[Interview] Ryoo Kyung-gi, Jungnang-gu Mayor, "Seoul Rose Festival Will Be a Source of Pride for Residents"

Everything about 10 Million Colorful Roses... A Festival Created Together by Residents... A Festival Driving the Local Economy

"For the residents who create the festival together, the Rose Festival becomes another 'source of pride,' and for the visitors, it will be an opportunity to more firmly introduce 'Our Jungnang.'

This is what Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said ahead of the '2023 Seoul Rose Festival' held from the 13th to the 28th."

Showcasing Everything About Roses

During the festival period, Jungnang-gu is expected to be brilliantly adorned with 10 million colorful roses.

This is because the 'Seoul Rose Festival,' known as 'the most beautiful festival in Seoul,' is returning on a large scale after four years.

This year's festival focuses primarily on the 'rose' itself. Mayor Ryu said, "As the 'most beautiful festival in Seoul,' we have planted even more beautiful roses so that they can be seen in as many places as possible, and we have strived to capture 'everything about roses.'"

A total of 10 million roses of 200 varieties will bloom at this year's Rose Festival. You can see abundant roses in various locations such as Mukdongcheon Stream, Surim Grand Park, Ihwa Bridge, Gyeomjae Bridge, and Myeonmokcheon Stream.

'Everything about Roses' can be experienced at the special 'Rose Exhibition Hall' held during the main festival period from the 19th to the 21st. The Rose Exhibition Hall will be filled with diverse attractions, including various roses from around the world, works by rose florists, and the history of roses in Korea.

Additionally, a Rose Market selling various rose-related products such as soap and accessories, and a Rose Item booth selling products using the Seoul Rose Festival's BI will be set up.

Also, the 5.45 km Rose Tunnel stretching along Jungnangcheon Stream is the highlight of the festival. Mayor Ryu said, "I hope visitors walk under the tunnel covered with roses, see the fully bloomed roses wherever their eyes reach, find comfort for their hearts, enjoy the rich festival attractions, and create memories."

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu

Furthermore, the festival will feature splendid musical performances like roses. On the 19th and 20th, popular singers such as Jang Yoon-jeong, Kim Na-hee, Lyn, Mongni, and Park Bo-ram will perform at the Rose Concert and Rose & Music Festival, adding more enjoyment. On the 21st, the Rose Song Festival will crown the 'Neighborhood Song King of Kings' among residents who advanced through neighborhood preliminaries.

Throughout the festival, busking performances by local artists called 'Jungnang Artists' will also take place in various locations.

A Festival Created and Enjoyed Directly by Residents

The aspect of being a 'festival created together by residents' adds significance to this year's 'Seoul Rose Festival.' Mayor Ryu said, "It feels even more meaningful that residents are participating in every process from the beginning of the festival."

The 'Jungnang-gu Promotion Models,' composed of residents of various ages, became the main figures on the festival posters, and residents from 16 neighborhoods participate in the parade that opens the festival. Residents not only plan the design of the rose pop-up garden but also operate neighborhood dessert cafes and perform as Jungnang Artists, participating in various ways throughout the festival. Mayor Ryu said, "The festival serves as a large cultural and communication platform where residents can participate and enjoy the festival in their own ways, share affection, and interact with each other."

Growing into a Festival Driving the Local Economy

Mayor Ryu said, "Since the festival has been held along Jungnangcheon Stream and the embankment area, there has always been a desire to better connect with the local commercial district." To address this, this year, the Rose Flower Light Street, where shops are densely located, has been set as the festival entrance route to guide visitors' flow. Through a specialized street creation project, the walking environment has been improved, and rose decorations and street lighting have been installed. Muk 2-dong's Rose Flower Light Street has transformed into a beautiful street both day and night, ready to welcome visitors.

Local traditional markets and restaurants are also busy preparing to welcome visitors. During the festival, traditional markets will operate event booths, and about 60 businesses in Jung-hwa-dong, Muk-dong, and Myeonmok-dong areas will offer a 10% discount on food and beverages.

Mayor Ryu said, "I hope visitors not only enjoy the festival but also visit hidden local restaurants and show great interest in Jungnang-gu's eateries," adding, "We will strive to make the Rose Festival a role model that attracts more people to Jungnang-gu, promotes it as an attractive city, and leads to greater revitalization of the local economy."

A Well-Ordered and Safe Festival

Before the festival, the district is making every effort to prepare safety measures so that residents and visitors can enjoy the festival safely.

Mayor Ryu said, "In anticipation of large crowds, about 2,900 people including safety personnel, volunteers, district office staff, medical staff, as well as police and fire personnel, will guard various parts of the festival venue throughout the event," emphasizing, "While entertainment and attractions are important, safety is always the top priority."

On April 13, he personally visited the Jungnangcheon area where the festival will be held to thoroughly inspect the site and check overall festival progress, including parking, traffic, facility installation, and cleaning. The district plans to conduct additional site inspections on May 12, just before the festival, and on the 18th, before the main event.

Mayor Ryu said, "As this festival returns after four years, overcoming COVID-19, we are making thorough preparations. We will do our best until the end of the festival to ensure that residents participating in the festival can enjoy meaningful moments filled with joy and happiness throughout the entire process," and added, "Please show much interest and love for the 'Seoul Rose Festival,' the most beautiful festival in Seoul where you can fully enjoy the queen of flowers, the rose, and deeply feel the spirit of spring."