[Photo] Dancing and Dreaming Communication Village '2022 Gwangjin Village Autonomy Festival' Held

[Seoul District Photo News] Gwangjin-gu, Harmony and Friendship Festival with Neighbors at Children's Grand Park on the 15th... Rich Performances and Activities by Village Residents... Gwangjin-gu Hosts '2022 Achasan Donghaeng Forest Trail Walking Contest' on the 14th

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, who received a drawing gift by participating in the experience booth

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) held the ‘Gwangjin Village Autonomy Festival,’ a festival of communication and harmony, on the 15th at the open stage in Seoul Children’s Grand Park.

Now in its 8th year, this event, under the theme ‘Dancing Village, Dreaming Autonomy,’ shared the achievements of village communities throughout the year and showcased various performances and experience booths.

Residents, meeting face-to-face for the first time in two years due to COVID-19, showed great excitement as they welcomed the festival on the outdoor stage.

The event was organized into three themes: ▲Performance Yard ‘Dancing Village’ ▲Participation Yard ‘Dreaming Village’ ▲One Yard ‘Dancing Village,’ offering residents a variety of enjoyable activities.

First, at 2 p.m., the festival opened with an exciting performance by a pungmulnori (traditional Korean percussion music) troupe. Following this, a total of 11 teams presented diverse performances including harmonica playing by seniors, choir by multinational residents, and children’s fairy tale plays, showcasing their skills honed through diligent practice.

On one side of the venue, the Participation Yard operated 24 experience booths introducing community activities and offering hands-on experiences. Various activities such as knitting, flower arranging, leather crafting, picture book making, and nail art were provided, allowing children and residents to enjoy and interact happily.

Mayor Kim Kyung-ho carefully observed all the experience booths and encouraged and thanked the village residents who continuously communicated with neighbors and worked hard for the development of the alleys.

In the final segment, ‘Dancing Village,’ over 100 residents gathered in one place, following the same movements and joyfully synchronizing their rhythm to conclude the festival.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “Many residents are working with one heart for the development of the village,” adding, “I hope this will be a happy time to empathize and communicate while socializing with neighbors.”

At Achasan in Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho), the ‘2022 Gwangjin-gu Achasan Companion Forest Trail Walking Contest’ was held with the participation of about 300 Gwangjin residents.

Hosted by the Gwangjin-gu Sports Council (Acting Chairman Lee Jung-seop), the walking contest started with warm-up exercises at 7 a.m. under a clear autumn sky at Achasan Eoullim Square and lasted about an hour.

The walking course was approximately 1.7 km, starting from Achasan Eoullim Square, following the Achasan Companion Forest Trail walking course, and returning to Achasan Eoullim Square.

A resident who participated in the walking contest said, “I have gained vitality by participating in the walking contest held every spring at Children’s Grand Park, but today I tried walking at Achasan for a change,” adding, “The walking environment is well established, so I think I will visit often.”

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “I am very pleased to walk the forest trail with the residents on such a refreshing autumn morning,” and added, “Gwangjin-gu has a good walking environment including Achasan, the Han River, and Children’s Grand Park, so I hope everyone enjoys exercising and taking care of their health while savoring the diverse scenery everywhere.”