Songpa-gu Festival Mode ON!... 'Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival' Held In-Person After 3 Years

Songpa-gu to Host 'Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival' from September 30 to October 2 at Olympic Park Peace Gate Area: Packed with Attractions, Food, and Fun... District Mayor Seogangseok Highlights Songpa's Unique Cultural Heritage under the Theme 'The Power of Culture Flowing Strongly'... Musical Reenacting Historic Moments, Era-themed Costume Runway, Hanseong Pungnyu Concert... Diverse Programs Including Food Trucks, Ojingeo Game, Zipline, Archery, and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Seok Seok Seo) will open the 22nd Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival on the 30th.

The Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, held from September 30 to October 2 at the Peace Gate in Olympic Park, will be held face-to-face for the first time in three years since COVID-19.

Songpa-gu Mayor Seok Seok Seo emphasized, “The progressive culture of Hansung Baekje, which began in Songpa 2,000 years ago, has the power to inspire hope even in darkness. The history and culture of the Republic of Korea have flowed steadily within this great current.”

Accordingly, this year’s Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival highlights Songpa-gu’s unique great cultural heritage under the theme of ‘The Power of Culture Flowing Steadily’ from Baekje to the present, delivering a message for the future.

In particular, various events spanning genres will be held, including ▲a musical reenacting historic moments from Hansung Baekje to the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the present ▲a runway show of costumes by era ▲traditional cultural and artistic performances such as Songpa Sandae Nori.

Additionally, ▲zipline ▲Squid Game ▲ttakji (Korean traditional card game) and other diverse experience programs, as well as a food market showcasing K-food, will be operated to satisfy visitors’ five senses.

□ The Festival’s Opening: Announcing Songpa’s ‘Great Power of Culture’!

On the first day of the festival, the opening ceremony will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 30. Starting with a collaborative performance by the Songpa-gu Symphony Orchestra and Choir, a spectacular opening show combining a musical star gala stage and multimedia show will be presented.

First, through an 18-meter large LED and media facade, visitors can enjoy new media art depicting the founding of Baekje, the August 15 Liberation, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 2002 World Cup, and Songpa’s leap into the future.

Next, designer Kim Ki-sook, a master of traditional Korean costumes, will conduct the ‘Hansung Baekje Fashion Runway’ with over 20 Songpa-gu citizen models including professional models, elegantly and colorfully interpreting Baekje costumes in a modern style.

Also, musical actors such as Ji-hoon Lee, Jun-ho Son, and So-hyun Kim will perform a musical reenacting historic moments from Hansung Baekje to the August 15 Liberation, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and the present.

□ ‘Hanmaeum Eoulmadang’ & ‘Hansung Pungnyu Concert’ Enjoyed with Residents

On the second day, October 1, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., ‘Hanmaeum Eoulmadang’ will take place at the Peace Plaza in Olympic Park. Residents from 16 neighborhoods will compete with talents and skills learned through community center programs.

From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 1, visitors can enjoy the ‘Hansung Pungnyu Concert.’ This concert features the ‘Songpa Sandae Nori,’ designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1973, samulnori (traditional percussion quartet), various traditional performances by the ‘Yein Association In Cheonji,’ master singer Nam Sang-il, and crossover performances blending traditional Korean music and pop music by ‘Pungnyu Captain Lee Yoon-ah,’ showcasing the charm and excitement of Korean traditional music.

The Peace Gate at Olympic Park, the venue for the 22nd Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival

□ 2022 Songpa Running Again! Closing Ceremony Delivering a Message of Hope to Residents

On the last day, October 2, from 7 p.m., the closing ceremony will be held under the theme ‘A World Where the Dream of Culture Comes True.’ The event will conclude with a screening of the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival history, Handspeak’s ‘Sign Language Musical’ and ‘K-POP B-boy Dance,’ and a congratulatory performance by the singer Koyote.

Also, during the three days of the festival, the ‘Hansung Baekje Experience Village’ will be set up at the Peace Plaza in Olympic Park. A ‘Straw Playground’ will be created, featuring a zipline and straw slide, Baekje costume experiences, Baekje crown making, and a catapult experience, among more than 20 programs offering a unique journey into history.

Along with this, the food market will operate food booths and food trucks prepared by residents and groups from 25 neighborhoods to promote community harmony. Prize events such as finding Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival advertisements on buses and subways and on-site visit photo certifications will also be held to provide various joys.

Songpa-gu Mayor Seok Seok Seo said, “I hope that residents and artists, exhausted by COVID-19, will gain hopeful energy through this face-to-face Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival.” He added, “It is time to show the power of Hansung Baekje culture flowing steadily as Songpa runs again. We will develop the ‘Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival’ into a global festival to widely promote the brilliant culture of Baekje and Songpa, which was at its center.”