Gwangju Donggu to Offer Summer Heat Relief Programs at "Car-Free Street" on July 5

Exterior view of Gwangju Donggu District Office.

On July 2, Gwangju Donggu District announced that it will offer a variety of programs to help beat the summer heat at Geumnam-ro's "Car-Free Street" event, which will take place on July 5.

"Car-Free Street" was created to return Geumnam-ro, a street rich in Gwangju's history, to residents as a place of relaxation. It is operated on the first Saturday of every month as a pedestrian-centered cultural space, featuring various cultural and artistic performances, experience booths, and flea markets.

At 3 p.m. on the day of the event, a pool and water slide will be available so that children and families can enjoy a refreshing summer experience. The water slide is expected to provide a special delight to citizens weary from the heat. The DongguRakKe underwater experience program, organized by the Chosun College of Science and Technology RISE Project Group, will offer children the opportunity to become more familiar with water.

From 7 p.m., a "Citizen Candlelight Walk" will be held to wish for the successful hosting of the "2025 Gwangju World Archery Championships." The walk will start in front of Jeonil Building 245, pass through Chungjang-ro 3, 2, and 1-ga, and end at the 5·18 Democracy Square. Anyone can participate without pressure. Participants will receive promotional goods for the event, aiming to generate interest and support for the archery championships.

At 8 p.m., "A Midsummer Night's Cinema" will be held, offering families a special experience of watching a movie together and enjoying popcorn under the starlight in the heart of the city. In addition, artificial turf will be installed on the road to create a unique healing space where visitors can relax on beanbags. Various experience programs, bicycle education and maintenance, and other ongoing activities will also be available. Plogging activities, which involve picking up litter while walking, will take place mainly along Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro. Anyone can participate, and a performance will be held to deliver an environmental message using the collected cigarette butts.

To promote the "Daejabo (Public Transportation, Bicycle, Walking) City" policy for creating people-centered urban spaces, commemorative gifts will be given to the first 300 residents who participate using public transportation, bicycles, or on foot, upon verification such as a photo certifying public transportation use.

Lim Taek, head of Donggu District, said, "I hope this meaningful event will not only provide a special break and enjoyment with the refreshing water slide in the city during the hot summer, but also increase citizens' interest in the World Archery Championships."