A Silver Grass Field in the City:
A Stage for Sunset and Music
Experiences for All Senses, Including Soundscape and SG Dining
Marking Its 10th Anniversary as Gwangju's Signature Autumn Festival
On the afternoon of the 16th, citizens are walking along the silver grass fields by the Yeongsan River, bathed in the sunset, enjoying the autumn atmosphere. Photo by Song Bohyun
On the afternoon of the 16th, waves of silver grass lined the Yeongsan Riverside. Citizens, wearing blue scarves, walked through the swaying fields in the breeze. Park Heejin, a 52-year-old resident of Hwajeong-dong, Seo-gu, said, "Walking along the silver grass fields is perfect for a stroll," and added, "It's satisfying to experience the season so close to home."
The 'Seochang Silver Grass Festival,' now celebrating its 10th anniversary, opened on this day and will run for four days until the 19th, spanning from Geukrak Bridge to Seochang Bridge and Nanum Nuri Forest along the Yeongsan River. Hosted by Seo-gu District of Gwangju, this festival has established itself as a leading autumn event where people can enjoy nature and ecology within the city.
On the afternoon of the 16th, citizens are watching the main stage performance by the sunset-lit Yeongsan Riverside. Various experience and food programs were operated at the white tent booths. Photo by Song Bohyun
The opening ceremony was attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Seo-gu District Mayor Kim Igyeang, Seo-gu Council Chairman Jeon Seungil, and the heads of 18 neighborhood resident councils, among other local figures. Among the procession walking along the silver grass fields were elderly couples holding hands and moving slowly, as well as families riding bicycles. The late autumn sunlight and clusters of silver grass blended with scenes of various generations mingling, creating a picturesque setting.
The theme of the festival is "A Journey to Autumn Delivered by Silver Grass." The highlight is the "Sunset 530" stage, which begins at 5:30 p.m. as the sun sets. Amid the crimson sunset and the silver grass, performances and music take place.
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, Seo-gu District Mayor Kim Yi-gang, Seo-gu Council Chairman Jeon Seung-il, and other attendees are walking along the silver grass field path, waving their hands together with the citizens. Photo by Song Bohyun
Other programs include "Soundscape," where visitors can fully experience the sounds of nature; "Ttubukttubuk Silver Grass Expedition," a parade through the fields; and the "Spacing Out Contest," where citizens are free to spend time as they wish. There is also "SG Dining" with a sommelier, "Seochang Silver Grass Tavern" featuring local foods, the "LP Silver Grass Lounge," silver grass field picnics, and sensory experiences such as the Emotion Bus and Bicycle, all designed to stimulate the five senses.
Kim Igyeang, Mayor of Seo-gu District, said, "The silver grass has always been steadfastly by our side," and added, "I hope this 10th anniversary festival will be a time of rest and comfort for citizens."
Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju, stated, "The Seochang fields of silver grass are a representative ecological resource of Gwangju," and added, "I hope the Silver Grass Festival will continue to grow with the citizens and become a symbol of autumn in the region."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
