Songpa-gu Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival Sweeps 3 Categories at the 2023 Pinnacle Awards

▲ Gold and Silver Awards at Korean Competition... 12 Consecutive Years of Winning ▲ Bronze Award in U.S. Finals Among 110 Cities Worldwide
Seog-Seok Seo, Mayor of Songpa-gu, "We Will Strive to Grow into a Global Festival Enjoying High-Quality K-Culture"

Seonbi Dance

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok), the representative festival of the district, the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, showcased the strength of Korean local festivals to the world by winning gold and silver awards at the 17th Pinnacle Awards 'Korea Competition' and a bronze award at the 'U.S. Finals.'

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), which hosts the Pinnacle Awards, was established in the United States in 1956 to build a global festival network and has over 50 member countries worldwide. Winners at the 'Korea Competition' organized by the IFEA Korea chapter advance through the 'Asia Competition' to the 'U.S. Finals.'

Since last year, the district has reimagined the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival as a comprehensive arts festival aligned with modern trends, allowing visitors to enjoy various K-cultures such as K-music and dramas. The 23rd Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, held from September 22 to 24 under the theme "The Power of Culture Crossing Rivers and Seas," presented the flourishing process of K-culture through high-quality cultural performances, attracting a total of over 300,000 visitors over three days, achieving great success.

At the Korea Competition, among about 40 domestic festivals, the district won the gold award in the Audio & Visual Program category with a highlight video elegantly capturing performances on a 60-meter large stage. In the Children's Program category, which won the silver award, the efficient reservation system, Baekje culture experience zone, and family-friendly recreational events received high praise.

With these gold and silver awards, the district has earned the honor of winning at the Korea Competition for 12 consecutive years since its first entry in 2012 and is aiming to advance beyond the upcoming Asia Competition, scheduled to be held for the first time in Thailand next February, to the U.S. Finals. A district official stated, "We will prepare to ensure that the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, which received great love from residents this year, can achieve good results once again."

Additionally, the 22nd Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival held last year under the theme "The Power of Culture Flowing Steadily" advanced to the U.S. Finals after winning at last year's Korea Competition. Competing against 110 cities worldwide, it ultimately won the bronze award in the 'Best Promotional Brochure' category. This achievement is especially valuable as it was attained after the launch of the 8th local government administration.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa District, visiting the experience booth

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "This Pinnacle Award win truly proves that the power of culture, which has flowed steadily since Hansung Baekje 2,000 years ago, is crossing rivers and seas and spreading worldwide," adding, "We will take the lead in developing content so that the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival grows into a global festival where high-quality K-culture can be enjoyed."