30th Anniversary of Jongno-gu Residents' Day

On the 13th at 2 PM, commemorative speeches, citizen awards, and appreciation plaques will be presented at the Open Songhyeon Green Plaza, which was opened last year for the first time in 110 years

Over the next two years, actors Oh Man-seok, talent Seo Ji-seok, and singer Song Min-kyung will be appointed as ambassadors to enhance the brand image of Jongno

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Mun-heon) will hold the ‘30th Jongno Citizens’ Day’ ceremony on the 13th at 2 PM at Open Songhyeon Green Plaza (48-9 Songhyeon-dong).

This event, the first since the start of the 8th local government term, is designed to boost citizens’ pride and love for their hometown and to create a space for harmony and empathy among all participants. Notably, it will be held at the Songhyeon-dong site, which was opened last year for the first time in 110 years and has since been loved by many citizens and tourists.

The ceremony will begin with a pre-event video presenting new hopes and visions for the 8th local government term and the inaugural year of Jongno Modern, delivering messages to instill pride in citizens. The program includes ▲opening declaration ▲introduction of guests and commemorative speeches ▲Jongno Citizen Awards ▲presentation of appreciation plaques to meritorious persons ▲and ambassador appointment ceremony.

The Jongno Citizen Awards will be presented to 10 recipients across 9 categories including ‘community development,’ ‘citizen harmony,’ ‘local culture and arts,’ ‘promotion of sports for daily life,’ and ‘filial piety and good deeds.’ Additionally, appreciation plaques will be awarded to the Jongno Fire Station Chief, the 1st Battalion of the 1905 Unit, and the Volunteer Fire Brigade for their efforts in extinguishing the Inwangsan mountain fire in April, recognizing their dedication and courage in prioritizing residents’ safety around the clock.

On the same day, Jongno-gu will appoint actor Oh Man-seok, talent Seo Ji-seok, and singer Song Min-kyung as promotional ambassadors for the next two years to contribute to enhancing the district’s prestige in their respective fields.

Actor Oh Man-seok was born in Yeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, and has been actively performing mainly in Daehangno. Actor Seo Ji-seok is a former track athlete from Gyeongbok High School, and singer Song Min-kyung is a native of Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, where she still resides.

Yeollin Songhyeon

By appointing individuals with deep ties to Jongno as the district’s first ambassadors, their influence will serve as nourishment to effectively promote Jongno across all generations.

Various side events designed to capture the attention of passing citizens are also prepared. From 11 AM to 5:30 PM, those who subscribe to at least one of Jongno-gu’s official SNS channels (JongnoTV, blog, Instagram, KakaoTalk, etc.) and like or comment on the event video can enjoy diverse experiences such as 1-minute caricatures, photo booths, face painting, and making Chilbo grip-toks after verification by the staff.

Additionally, from 3 PM to 6 PM after the ceremony, the finals of ‘Singing Korea’ will be recorded. Contestants who passed the fierce preliminary round will showcase their honed skills in a competitive battle. Guest singers including Kang Jin, Park Kang-sung, Kim Soo-chan, and Kim Ui-young will perform exciting stages to energize the audience.

Jongno-gu established May 9 as Jongno Citizens’ Day to foster community spirit, preserve and develop local culture, and promote resident unity. The event has been held annually, but in 2020 and 2021 it was replaced by online live broadcasts due to COVID-19, and it was not held last year.

Mayor Jeong Mun-heon said, “I deeply thank all citizens who have given unwavering support to the district administration. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Jongno Citizens’ Day, we have planned a meaningful time that will enrich the daily lives of everyone who cherishes and loves Jongno. We ask for your great interest and participation in this event held at the open space ‘Open Songhyeon,’ which is accessible to all.”

The 11th Gangnam Citizens’ Harmony Festival held for the first time in 4 years

On the 13th at Sudujeon Technical High School, over 7,500 citizens and athletes participate… team games and side events operated

Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) will hold the ‘11th Gangnam Citizens’ Harmony Festival’ on the 13th at the lawn stadium of Sudujeon Technical High School, with over 7,500 citizens and athletes participating.

Held for the first time in four years due to COVID-19, the festival will run from 9 AM to 2 PM. The event opens with a Daechwita performance by students from the National Gugak High School, followed by entrance performances by 22 district teams showcasing their regional characteristics. Then, the opening declaration, congratulatory speeches, and a congratulatory performance by singer Kang Hye-yeon will follow.

Team games are designed to encourage cooperation among participants and include various events. Inspired by the popular drama ‘Squid Game,’ the mission ‘The Rose of Sharon Has Bloomed’ is newly adopted. Other games include OX quizzes, cooperative bounce, mission relay races, and balloon-popping competitions.

2019 Gangnam District Residents Sports Festival

Side events include Gangnam Harmony Land, where participants can enjoy face painting, calligraphy, and taking photos in school uniforms, and Healthy Yard, where health management projects by the public health center such as smoking cessation and alcohol moderation clinics, dementia prevention experiences, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and traditional Korean medicine health projects supported by Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital are offered.

The winning district will be selected based on total points earned in each event and participation such as cheering, with prize money awarded by the Gangnam Sports Council according to ranking. The award ceremony’s congratulatory performances will be by singers Lee Byung-wook and Park Hyun-bin.

Mayor Jo Seong-myeong said, “I am very glad and happy to hold the Gangnam Citizens’ Harmony Festival, which has not been held for a long time. We will continue to create many opportunities for citizens to communicate and enjoy themselves.”

Songpa-gu holds the 8th Children and Youth Festival ‘H.U.G’

In celebration of May as ‘Youth Month,’ a grand festival for children and youth will be held on the 13th at the Peace Gate Plaza in Olympic Park

Operating three themes: Human (humanity), Ultimate (best), Good (right) under the theme ‘Songpa-gu’s Pinecones, Youth’

From the 27th Sprout Children’s Song Festival to performances by singer Kyungseo and b-boying team MB Crew!

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that it will hold the ‘8th Songpa Children and Youth Festival, H.U.G’ on the 13th at the Peace Gate Plaza in Olympic Park to celebrate May as ‘Youth Month.’

This year’s festival name ‘H.U.G’ combines the initials of three themes: Human, Ultimate, and Good. Under the theme ‘Songpa-gu’s Pinecones, Youth,’ it signifies a festival where the whole family can enjoy various sights and activities together.

The festival’s main programs include the ‘Sprout Children’s Song Festival,’ now in its 27th year, and the ‘Youth Club Dance Competition,’ where young people can freely showcase their hidden talents and skills.

Since 1997, the ‘Sprout Children’s Song Festival’ has been Songpa-gu’s representative youth music contest for elementary school students. On the day of the event, 15 teams that passed the preliminaries will perform on the final stage.

The youth club dance competition ‘S.Y.P (Stage Youth Power)’ offers a chance to enjoy dance skills from 10 middle and high school teams nationwide competing in the finals.

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, is giving a greeting speech at the Songpa Kiwoom Center Family Sports Day on May 1st.

There are also 33 ‘experience booths’ prepared by Songpa-gu youth facilities and organizations, full of fun activities. The ‘Human’ zone offers family photo zones and personalized kite-making booths; the ‘Ultimate’ zone provides 3D pen keyring making and chroma key video shooting experiences; and the ‘Good’ zone features programs targeting youth preferences such as screen shooting games and motion-sensing dance games.

On the day of the event, the first part will open with a congratulatory performance by the Beagles Cheerleading Team, followed by the second part’s ceremony featuring the patriotic anthem sung by children from the Songpa Kiwoom Center. Notably, singer Kyungseo’s congratulatory performance and dance performances by students from Hanlim Arts High School will raise the festival’s excitement. The final third part will be capped off by a performance from the b-boying team MB Crew.

Additionally, there will be a splendid stage by the Songpa-gu Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and awards for ‘Model Youth and Youth Leaders,’ attracting much participation and interest from local residents.

Children and youth wishing to participate can check detailed information on the official website of the Songpa Youth Center and the websites of various youth centers in Songpa-gu (Jamsil, Ogeum, Machon Youth Centers, Dream, Songpa Kiwoom Center, and local children’s centers) that organize the event.

Mayor Seo Gang-seok said, “Through the Songpa Children and Youth Festival, I hope young people, the future leaders, can freely express their dreams and talents, and that it becomes a cultural experience and healing time that the whole family can enjoy together.”

‘Seodaemun-gu Children’s Festival’ to be held on the 13th at Hongjecheon Waterfall Plaza area

Experience zone, play zone, performance zone, and food zone prepared

An event to ease the disappointment of Children’s Day, which was rainy, will be held in Seodaemun-gu.

Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Seong-heon) announced that it will hold the ‘Children’s Festival’ on Saturday the 13th from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Hongjecheon Waterfall Plaza area.

After the ‘13th Seodaemun-gu Children’s Festival’ scheduled on the 5th was canceled due to rain, this event was prepared for children to enjoy experiential activities, play, and performances.

At the experience zone, programs such as cookie making, drawing your own character, drone flying, robot soccer, robot curling, face painting, trying on traditional costumes from around the world, and making wooden insects will be held.

At the play zone, children can enjoy robot experiences, riding animal-shaped toys, and nostalgic arcade games. The ‘Seodaemun Kids Playground’ themed on imagination blocks, mazes, and picture books will also be set up.

From 1:20 PM to 3 PM on the stage at the Hongjecheon Riverside Cafe, children’s magic shows, youth dance performances, taekwondo, Nanta performances, and the Seodaemun-gu Boys and Girls Choir will be held consecutively.

At the food zone, visitors can purchase tteokbokki, fish cakes, sausage and rice cake skewers (Sotteok Sotteok), twisted doughnuts, cotton candy, and more.

Several institutions in Seodaemun-gu including Hong Eun Youth Culture House, Childcare Support Center, Gajaeul Youth Center, Volunteer Center, Family Center, and Career Experience Support Center are sponsoring the Children’s Festival.

Mayor Lee Seong-heon said, “I hope this event brings joy to children during Family Month, and we will continue to strive to create a community environment where children can freely run and play.”