Dongdaemun-gu to Host Four Simultaneous Festivals on May 17
A Day of Culture, Arts, Tradition, and Play Across the District for Family Month
In celebration of Family Month, Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Pilhyung) will simultaneously host four festivals across the district on May 17, 2025.
The entire Dongdaemun-gu area will be transformed into a festival venue for one day, featuring multicultural exchanges, traditional ceremony experiences, local art performances, and family-friendly events for children, so that families and neighbors can come together and enjoy.
Multicultural Harmony World Family Festival
The 17th Multicultural Harmony World Family Festival, held at the district office plaza, auditorium, and art gallery, is an event where immigrants and local residents come together in unity.
The festivities will begin with pre-ceremony performances, including traditional Chinese dance and Egyptian belly dance, followed by a world culture parade that stretches from the plaza to the second-floor auditorium. The official program includes a performance by the multinational immigrant women's choir "Haengbok Meaeri," a signing ceremony for multicultural and foreign family support agreements, a raffle draw, and concludes with a dynamic finale by the Korean Taekwondo Demonstration Team.
In front of the auditorium, the art gallery will feature interactive theme booths such as human rights campaigns and psychological counseling. Outdoors, there will be hands-on booths including Japanese Wanage (a type of ring toss), Vietnamese traditional hat "Non La" making, as well as a global food market and a Happy Sharing Flea Market.
Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony
The 14th Dongdaemun-gu Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony will take place in the auditorium on the third floor of the Seoul K-Medicine Promotion Center in Jegi-dong. Through unique rituals such as Samga-rye, Chorye, and Myeongja-rye, participants will reflect on the meaning of adulthood. Twelve participants will take the adult oath and receive certificates, marking their first steps into adulthood. The event will be accompanied by Korean traditional music, creating a serene yet solemn atmosphere that highlights the depth of tradition.
Festive May in Dongdaemun-gu
The 3rd Festive May in Dongdaemun-gu will be held at Baebongsan Neighborhood Park, where the lively atmosphere will extend from the streets to the stage. The event will kick off with a street parade from Jeonnong Sageori to Baebongsan, followed by a variety of performances by 26 local cultural and arts groups. There will also be plenty of activities for families, including craft workshops, calligraphy, a flea market, and food trucks.
Children's Day & Family Month Celebration: Udangtang Playground
At the "Garden of Knowledge" in Jeonnong-dong, the outdoor performance "Children's Day & Family Month Celebration: Udangtang Playground" will be held for children and families to enjoy together. The event will feature a cappella, choir, and orchestra performances, as well as the mobile playground "Jaemikkollong Jungle Gym," where children can play freely. There will also be hands-on programs for children from kindergarten to elementary school.
Lee Pilhyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, "The four festivals, each with a different theme, will offer a unique experience that brings together different generations and cultures. I hope residents will visit the nearby festival venues and create precious memories with their families."
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