Nine Festivals and Events United in One Place
Recognized as a Model ESG Festival
Lee Mingun: "We Will Develop It as a Citizen-Centered and Community-Growth Festival"
Ansan City in Gyeonggi Province successfully concluded "Ansan Festa 2025," a unified festival held over four days from October 23 to 26 at Hwarang Amusement Park and Wa Stadium.
Lee Mingeun, Mayor of Ansan (right), is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of the "Kim Hongdo Festival," held on the 25th at the Hwarang Amusement Park Grand Theater as part of "Ansan Festa 2025." Provided by Ansan City
This year marked the second time the city hosted the event as an integrated festival, bringing together nine different festivals and events into a comprehensive cultural celebration.
The festival featured a wide array of events, including the Kim Hongdo Festival, Ansan Street Arts Market, Rock & Rak Festa, Ansan Food Culture Festival, Lifelong Learning Festival, Sports Competition for Students with Disabilities, Ansan Pet Festival, Kim Hongdo Art Museum Collection Exhibition, and the Gyeonggi Museum of Art Contemporary Art Scene. Together, these events created a multifaceted cultural platform encompassing art, cuisine, learning, sports, and exhibitions.
In particular, the newly introduced "Ansan Street Arts Market (ASAM)" showcased creative works by domestic and international street artists and groups through performances, exhibitions, and forums, receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors.
The Kim Hongdo Festival, which served as the centerpiece of the unified event, was held from October 24 to 26 over three days in the form of traditional performances and hands-on experiences. On the final day, October 26, a fireworks display lit up the night sky above the integrated stage at Hwarang Amusement Park.
At the opening ceremony of the "Lifelong Learning Festival" and "Food Culture Festival" held on the 25th at Ansan Hwarang Amusement Park, attendees are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Ansan City
The city assessed that the festival contributed to revitalizing local neighborhood businesses and the tourism industry. During the event period, sales at local restaurants and accommodations increased compared to usual, and by expanding participation from small businesses and social enterprises, the city explained that it fostered a virtuous cycle in the local economy.
The festival also demonstrated the potential for a sustainable environment, society, and governance (ESG) event. Throughout the festival, reusable containers were used at all venues, including the Joseon Tavern, food trucks, and the Ansan Food Culture Festival, creating a zero single-use event. The city also promoted environmental awareness through voluntary citizen participation in waste separation and the "Special Climate Crisis Exhibition."
Building on the success of this year's festival, the city plans to further expand citizen-led, participatory festival culture and continuously develop creative and high-quality content to establish "Ansan Festa" as a premier festival representing South Korea.
Mayor Lee Mingun stated, "Ansan Festa has demonstrated the potential to revitalize the local economy and breathe new life into the city through culture and the arts. Moving forward, we will continue to develop it as a sustainable festival centered on citizens and the growth of the local community."
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