AIPH and GIFF formalise partnership ahead of International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2025
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has enhanced its global collaborations by formalising a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Goyang International Flower Foundation (GIFF). This partnership coincides with the upcoming International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2025 (IHK2025), an event officially commencing on Friday, 25 April 2025.
IHK2025, which is set to unfold over an impressive 17 days, invites global audiences to celebrate the interconnectedness of nature and culture through its theme: “Flower, Fantasy, and Fragrance.” The festival will take place at Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang Special City, encompassing a vast area of 200,000 square metres. The exhibition is categorised into two distinct realms: the outdoor Flower & Garden Exhibition and the indoor Industrial Exhibition Hall.
The outdoor exhibition will feature themed gardens, including a Special Rose Garden, Local Flower Garden, and Iconic Flower Garden. These spaces are designed to inspire awe with their creative floral displays and vibrant landscaping. Simultaneously, the indoor hall will showcase national pavilions, innovative horticultural technologies, new plant breeds, and exotic species tailored to interest both industry professionals and the general public.
A significant addition to this year’s event is its partnership with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which will support the Overseas Buyer Invitation Support Programme. This initiative aims to bolster business connections between Korea's flourishing horticultural sector and the global marketplace.
The opening ceremony of IHK2025 will feature an AIPH delegation, including Vice President Dr Holly Peng and Board Member Mr Youfei Wang, who represents the China Flower Association from the Asia Region VII. Their participation includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fan engagement at Yangjae Flower Market, which hosts members from the Korea Flower Cultivate Association (KFCA). The delegation will also hold discussions with Mr Lim Yuk-Taek, President of KFCA, alongside other industry stakeholders, including the Secretary General of the Korean Floristry Association.
In a further commitment to international cooperation, AIPH has signed a Cooperation Partnership Agreement with GIFF, represented by President Mr Chung Heungkyo. This new alliance aims to bolster global flower exhibitions and promote horticultural excellence across borders. AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe expressed enthusiasm regarding this collaboration, stating, “International exhibitions like IHK2025 play a vital role in connecting people to the value of plants and flowers, and in promoting sustainable growth across the global horticultural industry."
Reflecting on AIPH's involvement, Dr Peng noted the enduring legacy of IHK’s strong cross-sector collaboration and community engagement, emphasising the importance of the event’s family-friendly atmosphere, top-notch exhibitions, and environmental focus. She underscored that such attributes are likely to enhance IHK’s international reputation with AIPH's continued support.
The backdrop of South Korea's thriving horticultural trade further accentuates the significance of events like IHK2025. In 2023, exports of cut flowers and live plants reached €56.2 million, while imports were reported at €11.5 million. The floriculture sector in Korea is a notable regional player, encompassing over 2,700 hectares dedicated to cut flowers, pot plants, and flowering trees, according to the AIPH and Union Fleurs International Statistical Yearbook 2024. Observed industry trends indicate a rising consumer focus on potted plants, indoor greenery, and lifestyle gardening.
As IHK2025 anticipates more than 700,000 visitors from 25 nations and features around 200 exhibitors, it stands as a critical platform for promoting horticulture to an increasingly urban audience while reinforcing the intrinsic value of plants and flowers for future generations.