culture the whole family can enjoy.
Throughout the festival, chrysanthemums, cosmos and sunflowers will be in full bloom across the wildflower complex. Intricate plant art installations — including chrysanthemum topiaries and bonsai — along with themed photo zones will be set up throughout the grounds, offering visitors a chance to capture the colors of autumn.
A variety of cultural performances will also take the stage. Highlights include the Dream Park Autumn Concert featuring invited singers and local arts groups, a children's magic show, and the Dream Park Audition, a public singing competition open to all.
Alongside these, hands-on programs combining education and fun will be available for all ages — among them fire safety experience sessions, an outdoor library, and guided tours of the landfill site paired with environmental education programs.
A food market run by local residents and a sales booth operated in partnership with the Incheon Metropolitan City Mutual Growth Retail Support Center will also be on site, helping local businesses and small vendors reach new customers.
The food market will use only reusable containers throughout, reinforcing the festival's commitment to environmental sustainability.
This year, a new picnic zone has been added so visitors can relax at their leisure. Organizers have also taken steps to ensure visitor safety, including operating a first-aid station and stationing an ambulance on the grounds.
"Dream Park has been transformed through eco-friendly management into a rest and cultural space where citizens can enjoy nature," said Jo Gang-hui, president of the Metropolitan Area Landfill Site Management Corp. "We hope visitors will enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery and also come away with a deeper appreciation for the environment."
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
