Imsil, in North Jeolla Province, is turning rosy. The “2026 Imsil N Rose Festival” runs for four days, from May 28 to 31, across the expansive grounds of the Imsil Cheese Theme Park. While long celebrated as South Korea's premier cheese destination, Imsil is showcasing a different side this spring with a massive rose garden hitting peak bloom. Step into the European-style grounds and the atmosphere feels instantly transported, offering a rich lineup of live performances and plenty of food made with local Imsil cheese. For travelers seeking a romantic walk through a sea of roses paired with exceptional dining, Imsil delivers on both fronts.
The First Rose Festival Held in the Land of Cheese
The Imsil Cheese Theme Park has long drawn visitors for its autumn cheese festival and hands-on culinary programs. This year, it greets spring travelers with an experience entirely built around roses. The primary draw is the rose garden itself. Covering roughly 65,000 square meters, the park features more than 150 varieties and over 22,000 individual European rose plants. A sweeping rose tunnel, dedicated photo zones, and winding walking paths run through the softly scented grounds, making it easy to frame the perfect shot with flower-lined walkways as the backdrop.
The rose garden transforms dramatically depending on the hour. Under the midday sun, visitors can follow bright, vividly colored paths of blooms. Around sunset, the fading light blends with the deep hues of the roses for a postcard-ready view. At night, soft illumination turns on, casting the entire garden into an even more romantic route for an evening stroll.
Special stages add to the festival’s energy throughout the weekend. The opening celebration performance on May 29 features well-known trot singer Lee Chan-won, along with Son Tae-jin, Jeon Yu-jin, Kim Da-hyun, and Shin Yu. On May 30, organizers have scheduled a Rose Concert featuring the musical theater couple Kim So-hyun and Son Jun-ho, as well as a live radio broadcast featuring Sim Soo-bong, Beomjin, and Punch.
From Rose Beer to a Secret Jouju Sing-Along Show
Around the rose garden, visitors can pick up pizza made with local cheese and other specialty snack items, making it easy to take a break mid-walk. The Cheese Fair offers regional dairy products at discounted prices, alongside a pop-up store tied to the popular cooking television program Cheonhajeppang. On May 30, pastry chef Kim Jin-seo, a prominent face on the show, will host a special event offering fresh items such as burrata bread made with Imsil cheese.
At the main food zone, visitors can sample local dishes alongside festival-exclusive items like rose bread and rose ice cream. The "Imsil N Beer Factory" is also selling a themed craft beer infused with a distinct rose-raspberry flavor profile.
A variety of interactive programs add to the weekend's entertainment. The “Imsil N Proposal Game,” built around a Squid Game concept, will run in a survival-style format. After selecting 10 final couples, participants will compete in missions including “Green Light, Red Light,” “Making Dalgona,” and an “Imsil N Cheese Pizza Speed Eating” contest.
Families traveling with children may want to focus on the youth-oriented programming scheduled for May 30 and 31. These include a sing-along show and fan meeting with the popular animated character “Secret Jouju,” a “Tobot” event, and a massive balloon photo zone. Throughout the four-day event, guerrilla street performances—including magic, mime, bubble shows, and juggling—will take place alongside a parade of rose sculptures.
Staying Safe in the Sun: Essential Tips for Flower Viewers
To enjoy the rose festival safely, it helps to keep a few health precautions in mind. Because outdoor activity can stretch on for hours, visitors should wear a hat or sunglasses, carry a parasol, and drink water frequently before feeling thirsty. During the hottest afternoon hours, taking regular breaks in the shade is highly recommended.
Spending extended periods close to the flower beds can expose visitors to pollen, grass dust, and windblown particles, which can trigger allergic discomfort such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. If you are prone to seasonal allergies or have sensitive eyes, avoid putting your face too close to the blooms and refrain from rubbing your eyes. For contact lens wearers, bringing artificial tears is an easy way to combat dryness.
Finally, if you plan to sit near the vegetation for photos, remain mindful of insects. Around sunset, mosquito and small bug activity increases significantly, so wearing thin, long-sleeved clothing or applying insect repellent beforehand will ensure a comfortable evening walk.
