The Suncheon Bay Garden Expo Korea 2013 held an official opening ceremony Saturday to welcome visitors to the six-month long event.

Former environment minister Lee Man-eui and South Jeolla Province Governor Park Jun-young were present at the ceremony that attracted hundreds to the southern South Korean city of Suncheon.

Governor Park and Suncheon Mayor Cho Chung-hoon said South Koreans lost the value of gardening during industrialization and urged citizens to find peace of mind through gardening.

The expo is formed of 83 gardens from 23 countries. It will close on October 20th.