Heo Jun Returns to Gangseo: Heojun Festival to Be Held in Magok on October 18-19

A Medical and Health Culture Festival
Combining Traditional Medicine and Cutting-Edge Technology

Gangseo District in Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyohoon) will host the 23rd Heojun Festival on October 18 and 19 at the Seoul Botanic Park, Magok Jungang-ro, and Magok Square. This year’s festival will be organized as a medical and health culture event that combines traditional medicine with cutting-edge technology, inspired by Heo Jun’s spirit of compassion and the wisdom of the Donguibogam.

Jin Gyohoon, mayor of Gangseo District (front center), is communicating with residents at the Heojun Festival last year. Provided by Gangseo District.

The festival will expand beyond the Seoul Botanic Park to Magok Jungang-ro and Magok Square, featuring more than 80 programs across five zones. At the opening ceremony, Heo Jun, recreated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, will appear on stage to share the wisdom of the Donguibogam and deliver modern health messages. During the 3D hologram vision proclamation, the theme of “Warm Medicine That Saves Lives” will be announced.

The festivities will kick off on the first day, October 18, at 8:30 a.m. with the “Heojun Run,” followed by the “K-POP Diet Dance,” the “Gangseo Culture and Arts Festa,” and the “Heojun Concert.” Popular singers such as K.Will, Kim Heejae, Kim Wansun, and Seol Hayoon will perform on the concert stage, presenting a diverse array of performances.

On the second day, October 19, the “Heo! Junior Contest” will be held with 250 elementary school students from across the country participating, along with a performance by the district choir, the “Challenge! I’m a Superstar” event, and the “Heojun Music Concert” conducted by Kim Hyuncheol. The festival will conclude with a laser show.

At the Seoul Botanic Park, the “Medical Health Experience Zone” and the “Heojun Donguibogam Zone” will be operated. The Gangseo District Korean Medicine Association and Miracle Medi Special Zone medical institutions will participate, offering integrated Western and Korean medical consultations and AI-based health experience programs. Special exhibitions such as the “Stone Pharmacy” and herbal medicine experiences, organized by the Heojun Museum and Handok Museum of Medicine, will also be held, along with other traditional medicine programs.

Visitor participation programs will include the “Heojun Gala Parade” featuring residents and actors in Joseon Dynasty costumes, the “Heojun Squid Game,” and “Random Play Dance.” In addition, 92 restaurants in the Magok area will take part in a discount event, and there will be street busking, an art market, and a food zone to further enliven the festival atmosphere.

During the festival, the 220-meter section between exits 3 and 6 of Magoknaru Station will be completely closed from midnight on October 18 to 4 a.m. on October 20. Safety personnel and volunteers will be stationed at the venue at all times, and eco-friendly practices such as the use of reusable containers will be implemented.

Jin Gyohoon, Mayor of Gangseo District, stated, “The Heojun Festival is Gangseo’s signature event where traditional medicine meets modern technology and residents come together in a healthy cultural space. I hope this will be a time for everyone to reflect on Heo Jun’s spirit and experience healing and happiness.”