A diverse lineup of tailored events for children, parents and seniors
Seoul's Yongsan-gu has lined up a rich calendar of cultural events and hands-on programs for families throughout May, the month of family in Korea.
The events are aimed at helping families communicate and create lasting memories on bright spring days.
On May 7, Yongsan Arts Hall's main stage, Mir, will host the 3rd Senior Romantic Song Festival in Yongsan, featuring elderly residents who advanced through preliminary rounds. Trot music singers Choi Dae-sung and Hojo will perform alongside the contestants, with announcer Lee Jeong-su serving as emcee.
On May 16 at 3 p.m., the Yongsan History Museum's first-floor lobby will host a performance by Korean traditional music ensemble Arangju. Themed "Our Listening Concert," the program weaves Yongsan's history and culture through music, offering visitors a fresh way to experience the museum alongside its exhibitions.
Younger audiences are also catered for. The Yongsan District Comprehensive Childcare Support Center will stage a ballet adaptation of Swan Lake at Yongsan Arts Hall's small theater, Garam, on May 28, with performances at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The shows target approximately 500 infants and toddlers from local daycare centers.
Several participatory programs mark Children's Day. From May 6 to 7, a "Tell Us Your Wish" event at the second floor of Yongsan Kkumnamu Community Center invites visitors to leave messages on a wish tree in exchange for souvenirs including beach robes and beach balls. A social media friend event run by the childcare support center and an online parenting education program, "Respecting Children's Rights," on May 16 round out the Children's Day offerings.
Families can also catch free outdoor films at the "Picnic Family Film Festival" at the Yongsan Family Center on May 15 starting at 7 p.m. Registered families will receive portable beanbag chairs, picnic mats and popcorn. The lineup includes "Ponyo," "Monsters, Inc." and "Coco." A photo booth will also operate from 6 p.m. ahead of the screenings.
The Yongsan Culture Foundation will open a special exhibition, "Samgak G7: Streets Redrawn," at its first-floor pop-up hall from May 13 to July 12. Seven mid-career artists — Shin So-yeon, Woo Jong-il, Jeong Sun-gyeom, Choi Jang-chil and Han Yeong-uk among them — reinterpret the district's history and artistic heritage through a contemporary lens.
Outdoor performances will run every Friday evening in May near the Yongsan Culture Foundation and the Ichon 1-dong Community Center as part of the district's "Culture Street" project. The free "Music Walk in Our Neighborhood" series will feature jazz, popera and classical performances open to all.
On Children's Day, May 5, the War Memorial of Korea will host a "Children Dreaming of Peace" cultural festival organized by the Korea War Memorial Association. Activities include face painting, balloon art, BB airsoft gun shooting and remote-controlled tank experiences. Special performances will feature K-pop acts, the Eighth Army Band, a taekwondo demonstration and a Marine Corps military band and honor guard ceremony.
"We have prepared a wide range of cultural events for families and neighbors to enjoy together during the month of family," Park said. "I hope residents can find moments of culture and leisure in their daily lives and build cherished memories."
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