SEOUL — The 3rd International Infiorata Festival 2026 will open on June 17 at Hongdae’s Red Road in western Seoul, bringing together artists from five countries for a three-day celebration of floral street art and public participation.
Presented as part of Seoul’s private festival support program and backed by the Mapo Culture & Tourism Council, the event aims to expand Red Road’s profile as a destination for international cultural exchange through large-scale outdoor art.
Infiorata is a participatory art form that uses flower petals, colored sand and other natural materials to create temporary images on streets and public spaces. Originating in Italy nearly 400 years ago, the tradition has spread across Europe and Asia, evolving into a festival format that reflects local culture and artistic identity.
This year’s theme, “Children’s Seoul Painted With Flowers,” places children’s imagination at the center of the festival. Organizers plan to combine youthful creativity with the energy of the city through a series of large-scale works created directly on the streets of Hongdae.
Artists from South Korea, Spain, Japan, Malta and China will participate, presenting works shaped by their respective cultural backgrounds and artistic traditions. The festival is expected to turn Red Road into a temporary showcase of international street art, highlighting a range of approaches to contemporary Infiorata practice.
The program begins June 17 with an opening ceremony and seminar sessions. Artwork production will take place on June 18, followed by the public unveiling of completed installations on June 19.
Organizers have also emphasized accessibility and public engagement, allowing visitors to observe the creative process as artworks take shape in an open urban setting. The format is designed to encourage interaction among artists, residents and tourists while reinforcing Hongdae’s reputation as one of Seoul’s leading cultural districts.
Infiorata Korea co-representatives Ko Kyung-hoon and Kim Young-ki said the festival would serve as a platform connecting local communities and international artists through the shared language of flowers and color.
The festival runs through June 19, with all programs and outdoor installations open to the public.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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