Eunpyeong-gu Successfully Hosts Pabalje Festival

Eunpyeong-gu to Host Regional Cultural Festival Pabalje on 2nd with Street Parade, Modeumbuk, and More & 700 Residents Join 'World Culture Parade' ... Eunpyeong-gu Holds 27th Residents' Day Ceremony with Over 10,000 Participants at Bulgwangcheon Floating Stage on 1st ... Gangnam-gu Presents 'Autumn Festival' with Gangnam Arts Troupe

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced on the 2nd that it successfully held the representative local cultural festival, ‘Pabalje’.

‘Pabalje’ is a festival commemorating and inheriting Tongil-ro, the central route through which northern culture and civilization were introduced in the past. It is held annually with the hope for reunification, continuing the tradition.

The ‘Pabalje Opening Ceremony’ was held at the Gupabal Meeting Square. It offered various attractions such as a street parade, ensemble drumming, and a send-off ceremony. This year’s send-off ceremony, signaling the start of Pabalje, planned a drone parade instead of horses as messengers, flying drones to the Bulgwangcheon water stage, but it will be showcased at the integrated festival closing ceremony on the 8th.

Following this, the ‘World Culture Parade’ featuring traditional clothing and music from various countries was held. About 700 local residents and foreigners dressed in traditional costumes from 16 countries marched along the Bulgwangcheon walking trail. Under the theme ‘Eunpyeong in the World,’ the meaning of Pabal was reexamined to transform Eunpyeong into a district communicating with the world.

The ‘Integrated Festival Opening Ceremony,’ originally scheduled at the Bulgwangcheon water stage that day, was inevitably canceled due to heavier rainfall than expected. The canceled drone light show and other events will be presented at the ‘Integrated Festival Closing Ceremony’ on the 8th.

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, said, “As this is the first fully face-to-face festival in three years since COVID-19, we prepared new attempts and abundant attractions,” adding, “We ask for much interest and participation in the remaining festival events running until the 8th.”

Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced on the 1st that it successfully held the ‘27th Eunpyeong Residents’ Day Commemoration Ceremony’ at the Bulgwangcheon water stage.

This year’s ceremony was held face-to-face for the first time in three years, linked with the local representative festivals ‘Pabalje and Eunpyeong Nuri Festival.’ It was open for anyone visiting the Bulgwangcheon water stage to watch, attracting about 10,000 local residents and creating great vitality.

On this day, last year’s Eunpyeong Award Volunteer Award recipient and a resident who won gold medals for two consecutive years at the International Chemistry Olympiad read the residents’ charter as representatives.

Following this, the ‘42nd Eunpyeong Award Ceremony,’ the most prestigious award in Eunpyeong, was held. Awards were presented in five categories: Filial Piety Award, Volunteer Award, Business Award, Beautiful Donation Award, and Special Award. The names of the Eunpyeong Award recipients are engraved on a bronze plaque and permanently preserved in the Eunpyeong Hall of the district office as a model for all residents.

Along with the Eunpyeong Residents’ Day Commemoration Ceremony, the ‘Residents’ Autonomy Association Harmony Festival’ was held on the same day. It promoted the activities and best practices of Eunpyeong-gu residents’ autonomy associations and provided a place for communication with local residents.

Each neighborhood residents’ autonomy association promoted distinctive local autonomy projects and operated promotional, exhibition, and experience programs for local residents to enjoy. They offered various attractions and entertainment such as food booths, photo zones, face painting, and smartphone photo printing.

At the ‘Autonomy Center Program Presentation’ held on the special Bulgwangcheon water stage, autonomy center students showcased their skills in dance, musical instruments, and various performances, proudly displaying their honed talents.

To celebrate the Residents’ Day ceremony, Kim Yeon-ja, Eunpyeong-gu’s public relations ambassador and a national singer, gave a splendid performance. Afterwards, a post-ceremony concert featured popular singers including Kim Hyun-jung, Park Kang-sung, Park Nam-jung, and Jo Kwan-woo, creating a lively stage event.

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, said, “It was possible to overcome difficult times such as COVID-19 and natural disasters thanks to the dedication and efforts of the residents,” adding, “I hope it was a meaningful time for all residents to gather in one place, pledge harmony, and share emotions.”

Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jo Sung-myung) held ‘2022 Autumn Festival with Gangnam Arts Troupe’ at 7 p.m. on the 1st at the COEX K-POP Square. Deputy Conductor Lee Tam-gu conducted, and announcer Kim Kyung-ran hosted the event. The stage featured the Gangnam Arts Troupe (Symphony Orchestra, Choir), soprano Kang Eun-hyun, tenor Kang Yo-sep, and Sweet Sorrow, filling the autumn night with beautiful melodies.