Gwanak District Holds ‘2025 Gwanak Gang Gamchan Festival’ Through the 19th

Nakseongdae Park Area:
A Patriotic Celebration with Citizens

Gwanak District in Seoul (Mayor Park Junhee) successfully held the ‘2025 Gwanak Gang Gamchan Festival’ from October 17 to 19 around Nakseongdae Park, commemorating the patriotic spirit of General Gang Gamchan, a renowned military commander of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Gwanak District Holds ‘2025 Gwanak Gang Gamchan Festival’ Through the 19th

Park Junhee, mayor of Gwanak District (right), encouraging merchants operating the 'Goryeo Market' booth at the 2025 Gwanak Gang Gamchan Festival. Provided by Gwanak District.

This year’s festival, held under the theme ‘Citizen Gang Gamchan,’ was an event that combined history with modern civic participation, reaffirming its status as Seoul’s only ‘Preliminary Cultural Tourism Festival.’

On the first day, October 17, the festival began solemnly with the ‘Gang Gamchan Memorial Ritual’ at Anguksa in Nakseongdae Park. Members of the ‘Little Gang Gamchan’ troupe participated, adding significance to the event. In the afternoon, a calligraphy contest and a poetry recital showcased the beauty of tradition. The evening featured a vibrant start with performances by the winning team of the indie band competition ‘Be the Star’ and invited bands.

On October 18, resident participation and attractions reached their peak. The ‘Gwanak Parade 21’ experience booths, with participation from all 21 neighborhoods of Gwanak District, and the ‘Goryeo Market’ featuring local businesses, realized an eco-friendly festival. Family-friendly play content inspired by the weapons of the Battle of Gwiju, the ‘Byeolbyeol Playground,’ and the ‘Byeokrando 21’ booth, which recreated a Goryeo-era trading city, also received enthusiastic responses.

In the afternoon, the ‘Citizen Pungnyuje’ event, featuring trot singer Kim Suchan, brought residents together in song and harmony. In the evening, the musical ‘Nakseong Yeonhui,’ performed by a choir of over 100 citizens, graced the stage. This was followed by the largest fireworks display in the festival’s history, drawing cheers from the audience.

Throughout the festival, a variety of ongoing programs enriched the experience, including the street art performance ‘Goryeo Nanjang,’ family-friendly activity zones, and ‘Nakseongdae Night Star Party,’ a stargazing program in collaboration with Seoul National University Observatory.

On the final day, October 19, the festival featured the ‘Gang Gamchan Talk Show and Quiz Show’ and a Goryeo history exploration program hosted by broadcaster Seo Kyungseok. The ‘1st Generative AI Content Competition’ was also held, presenting a new festival format suited to the digital age.

Mayor Park Junhee stated, “This festival was an event where the patriotic spirit of General Gang Gamchan and the cultural enjoyment of residents came together for everyone’s enjoyment. I hope the Gwanak Gang Gamchan Festival will continue to build its reputation as a leading preliminary cultural tourism festival.”