A Cultural Festival Blending Elegance and Wellness
Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, will host the 'Uicheonbyeon Festa 2025 Uibyeolgok' from June 13 to 15, between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., along the Uicheon Stream area between Beonchanggyo Bridge and Uicheon 3rd Bridge.
Now in its third year, the 'Uicheonbyeon Festa' is a participatory cultural tourism festival that combines Gangbuk-gu's unique cultural assets, commercial districts, and arts, set against the backdrop of Uicheon Stream, a natural oasis in the city. While last year's 'Wise Uicheon Life' event resonated with all generations through its retro sensibility, this year’s festival is themed 'Uibyeolgok.' Under this slogan, the event incorporates traditional Gugok culture and modern wellness, offering a variety of content aimed at healing the fatigue of daily life.
Last year’s view of the ‘Uicheon Stream Festa 2024 Wise Uicheon Life’ event venue. Provided by Gangbuk-gu.
'Uibyeolgok' is inspired by 'Uigugok,' the only Gugok (Nine Scenic Spots) in Seoul, and is characterized by its modern reinterpretation of the artistic spirit enjoyed by ancestors. During the festival, the Uicheon Stream area will be transformed into a complex cultural space for walking, viewing, enjoying, and hands-on experiences.
The opening ceremony, titled 'Yeoneun Pan,' will take place at 7:30 p.m. on June 13 at the riverside stage (Jaeganjeong) set up between Beonchanggyo Bridge and Uicheon 2nd Bridge. The event will begin with a pre-performance by the gugak a cappella group 'Toris,' followed by a narration in the style of a traditional fairy tale by Gangbuk-gu Mayor Lee Soonhee, accompanied by a video featuring laser special effects. This storytelling will capture the past, present, and future of Gangbuk. The stage will then be filled with celebratory performances by pansori master Nam Sangil and emotional singer-songwriter An Ye-eun.
During the festival, the riverside stage will host a variety of participatory programs, including Healing Walking with Proper Steps, Personal Color, Sunmudo (a mind-body training practice), Silent Zumba Dance, Ink Painting, and Bukhansan Monster Stories.
Citizens wishing to participate can apply via Google Forms until 6:00 p.m. on June 11, and the selection results will be individually notified by text message on June 12.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Gangbuk Cultural Foundation, the 'Gangbuk Dreaming Fish' lantern festival will also be held, further illuminating the nightscape of Uicheon Stream. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the district office, beverages and household goods featuring images of nature and pine trees representing Gangbuk will be provided at on-site events, sponsored by Lotte Chilsung Beverage and LG Household & Health Care.
Lee Soonhee, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, stated, "Uibyeolgok is more than just a festival; it is a Gangbuk-style wellness cultural festival that restores balance to body and mind through nature and art. With a variety of programs prepared for all generations, I hope many people will visit Uicheon Stream and create special memories."
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