Foreign Migrants Celebrate Chuseok with Festivals Across Gwangju and South Jeolla

Events for foreign workers and migrants who are unable to return to their hometowns for the Chuseok holiday will be held throughout Gwangju and South Jeolla Province. These gatherings provide an opportunity to share the spirit of the holiday through traditional culture and sports from various countries.

Gwangsan District, where nearly half of Gwangju's foreign population resides, will host the "National Migrant Workers Soccer Tournament" from October 6 to 8 at Woljeon Park and Yongdong Park. The tournament, which began as a private initiative in 2008, has received direct budget support from the district since 2022.

The scene from the 2023 Gwangsan District Office Cup National Foreign Workers Soccer Tournament. Provided by Gwangsan District Office

This year, 15 teams representing four nationalities-Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Cambodia-will participate. Six teams from Gwangju, three from Cheongju, two each from Busan and Daegu, and one each from Seoul and Gyeongju will compete. The winning team will receive a 2 million won cash prize and a trophy.

The Asia Human Rights and Culture Foundation will hold the "Cambodians, Let's Be Together" event on October 5 at Okdong Park in Gwangsan District to celebrate "Pchum Ben," Cambodia's largest holiday. The event will feature a Dharma talk by a Buddhist monk, traditional Buddhist ceremonies, and performances. On the same day, a Timor-Leste kung fu demonstration tournament will take place at the Gwangju Foreigners Welfare Center, and performances and futsal tournaments by Sri Lankan and Thai communities are scheduled for October 7 and 9.

Foreigners' holiday events will also continue in cities and counties across South Jeolla Province. On October 5, Yeongam County will celebrate "Dashain," Nepal's largest festival, by condensing the traditional 15-day event into a single day with food sharing and the "Tika" ceremony. On October 12, the Yeosu Migrant Center will host the "Chuseok Hanmadang" at Jinnam Gymnasium, featuring traditional costumes and folk games, with over 400 Filipino and Vietnamese migrants expected to participate.