Seocho-gu to Host '2024 Seocho Bohun Festival' on the 8th of Next Month

Held at Maehun Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall Plaza
Commemorative Ceremony, Concert, and Various Events
District Mayor: "We Will Implement Diverse Veterans Policies"

Last year's commemorative ceremony. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 30th that it will hold the "2024 Seocho Veterans Festival" at the Maehun Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall Plaza on the 8th of next month to honor national veterans.

This event will be held under the theme "We will repay your sacrifice and dedication with a happy Seocho," and will be divided into two parts: Part 1, the "Commemoration Ceremony for the Month of National Veterans," and Part 2, the "Celebratory Concert for the Month of National Veterans and the 116th Anniversary of Maehun Yun Bong-gil's Birth."

The Part 1 ceremony will feature a classical performance by Seocho-gu’s youth arts group, Harang String Quartet, a performance by the 52nd Division military band, a patriotic play by the Acting Department of Baekseok Arts University, the awarding of military merit medals to Korean War veterans, and commendations for distinguished members of veterans organizations.

The "Patriotic Play" performed by Baekseok Arts University students adapts episodes directly experienced by national heroes and their descendants during events such as Liberation, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, providing an opportunity to honor national veterans and reflect once again on the meaning of patriotism.

In Part 2, a variety of artists from different genres will perform, including trot singer Shin Sung, who ranked in the top 2 on "Burning Trotman," the four-member popera group Volare from Seocho-gu’s youth arts organizations, saxophonist and vocalist No Tae-suk, Gugak artist Kim Chae-young, winner of "Singing Korea," the History Children’s Choir, and the Baekse Choir, promising to deliver emotion and enjoyment to residents.

Before the ceremony, a total of 12 experience booths will be operated, including those related to veterans, health and welfare, and military units. The experience booths will be divided into the "Veterans Zone," operated by veterans organizations and institutions, offering activities such as making calligraphy fans with patriotic slogans, joining the Korean Patriotic Corps experience, and making mugunghwa (rose of Sharon) hair ties; the "Welfare & Health Zone," providing information on Care SOS and daily care services, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar checks; and the "Military & Fire Station Zone," featuring experiences such as trying on children’s firefighter uniforms, combat gear, drone virtual experiences, and exhibitions and experiences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) special equipment.

Meanwhile, Seocho-gu is promoting various veterans policies to strengthen the respect and support for national veterans and their families. It is the only district in Seoul to operate "Veterans Field Experience Learning" to educate youth about veterans culture. On the 25th of next month, the Seocho Veterans Hall will host a "Veterans Family Healing Academy" for veterans residing in Seocho-gu and local residents.

Since this year, the district has increased the veterans’ respect allowance from 70,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW per month and the consolation money for veterans from 450,000 KRW to 840,000 KRW annually. The welfare allowance for spouses of deceased veterans was also newly established in 2021 as the first in Seoul, providing 70,000 KRW monthly. Additionally, when a national veteran passes away, the district supports the family with death condolence money, mourning flags, mourning flowers, and funeral supplies.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su of Seocho-gu said, "We are grateful for the sacrifices and dedication of our patriotic heroes for the country, and we will continue to implement various veterans policies so that the culture of honoring veterans can be part of everyday life."