Rose Park, Incheon

In Yeonsu-dong, Yeonsu-gu, on the southern slopes of Munhaksan, Rose Park is built around the rose, Incheon's official city flower. Its 102,000 m² combine a central rose garden with seasonal flower beds, woodland and paths beside a mountain stream. In late May, when the roses are at their peak, the park fills with blooms in many colours and varieties, making it an easy flower outing in the city.

A park for the city flower

Rose Park was developed in stages from 2003, at a total cost of about KRW 40 billion including land compensation and construction. Around the rose garden, wildflowers and lotus are planted by season so there is something to see all year. The park also preserves the forest of Munhaksan and a habitat of the narrow-mouthed toad, an endangered amphibian, and an eco-learning centre on site offers nature programmes.

What to see

• Rose garden: the heart of the park, where red, pink and yellow roses bloom along arched rose tunnels and around European-style pergolas and gazebos.
• The rose staircase: steps painted with a rose garden and a waterfall, the park's most popular photo spot.
• Stream and woodland paths: walking paths follow a stream down the slopes of Munhaksan, pleasant even outside rose season.
• Viewing plaza: from the plaza at the top you look out over Yeonsu-gu and the towers of Songdo.
• Family facilities: a playground, outdoor stage and exercise equipment make it a favourite with local residents.
• Eco-learning centre: a space for learning about the Munhaksan woods and the wildlife living in the park, worth a stop with children.

Outside rose season

The two rose gardens are the heart of the park, but once the roses fade, wildflowers along the stream and lotus take over. The park backs directly onto the Munhaksan woods, so above the rose garden shady woodland paths continue straight into the trails up the mountain. Munhaksan is tied to legends of Michuhol, the ancient name of Incheon, and the remains of an old fortress survive around its summit. Local residents walk here every day, and on weekday afternoons it is a quiet place to stroll among the flowers.

Tripto tips

• Best time: mid-May to early June, when the roses bloom and the rose festival takes place. At other times of year there are lotus, wildflowers and woodland walks.
• Time needed: 40–90 minutes for the rose garden and paths; add about an hour if you climb to the top of Munhaksan.
• Etiquette: do not pick the roses or step into the beds for photos, and keep to the paths around the toad habitat.
• Fees and opening: open at all times and free, with parking available. The park is managed by Incheon City's Wolmi Park office (+82-32-440-5953).
• Getting there: about 1 km from Yeonsu Station on the Suin–Bundang Line, roughly a 15-minute walk.
• Combine it with: trails lead straight up Munhaksan behind the park; Incheon Dohobu, the old county office, is about 1.5 km to the north, and Songdo Central Park is about 15 minutes away by car.