Hong Kong hosts Valentine’s Day with 25,000 LED roses

A woman takes a selfie in front of the LED lights roses at the “Light Rose Garden” in Hong Kong, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. ‘“Light Rose Garden,’ which originated from South Korea, is an art installation project featuring 25,000 white roses made of LED lights for Valentine’s Day. AP

HONG KONG, China — It’s like a romantic scene out of one of South Korea’s sappy soap dramas — tens of thousands of illuminated roses forming an impressive backdrop for the lead actor and actress to declare their love for each other.

The Light Rose Garden, a public art installation featuring a sea of white roses made with light-emitting diode, or LED, is also a perfect venue for Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong.

Originating in South Korea, the Light Rose Garden is on a world tour with its first stop in the southern Chinese city.

Organizer Jung Yong Jin said he’s thrilled to see people outside of Seoul enjoying the garden, made up of 25,000 waterproof white roses arranged tightly in Hong Kong’s landmark Central and Western District Promenade, with 25 roses planted every 3 square meters (yards).

The roses light up each night and instantly illuminate the park against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline. Couples, families and friends flock to take photos.

“I created this LED rose garden because I wanted families, friends and lovers to come out to parks at night,” Jung said.

A woman from Taiwan, who was visiting with her boyfriend, said the romantic setting reminded her of Korean dramas.

“I don’t feel anything,” the boyfriend, who identified himself only as Lee, laughed. “She showed me those scenes. Korean dramas are like that. So when I read about it, I wanted to bring her here.”

For Valentine’s, he gave her roses made of Lego bricks.

The light garden’s next stop is Singapore on Feb. 22.