General Director Kang Younggyu: "Jeongdong Night Walk Is a Journey Through 100 Years of History"

Jeongdong Night Walk Festival to Be Held in Jeongdong on May 23-24
"Each Place Holds Its Own Story and Art"

"Jeongdong Night Walk is a journey that encounters the century-long history embraced by Jeongdong. It is an occasion to walk with the value of 100 years and to illuminate the future together, 100 years from now."

Jeongdong Night Walk, the representative historical and cultural festival of Jung-gu, Seoul, is preparing for a new leap as it marks its 11th year. On May 14, we met with Kang Younggyu, the festival's general director, near Deoksugung Palace. Kang emphasized, "Jeongdong Night Walk is not just an event; it is a time to pass on the deep history and sensibility of Jeongdong to the future together with citizens."

Kang Younggyu, the general director of Jeongdong Night Tour, said, "I hope many people participate in this year's Jeongdong Night Tour festival and slowly savor the performances and exhibitions unfolding in each space, along with the stories they contain." Photo provided by the subject.

Kang explained, "Jeongdong is alive with major narratives of modern and contemporary history and beautiful spaces. Thirty-five institutions, including Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, Jeongdong First Methodist Church, Seoul Anglican Cathedral, and various art museums and museums, each hold their own stories and art." He added, "We designed the event to bring these assets together so that citizens can directly participate, experience, and rediscover the meaning of these spaces."

This year, in particular, the histories and messages of each institution have been woven together under the slogan "Light of Jeongdong, Embroidering the Future." Kang said, "I wondered what we could leave behind for the future, 100 years from now, and realized that the stories and messages of each space are that very light. I wanted to discover this light with citizens and pass it on to the next generation."

This year's Jeongdong Night Walk will see the direct participation of about 200 'Night Walkers'?volunteer staff involved in the planning and operation of the festival. Kang explained, "They are not simply assistants to the event, but serve as the true hosts of Jeongdong, conveying the value of these spaces to citizens." He especially noted, "With many families participating, it will become an opportunity for children to create memories and learn, and for adults to develop an attachment to Jeongdong."

Kang said, "Jeongdong is a place that everyone feels familiar with, just by hearing the name Deoksugung Stone Wall Road. Unlike the solemnity that palaces or historical sites often evoke, Jeongdong is an emotionally close neighborhood for citizens." He believes that "when people begin to care for and feel attached to a space, it transforms from a mere location into a special 'place.'"

Jeongdong Night Walk will be held on May 23 and 24 along Deoksugung Stone Wall Road and throughout the Jeongdong area. The festival will feature the "7 Nights" program, including palace concerts, historical and cultural experiences, street performances, and an art market. Kang said, "Jeongdong Night Walk is not just a space to pass by, but a time for each citizen to seek out meaning. I hope everyone will take the time to slowly savor the performances and exhibitions unfolding in each space, along with the stories they contain."

Kang added, "Jeongdong Night Walk is a special experience at the heart of Seoul, where the past, present, and future converge. It is not just a one-time annual event, but an accumulation of culture that builds and continues every year."

Jeongdong Night Walk is free of charge, and detailed information can be found on the official website and social networking services (SNS).

Jeongdong Night Walk Promotional Poster. Provided by Jung-gu.