Seocho District to Host Festival on November 6?7
Theme: “Embracing Tradition, Racing Toward an AI Future”
Seocho District in Seoul (District Mayor Jeon Seongsu) will host the “2025 8th Yangjae Maljukgeori Festival” on November 6-7 in the Maljukgeori area of Yangjae. This year’s festival will bring together traditional horses, artificial intelligence (AI) robot horses, and the futuristic Cybertruck under the theme “Embracing Tradition, Racing Toward an AI Future!”
This festival has been held annually since 2015 to revive the traditions of Maljukgeori and invigorate the local alleyway economy. The name “Maljukgeori” originates from the Joseon Dynasty, when couriers would rest their horses and feed them porridge at this spot. Since the 1970s, restaurants and traditional markets have established the commercial district as it is known today.
During the festival, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., children can participate in the “Horse Stable Experience,” which offers horseback riding and feeding activities. On November 7, an AI robot horse will be exhibited alongside a traditional horse, creating a unique space where the past and future coexist.
The highlight, the “Maljukgeori Parade,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. on November 7 along a 1-kilometer stretch near Yangjae Market. Six traditional horses will lead the parade, followed by three AI robot horses, a Cybertruck, and an astronaut, capturing the audience’s attention. The parade will also feature a marching band, performances by residents and merchants, and a pungmul (Korean folk music) troupe.
After the parade, a celebration ceremony will be held with a performance by the marching band “Let’s Show.” Children dressed as astronauts will arrive in the Cybertruck to present a congratulatory scroll, opening the event. Singers Hong Kyungmin and Yoon Suhyun, as well as the Seocho Smart Youth Center dance club, will take the stage to heighten the festival’s excitement.
The newly introduced “Nighttime Food Culture Festival” will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on November 7. Visitors can enjoy food and beer at outdoor tables, explore a flea market featuring 30 signature Maljukgeori dishes, and experience a variety of programs including busking and a magic show. There will also be events where participants can receive free draft beer or Onnuri gift certificates by verifying receipts or joining on-site activities.
Other side events include a singing contest for residents and merchants, eco-friendly experiences, and various exhibition and promotional booths. Seocho District will complete a pre-event safety inspection and deploy safety personnel in cooperation with the Seocho Marine Corps Veterans Association and others to ensure safety. Vehicle traffic will be restricted in parts of Maljukgeori from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on November 7.
This event is co-hosted by the Yangjae 1-dong Residents’ Autonomy Committee and the Maljukgeori Alleyway Merchants’ Association. Seocho District designated Maljukgeori as the “No. 1 Alleyway Commercial District” in 2022, and this year continues to improve the alley environment through the Seocho District Munjeonseongsi Project, which includes creating an art road, signboard renovations, and utility undergrounding.
Seocho District Mayor Jeon Seongsu stated, “I hope this festival will become a place of harmony for families, friends, and merchants, and also help revitalize the Maljukgeori commercial district. We will continue our efforts to establish Maljukgeori as a leading hotspot in Seoul, embracing tradition while racing toward the future.”
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