“The Power of Culture Moving Forward Together” as the Theme
From Classical Performances to the Pansori “Ipjechang” Stage
Featuring Singer Punch, Girl Group Fifty Fifty, and More
The Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, the signature comprehensive arts festival representing Songpa District in Seoul (Mayor Seok Song), will be held from September 26 to 28 at the 88 Lawn Yard in Olympic Park. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival will showcase the culmination of the “Power of Culture” series, which has continued since 2022, under the theme “The Power of Culture Moving Forward Together.”
Over the past three years, the district has expanded the cultural significance of the festival with different annual themes: “The Power of Culture Flowing Grandly” (2022), “The Power of Culture Crossing Rivers and Seas” (2023), and “The Power of Culture Connecting Hearts” (2024). This year, the narrative focuses on the energy of culture spreading worldwide, rooted in the 2,000-year history inherited from Hansung Baekje.
Notably, this year the festival stage has been relocated to the 88 Lawn Yard in Olympic Park. The rich lineup of performances and hands-on activities on the lawn, set against the backdrop of crisp autumn scenery, promises an even more immersive festival experience. Technological innovations such as a 58-meter-long super-sized stage with multi-level structures, newly introduced slide and lift devices, and large LED screens will also attract attention.
Mayor Seok Song of Songpa District stated, “The Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival, which blends artistry with entertainment, attracted 100,000 visitors in a single day and 300,000 over three days last year, thanks to a diverse range of performances, food markets, experience booths, and play areas. With the expanded lawn venue this year, we expect to surpass last year’s attendance.”
High-Caliber Classical Performances, Girl Groups, and Pansori
The opening performance will take place on September 26, the first day of the festival, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will begin with a performance by the Songpa District Symphony Orchestra, followed by collaborations with world-renowned vocalists Jungsoo Yoon, Soonyoung Kim, and Sunhae Im. The program continues with a “system show” featuring spectacular special effects, video, and lighting; “The Sound of Culture’s Drums,” which harmonizes traditional and modern drums; and the main performance, “The Power of Culture Uniting as One.”
The stage will become even more vibrant with appearances by singer Punch, rapper Giriboy, and the girl group Fifty Fifty. The opening night will conclude with “The Songpa,” a light show featuring over 600 drones.
On the second day, September 27, the “Hanmaeum Harmony Plaza,” a space for community unity, will take place from 5 p.m. Alongside performances by community center students, there will be a traditional Haka dance by a Maori troupe from Songpa’s sister city, Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as a performance by the Songpa District Folk Art Troupe.
On the final day, September 28, the “Hansung Cultural Concert” will be held. Highlights include “Ipjechang,” a performance featuring 28 masters of pansori for the first time in Korea, “Songpa Ecstasy,” which combines Korean traditional music, EDM, and media art, and a performance blending Korean traditional orchestra and dance. The festival will conclude with the “Healing Concert on an Autumn Night,” featuring rapper pH-1 and singer Paul Kim.
At the 24th Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival last year, Seok Song, Mayor of Songpa District, is delivering a greeting. Provided by Songpa District.
Rich Experiences at the Experience Village and Hansung Baekje Market
In addition to performances, a variety of permanent experience booths and food markets will be available. Visitors can enjoy hands-on programs such as rock climbing and rice straw slides, experience traditional Baekje attire, and play traditional games like Tuho. The Songpa Sandae Nori performance will also be held at the venue, offering a unique opportunity to experience traditional culture.
During the three days of the festival, the district will hold an SNS festival visit certification event. Participants can take photos at the site, upload them to their personal Instagram account with the designated hashtag, and leave a “participation complete” comment on the event post. A total of 80 winners will be selected by lottery to receive a convenience store mobile gift certificate worth 5,000 won.
Mayor Seok Song of Songpa District said, “The Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival has emerged as Korea’s leading regional festival, showcasing Songpa District’s unique ‘Power of Culture’ to both domestic and international audiences over the past several years. This year, we have prepared a high-quality comprehensive arts performance with sophisticated content and cutting-edge technology.”
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