Gwangju City Holds "Gwangju Welfare Expo" and "26th Social Welfare Day Ceremony"

Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on September 10 that it successfully held the "Carefully Up Close, 2025 Gwangju Welfare Expo" and the 26th Social Welfare Day ceremony on the 6th at the WASBE Square in City Hall, with the participation of approximately 1,500 residents.

Sanghwan Bang, Mayor of Gwangju City, held the "Closely and Thoroughly, 2025 Gwangju Welfare Expo" and the 26th Social Welfare Day ceremony on the 6th at the WASBE Square in the City Hall. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

Under the theme "Happy City, Gwangju, Connecting Welfare," the expo brought together welfare-related organizations and facilities in the region, including Gwangju City, the Community Social Security Council (co-chaired by Hwang Yong Lee from the private sector), the Social Welfare Council (chaired by Soonae Jung), and the Association of Social Workers (chaired by Kilsu Kim). Together, they created a platform for a welfare community that spans generations and social classes. In addition, to commemorate Social Welfare Day on the 7th, the 26th anniversary ceremony was held in parallel, raising citizens' awareness of social welfare and providing a meaningful opportunity to recognize and encourage the hard work of welfare professionals.

Despite inclement weather, the event was held with great enthusiasm. The program began with a pre-ceremony performance by the Einsbaum Integrated Orchestra, which included people with disabilities, non-disabled individuals, and slow learners. This was followed by a performance from the Gwangju City Gwangjiwon Nongak Troupe, commendations for outstanding contributors to social welfare, and a scholarship award ceremony. Notably, the "Choir of 100," composed of youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and both public and private sector social workers, delivered a moving rendition of "Beautiful World," deeply touching those in attendance.

Throughout the venue, a children's welfare art contest was held, allowing children to express their hopes for the future on canvas while staying dry from the rain. Promotional and experiential booths operated by local social welfare organizations and groups played a valuable role in informing citizens about a wide range of welfare services.

Participants including Bang Se-hwan, Mayor of Gwangju, are taking a commemorative photo after holding the "Carefully Up Close, 2025 Gwangju Welfare Expo" and the 26th Social Welfare Day ceremony on the 6th at the WASBE Plaza in the city hall. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

Mayor Sanghwan Bang said, "While it is unfortunate that the welfare expo, which we have been preparing with great care since May, could not be completed due to rain, it is a significant achievement that the public and private sectors were able to come together to hold this event for the first time in over a decade. We will continue to diligently care for our citizens and do our utmost to build a warm and attentive welfare city."