Gwanak-gu to Host Largest Children's Festival in May

Gwanak-gu Operates Various Spring Festival Programs

May 5-6: Gwanak-gu's Largest Children's Festival ‘S1472 Children's Week’ Held

May 5-19: Children's Plays, and on May 20, a Healing Campnic with Reading

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has prepared programs that the whole family can enjoy together in celebration of May, the month of family.

From May 5 to 6, at the Gwancheon-ro cultural platform S1472, the festival will feature ▲performance programs (emotional puppet play The Magic Castle, family puppet play Mr. Mustache's Tumultuous Day, Bubble & Magic Show FUN FUN Kids Show, etc.) ▲permanent programs (starlight drawing contest, family photo studio, taping drawing, traditional games from around the world, etc.) ▲experience programs (terrarium, glass crafts) ▲art market and other lifestyle art experiences and sales of creative works, all free from 12 PM to 6 PM.

On May 5 and 19, permanent children's performances suitable for all ages will be presented at Gwanak Art Hall. The program consists of the 2022 Asiteji Winter Festival Grand Prize-winning work Somewhere, Sparkling and Dochabi (Jeju dialect for ‘goblin’) Bangshi, which contains culture and folklore set in Jeju.

Children who participated in last year's S1472 Children's Week event

Performance times are 11 AM and 3 PM, with ticket prices at 30,000 KRW for R seats and 20,000 KRW for S seats. Gwanak-gu residents and group viewers can receive a 50% discount, and users of the ‘Gwanak Art Hall Children's Lounge’ can get up to a 40% discount.

A representative from the Gwanak Cultural Foundation said, “We wanted to create a family month that all generations from children to adults can enjoy together,” expressing aspirations for “making Gwanak a city of festivals enjoyable all year round.”

Additionally, on May 20, the ‘Gwanak BomBom’ festival, combining reading and healing, will be held around the Starlight Naerin Stream area, hosted by the Gwanak District Library. ‘Gwanak BomBom’ is a cultural program filled with books and rest, featuring ▲a children's flea market for book swapping ▲independent bookstore booths ▲campnic (camp & picnic) rest areas, planned to fill the Starlight Naerin Stream area.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, “I hope residents who have had a hard time due to COVID-19 regain vitality during May, the month of family, and enjoy a healthy and happy daily life.”

Nowon-gu '2023 Children's Day Festival' - A Magical Day Where a 7-Lane Road Transforms into Neverland

May 5, 10 AM to 5 PM: 550m Section of Nohae-ro 7-Lane Road Closed and Transformed into a Festival Venue

Famous Characters like Pinkfong and Carry & Friends, Marching Band Celebration, Nowon Children's Talent Show

Five Zones: Bubble Yard, Experience Yard, Play Yard, Safety Yard, Lawn Yard + Book Rest Area with Various Events

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seungrok) announced that it will close Nohae-ro, a representative road of the district, and hold a grand Children's Day festival on May 5.

The event prepared by the district is a large festival for the whole family to enjoy, taking place from 10 AM to 5 PM on May 5 along a 550m section of Nohae-ro (from Lotte Department Store to Full Gospel Church). Since this is the first event in four years due to COVID-19, it features splendid and diverse performances and unique attractions.

The event is divided into five zones: the main stage and street stage where the opening ceremony and various performances take place, and the Bubble Yard, Experience Yard, Play Yard, Safety Yard, and Lawn Yard, where various experiential and play activities are held.

First, the opening ceremony will be held at 10:30 AM on the main stage in front of Lotte Department Store. Local children's talent shows and beloved character performances such as ‘Pinkfong and Teacher Ttunteun's Dance Party’ and ‘Carry & Friends’ will be presented. Street stages will also be set up in the Lawn Yard and Play Yard, offering puppet shows, street plays, magic shows, and other entertaining attractions.

The most popular ‘Bubble Yard’ is a play area using soap bubbles. A large bubble machine will operate a bubble waterfall (15m x 15m), and changing rooms and shower booths will be installed for children who bring extra clothes. Bubble & Magic shows lasting about 30 minutes will be performed three times.

The ‘Experience Yard,’ prepared by local organizations and schools for children, will operate 14 experience booths. Activities include face painting, nail art, toy chaos and play experiences, kaleidoscope making, and at the Nowon Village Media Support Center booth, children can try being news announcers and weathercasters.

The ‘Play Yard,’ filled with various playground equipment, will operate rides such as a carousel swing, children's Viking ship, Pororo train, and three large inflatable play structures. Parasols will be installed for waiting children, and safety and operation staff will be assigned to prevent accidents.

This year, the district has paid special attention to the ‘Safety Yard.’ Given the increasing importance of safety, disaster safety experiences tailored to children's perspectives are prepared. Children can experience airplane escape slides, fire situation maze escapes, and earthquake houses to learn crisis response methods. Additionally, unique experiences such as trying on police uniforms, riding police motorcycles, and learning how to use fire extinguishers will be available in cooperation with Nowon Fire Station and Police Station.

Finally, the ‘Lawn Yard’ is a cultural space for rest. It is set up as a book rest area, exhibiting pop-up books loved by children and conducting book curation. About 1,000 books are placed on shelves on artificial turf, with outdoor bean bags and armchairs installed so visitors can rest and read during the festival.

The district will close traffic on Nohae-ro from 10 PM on May 4 to midnight on May 5. A separate safety management plan has been established and reviewed for this event, with prior safety inspections of facilities and training and deployment of safety management personnel to ensure thorough safety measures.

Oh Seungrok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “We will transform the 7-lane Nohae-ro into an amusement park full of things children love for Children's Day,” adding, “We hope families come out together and create joyful memories.”

“May is So Green” Sanmaru Playground 101-Play Festival

May 5-7: Magic Show, Comedy Show, and Experiential Play Programs for Children at Sanmaru Playground

Four Neighborhood Playgrounds in Sungin, Changi, Cheongun, and Wonseo Parks Offer Mini Olympic Concept Body Play Programs

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Munheon) will hold the ‘2023 Children's Day Sanmaru 101-Play Festival’ from May 5 to 7, 9 AM to 6 PM, celebrating Children's Day.

Commemorating the 101st Children's Day with the subtitle ‘101 plus one,’ the festival is planned as 101 diverse play times for children and family participants at Sanmaru Playground (39 Changsinn6ga-gil) and four neighborhood playgrounds in Sungin, Changi, Cheongun, and Wonseo.

On May 5 at 1 PM, the ‘Kids Magic Balloon Show’ by magician Promind will be held at the open yard of Sanmaru Playground. Anyone can watch for free without prior registration. From 3 PM, an experiential play mission ‘Secret of Sanmaru Play Island’ will operate. Individual and family participants are being recruited on a first-come, first-served basis via the QR code on the poster.

On May 6, a comedy performance ‘Comedy Performance Show’ by the troupe Ukatangka, a ‘Sanmaru Play Podium’ where children can express why they should play or messages to their families, and group play programs ‘Nodi and Random Play’ are scheduled.

The district will also run ongoing programs from May 5 to 7. Representative examples include ‘Box Stacking Play’ at Sanmaru Hwangto Playground, where children stack and topple boxes and scribble freely; ‘My Way Play Scribble Board,’ where children can freely scribble and loudly express what they want to say to parents or anything they desire; and ‘101 Play Tree,’ where children write their invented games on capsules and hang them on a play tree.

Additionally, scribble zones, photo zones, and snack zones will be set up to support children in enjoying joyful times with family and friends.

Moreover, four neighborhood playgrounds will present body play programs with a mini Olympic concept on May 18, 19, 25, and 26 in celebration of Family Month. The playgrounds in Sungin, Changi, Cheongun, and Wonseo Parks will each hold sports days reflecting their unique characteristics. For more details about the festival, contact the Urban Greenery Division Park Management Team.

Sanmaru Playground in Changsin-dong was honored with the Presidential Award at the 2019 National Land Competition held to discover excellent examples of Korea's national land landscape, becoming a representative play spot in Jongno-gu. It was highly evaluated for creating a new concept of creative play space rather than a conventional uniform playground and for being a complex cultural space accessible to children, local residents, and various groups.

Mayor Jeong Munheon said, “I hope children enjoy various programs with their peers and watch performances at Sanmaru Playground on Children's Day, creating precious memories.”

Guro-gu, Children's Day Open! Guro Dream Tree World

May 5, 10 AM to 5 PM: Held Face-to-Face for the First Time in 4 Years at Gocheok Neighborhood Park

Celebration Performances, Essay Contest, Drawing Contest, Experience Booths, Youth Harmony Yard, and More

Guro-gu (Mayor Moon Heonil) will hold a Children's Day event on May 5 at Gocheok Neighborhood Park.

Guro-gu announced on May 1, “To celebrate the 101st Children's Day, we have prepared various programs that the whole family can enjoy.”

The event starts at 10 AM. Pre-event performances will raise excitement, and the ceremony will include reading the Children's Rights Charter and awarding certificates to exemplary children. After the opening declaration, magic shows, bubble shows, and B-boy celebration performances are prepared.

From 11 AM to 3 PM, an essay contest and drawing contest will be held. The essay topic will be announced on the day, and there is no specific theme for the drawing contest. Participants can bring their own materials and apply on-site.

Various experience booths stimulating children's curiosity will operate, including job experience photo zones, fire safety experiences, face painting, hydroponic plant pot making, and name tag making for missing child prevention.

Food markets, air bounce playgrounds, nostalgia playgrounds, balloon art zones, and roulette events will also take place. Family cooperative survival games and family golden bell quizzes are expected to add fun to the harmony.

At 3 PM, the Youth Harmony Yard inauguration ceremony and performances by youth club teams will follow.

Guro-gu plans to deploy safety management personnel and have emergency medical staff and ambulances on standby to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies, anticipating large crowds.

A Guro-gu official said, “Since this is the first face-to-face event in four years, we hope many people come and make joyful memories.”

On the same day, from 10:30 AM to 3 PM, the Guro Village Community Network will host the Guro Children's Grand Festival at Guro 5-dong Street Park, featuring play yards, experience yards, flea markets, and performance yards.

Dongdaemun-gu Holds ‘The Unbelievable Show’ on May 5 for the 101st Children's Day… Two Performances at 11 AM and 2 PM

Admission for 500 People per Session on a First-Come, First-Served Basis Without Prior Reservation… Shadow Play and Large Bubble Experience Activities Also Provided

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Pilhyung) will hold a children's performance and magic bubble show (‘The Fantastic Unbelievable Show’) on May 5 at the multipurpose auditorium on the 2nd floor of the district office in celebration of the 101st Children's Day.

‘The Fantastic Unbelievable Show’ is a children's performance currently available at Yongsan I'Park Mall, loved by children for its dazzling performances including magic shows, bubble shows, shadow plays, and balloon shows.

To celebrate Children's Day, the district prepared this event so that the excitement and fun of ‘The Unbelievable Show,’ which has toured 35 cities in Korea and China, held a solo concert in Shanghai, and toured over 40 cities in 10 countries overseas, can be fully experienced at Dongdaemun-gu Office.

Before the performances, children visiting the district office can enjoy shadow play and large bubble experiences in the lobby of the multipurpose auditorium on the 2nd floor. After the show, children will have the opportunity to take commemorative photos with magician ‘Bubble J,’ creating precious memories.

‘The Unbelievable Show’ will be held twice on May 5 at 11 AM and 2 PM in the auditorium on the 2nd floor of the district office. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 500 people per session without prior reservation.

A district official said, “Children's Day is a day to encourage children, the future leaders of society, to have pride and confidence. We prepared this event so children and families can enjoy a joyful time together,” adding, “We hope children and adults watching the mysterious and beautiful magic show ‘The Unbelievable Show’ return to their childhood and have a happy day.”

“Sharing News from Gangseo-gu~” 14th Gangseo Dream Hill Children's Reporters Launch

Children Participate Directly from Reporting to Editing to Publish a Children's Newsletter

Seoul Gangseo-gu Appoints 68 Members of the 14th Gangseo Dream Hill Children's Reporters

Kim Tae-woo, Mayor of Seoul Gangseo-gu, attended the ‘14th Gangseo Dream Hill Children's Reporters Appointment and Award Ceremony’ held on May 1 in the district office's main conference room, delivering congratulations and encouragement to the children.

Mayor Kim awarded certificates of commendation to 14 outstanding children's reporters from the 13th group and appointed 68 members of the 14th Gangseo Dream Hill Children's Reporters.

The newly appointed children's reporters consist of 4th to 6th graders from 22 elementary schools in the area. Over the next year, they will directly report on various district news such as ▲local explorations and festivals ▲school news ▲local cultural information, and participate in producing and editing the children's newsletter ‘Gangseo Dream Hill.’

The district publishes the children's newsletter ‘Gangseo Dream Hill’ to provide children with opportunities to take an interest in and actively participate in district administration.

Mayor Kim Tae-woo said, “As a parent raising two children, I feel like all the children's reporters are like my own sons and daughters. I hope they read many books and gain more experiences and memories through their activities as children's reporters,” expressing special affection.

He added, “I expect the children's reporters to actively present any difficulties they feel and opinions about district administration,” and “Based on their opinions, we will improve and develop any shortcomings and work tirelessly to create a city where children want to live.”

Meanwhile, the district has established itself as a more child-friendly city by obtaining UNICEF Child-Friendly City certification and higher-level certification last November. It is also promoting policies for children such as expanding ‘Our Neighborhood Care Centers’ to solve after-school elementary care issues and creating kids cafes, striving to make Gangseo a great place to raise children.

Yongsan-gu, Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground Children's Day Week Events

May 4 Special Day Event ‘Today, Children Are the Main Characters’

Participation from Local Child and Youth-Related Organizations … Food and Experience Booths Operated

Free Use of Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground via Online Reservation During Children's Day Week (May 2-7)

Recreation and Experience Booth Programs Held May 2-6

“Children must play right now! Children must be healthy right now! Children must be happy right now!” - From the drama ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’

In celebration of May, the month of family, Yongsan-gu is holding Children's Day week events at Yongsan Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground.

On May 4, a special day event titled ‘Today, Children Are the Main Characters’ will be held in the lobby on the 1st floor of Central Park Tower Building, where Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground is located.

Child and youth-related organizations will participate, operating experience, food, and flea market booths. The opening event includes a visiting concert by ‘La Gorr Ensemble’ from Hyochang Comprehensive Social Welfare Center.

Participating organizations include Yongsan Education Welfare Center, Yongsan Youth Counseling Welfare Center, Yongsan Education Welfare Center, Yongsan Youth Center, Our Neighborhood Care Centers (branches 1-8), Yongsan Family Center, Dongbinggo, Seobinggo, Hannam, Bogwang Daycare Centers, Yongsan Volunteer Center, Yeongnak Regional Child Welfare Center, Shindaebang-dong District Child Welfare Center, Children's Fence Regional Child Welfare Center, Seonhan Regional Child Welfare Center, and YES21 Youth Foundation - corporations and affiliated organizations.

During Children's Day week from May 2 to 7, Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground can be used free of charge through online reservation. Recreation and experience booths, photo zones, etc., will be operated. However, recreation and experience booths are available only from May 2 to 6.

Recreation programs include popping star balloons, giant basketball, tunnel play, hula hoop bowling, corner play, and stork swallow games. Experience booths consist of balloon art, face painting, Rattan and Silly, color and pearl beads, etc.

Kim Seonsu, Acting Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, “We prepared the event prioritizing the safety of our children, the main characters,” adding, “We will continue to develop as a child-friendly city so that children can grow up bright and healthy.”

Yongsan Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground is Seoul's first child-participatory indoor playground, opened in November 2020 on the 2nd floor of Central Park Tower Building (17 Seobinggo-ro). It is for children aged 6 to 10, operating Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM. The fee is 1,000 KRW per 2 hours per person, and reservations must be made in advance via the Dodam Dodam Indoor Playground website or Naver reservation system.

Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center Presents Special Children's Day Gift

Collaboration Between Seongbuk-gu National and Public Daycare Association and Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center to Specially Produce Children's Clothing

“A Meaningful Children's Day Gift”... Supplied to 47 National and Public Daycares in Seongbuk-gu

Production Doubled from Last Year to About 2,000 Pieces

Seongbuk Mayor Lee Seungro: “Creating a Regional Community Where Fashion Sewing Industry and Public Institutions Coexist”

The Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center has prepared a meaningful Children's Day gift for children in Seongbuk-gu. Collaborating with local fashion sewing companies and the Seongbuk-gu National and Public Daycare Association (President Kim Yoonja), they will supply 2,009 specially produced children's T-shirts to 47 national and public daycare centers.

This special group uniform production, carried out through collaboration between the Seongbuk National and Public Daycare Association and the Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center, is a cooperative business model between the fashion sewing manufacturing industry and public institutions, continuing from last year. It is expected to help revitalize the local economy by linking work to small sewing businesses.

Last year, 1,097 uniforms were produced for 28 daycare centers, but this year the target has nearly doubled to 47 daycare centers with 2,009 uniforms to be produced and supplied.

The Children's Day commemorative T-shirts were planned by a young fashion startup designer at the Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center, tailored to children's perspectives. Featuring a cute duck character and made with functional materials, the design offers a wide range of colors and sizes.

To ensure rapid manufacturing processes and cost reduction, advanced smart equipment (CAD, automatic cutting system, etc.) within the Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center was utilized, and meticulous sewing work was added at local sewing factories to enhance completeness.

Over the past three years, the Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center has engaged in in-depth discussions with executives of Seongbuk national and public daycare centers to overcome difficulties faced by local small business owners due to COVID-19 and revitalize the local economy. A consensus was formed for coexistence between public institutions and fashion sewing companies, leading to this special production.

Seongbuk Mayor Lee Seungro said, “This project is significant as it created a virtuous cycle in the region through collaboration between the fashion sewing manufacturing industry and public institutions,” adding, “We will continue to support the growth of the local fashion sewing industry so that small sewing businesses can grow and create a thriving regional community.”

The Seongbuk Smart Fashion Industry Center, equipped with shared cutting rooms, exhibition and sales halls, and design and pattern rooms based on a smart factory for small sewing businesses, opened in December 2021. Currently, the Seoul Fashion Textile Sewing Association manages it, providing all-in-one services from fashion design to distribution.