Green Concert 20th Anniversary Free Charity Stage
Baek Ji-young, Ali, Jung Dong-ha, Tei, Jang Min-ho Join
Various Events, Golf Equipment Outlet, Food Market
‘Kim Jaejoong, Baek Ji-young, Ali, Jung Dong-ha, Tei, Jang Minho.’
The large-scale charity free event, Seowon Valley Country Club Green Concert, will take place this year on May 25.
The landscape has changed twice. It is the Green Concert held at Seowon Valley Country Club in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, which started in 2000. This year marks its 24th year and the 20th event. It will take place on the 25th at 6 p.m. on a special stage at Seowon Valley. The golf course transforms into a K-pop concert venue. It is the only charity free large-scale concert in the world held on a golf course. The fairways and greens of the golf course are arranged as the stage and audience seats, and the country’s top musicians perform. 500 staff members work together for this event. The annual cost exceeds 600 million KRW.
The Green Concert is famous for raising large amounts of charity funds. K-pop fans from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, as well as the United States, South America, and Europe flock to see the Seowon Valley Green Concert, sometimes numbering up to 3,000 people. Every year, about 40,000 people fill the seats. The total audience who have attended the Green Concert has surpassed 530,000. Approximately 630 million KRW in charity funds have been delivered to neighbors in need and local communities.
There have been 177 performing teams at the Green Concert. Among them are Korea’s top popular singers such as BTS, Wanna One, IU, and Beast. This year, the best world stars from Korea and Japan will gather. Kim Jaejoong, celebrating his 20th anniversary since debut, will appear. He said, "I thought the Seowon Valley Green Concert was the most meaningful event to celebrate my 20th anniversary. I want to participate together to celebrate the same 20th anniversary and create a time to think about volunteering and charity."
That’s not all. Baek Ji-young, Ali, Jung Dong-ha, Tei, Lim Han-byul, Jang Minho, Park Gun, Super Junior’s Leeteuk and Shindong, Daybreak, Hanhae, Kisum, and 26 teams in total will perform. Various genres of singers that families can enjoy together will appear. The MCs remain unchanged: Park Mi-sun and Lee Jong-hyun, director of Leisure Newspaper. Bhutan’s top singer Ugen, ranked number one in happiness index, will make a special appearance. He is called the ‘Cho Yong-pil of Bhutan.’ He will come to Korea with three children who are interested in Hallyu and dream of becoming future singers. Seowon Valley will also provide a scholarship of 10 million KRW.
The Green Concert also contributes to the development of tourism industry and local economy. Paju City and Gwangtan-myeon are enjoying the special economic effects of the concert. Around Seowon Valley, it is difficult to book accommodations the day before and on the day of the event. Sales at taxis, gas stations, and restaurants have greatly increased. Various events hosted by Callaway and golf equipment outlets are held at the venue. These include a driver contest, family putting competition, approach contest, and Callaway treasure hunt. From noon on the day, there is also a charity warehouse clearance discount event where Callaway products can be purchased at low prices.
There are also performances by military bands and events at Paju Lotte Outlet. If you get hungry, visit the food market. Employees from Seowon Valley’s affiliate, including Hwaseong Rest Area on the highway, sell udon, Makgeolli, roasted potatoes, and more. The collected funds are donated to Paju orphanage, Gwangtan-myeon, and the Love Wheelchair Sending Movement Headquarters. Admission is free for everyone. Sneakers are a must, and considering the night temperature, jackets and blankets are necessary.
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