A Fall Festival Blending Tradition and Youthful Energy
The "Hwanghak Pagoda Tree Festival," where the traditions of Hwanghak-dong in Jung-gu, Seoul meet the youthful energy of Sinjungang Market, and the "Sinjungang Market Hipdorang (HIP:道樂) Festival" will be held on the afternoon of October 17, 2025.
The event will kick off at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Sinjungang Market Community Rest Area with traditional folk games, offering a playground where all generations can enjoy activities such as Tuho (arrow throwing), Jegichagi (Korean hacky sack), Biseokchigi (stone-tapping game), and arm wrestling. Afterwards, a variety of experience booths will be available, including wish paper hanging, eco-bag, knot bracelet and macrame making, cotton candy tasting, and instant photo booth sessions.
Visitors can also experience the market's culinary delights at the "One-Bite Food Promotion Zone," a sticker book tour of popular eateries, and an open table event. Depending on the number of stickers collected, visitors will receive prize tickets.
From 4:00 p.m., a traditional ritual will be held in front of the pagoda tree at Hwanghak Intersection, which has protected the village for over 200 years. Now in its 15th year, the "Hwanghak Pagoda Tree Festival" is organized by the Hwanghak Pagoda Tree Festival Promotion Committee, with local residents participating as ritual committee members to pray for the community's well-being and prosperity. The ritual will be broadcast live on the stage screen inside Sinjungang Market, allowing visitors to join in.
Following this, from 5:00 p.m., the Hipdorang Festival, reflecting the youthful spirit unique to Sinjungang Market, will begin in earnest. Organized by the Sinjungang Market Merchants Association, the festival combines "hip sensibility" and "gourmet experiences," creating a vibrant celebration of music, games, and food.
The stage will feature calligraphy performances, concerts by students from Seoul Practical Music High School, and a local singing contest. Winners of the arm wrestling and Jegichagi finals will receive Onnuri gift certificates worth 200,000 won for first place and 100,000 won for second place. A prize drawing will also be held, with a PlayStation as the grand prize, TVs for two second-place winners, and various home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, rice cookers, and foot massagers for three third-place winners.
Kim Gilseong, head of Jung-gu District Office, stated, "Sinjungang Market is a space where the scent of tradition coexists with youthful energy. Through these two festivals, I hope residents, merchants, and tourists alike will have a wonderful time, and that both Hwanghak-dong and the market will take a leap forward together."
Meanwhile, Sinjungang Market has been selected as the target site for the "2023 Seoul City Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project" and is poised to transform into an attractive tourist destination.
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