May 24-25 Jung-gu's Representative History and Culture Festival 'Jeongdong Night Tour' Held
On the 7th, Ambassador Colin Crooks Presents 'Pre-Jeongdong Night Tour'
Official Poster Certification Event at Jung-gu Square Until the 14th in May
Jung-gu District Office in Seoul (Mayor Kim Gil-seong) invited 18 residents of Jung-gu on the 7th to hold a “Pre-Jeongdong Night Tour at the British Embassy in Korea.”
Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador to Korea, accompanied the tour from start to finish, personally explaining the interior of the embassy. Despite the chilly rainy weather, cheers erupted at every explanation, showing the enthusiastic response of the residents. In the garden in front of the ambassador’s residence, where the British National Day, the embassy’s largest event, is held, a remarkable scene unfolded as they looked together at the cherry tree planted by the late Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit in 1999.
The British Embassy in Korea has remained in the same location for over 130 years since 1890. Ambassador Crooks emphasized, “It is one of the few buildings used for the same purpose since the Joseon Dynasty,” adding, “Especially in Seoul, it is a truly rare case.”
While touring the dining room overlooking the garden with the residents, Ambassador Crooks answered a resident’s question about how often breakfast meetings are held, saying, “About five times a week.” He also introduced various artworks placed throughout the embassy, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
“Pre-Jeongdong Night Tour” is a preliminary event for Jeongdong Night Tour, which will be held from the 24th to the 25th. It was prepared to allow more residents to enjoy “a feast of modern history, Jeongdong Night Tour.”
A resident who participated in the tour said, “It was a special opportunity to hear the embassy’s explanation directly from the British Ambassador, so it will remain memorable for a long time,” adding, “Thanks to this, I felt like I briefly traveled to the UK.”
Meanwhile, the British Embassy will open its doors again on the day of the Jeongdong Night Tour event. Those who want to explore the British Embassy and various historical and cultural facilities in the Jeongdong-gil area, which are usually difficult to see, can apply for the “program in advance” on the Jeongdong Night Tour website by 5 p.m. on the 9th.
Additionally, various events are underway. Until the 14th, if you send a photo taken with the QR code in the newsletter “Junggu Plaza” along with a “2024 Jeongdong Night Tour official poster certification shot,” you will be entered into a drawing to win a stay at Lotte Hotel Seoul. Winners will be announced on May 30.
Colorful events will also continue on the official Jeongdong Night Tour Instagram. During May, when the event is held, completing missions through the official Instagram will enter participants into a drawing to receive hotel accommodation vouchers.
Kim Gil-seong, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, “Knowing the history and stories related to Jeongdong-gil makes Jeongdong Night Tour more visible and enjoyable,” and added, “We ask for your great interest and participation in the upcoming main Jeongdong Night Tour event, which is just around the corner.”
Started by Jung-gu in Seoul in 2015, Jeongdong Night Tour is Korea’s first cultural heritage night tour, attracting more than 200,000 domestic and foreign tourists annually. It is regarded as a representative example of a successful local festival, with benchmarking continuing nationwide. Until 2018, the event was held every May and October, then operated by Seoul City, and last fall, after five years, it returned to Jung-gu’s care, achieving great success.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
