Event opens Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mapo 365 Community Center — first-come, first-served entry
Twelve booths across play, sports and experience zones help children embrace diversity through play
Mapo-gu's flagship child-friendly event, the "Mapo Shinbi Playground," will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. at the Mapo 365 Community Center.
Now in its fifth year, the festival brings together children of all backgrounds — including those with and without disabilities and children from multicultural families — to play, connect and celebrate without discrimination.
Co-organized by the Mapo Children's Welfare Center and the Mapo Shinbi Playground Planning Committee, the event is being staged in partnership with 18 child welfare, sports and community organizations across Mapo-gu, making it a collaborative effort between civic groups and local government.
This year's theme is "Different and Shining — Every One of Us Matters," under which organizers have prepared an expanded lineup of programs designed to give children a joyful and memorable day.
The afternoon kicks off at 2 p.m. with a performance promoting children's right to play, followed by a magic show, a performance by the Mallang Mallang Family Choir and a cheerleading showcase — all led by children and teenagers.
From 3 p.m., 12 activity booths spread across a play zone, a sports zone and an experience zone will let children learn naturally about disability awareness, multiculturalism and children's rights through hands-on play.
The play zone features three areas: a pop-up playground for toddlers and young children, a nostalgia-themed playground recreating games parents enjoyed in their own childhoods, and a free-play area where children can play however they like.
The sports zone offers hands-on sessions in boccia, shuffleboard and other para-sports, as well as digital sports activities.
The experience zone rounds out the program with a fishing game where children learn greetings from countries around the world, keyring-making, a sensory activity using smell and touch to convey information, and a maze-escape game, among other activities.
Entry to the Mapo Shinbi Playground is on a first-come, first-served basis on the day. Attendees are required to wear sneakers for a safe and comfortable experience.
Food and beverages other than bottled water are not permitted inside the venue; eating and drinking are allowed only at the convenience store, cafe and restaurant on the first floor.
Parking will be limited on the day of the event, and organizers encourage visitors to use public transportation.
"I hope children at the Mapo Shinbi Playground will naturally embrace each other's differences, run and play freely, and create happy memories," District Mayor Yu Dong-gyun said. "Mapo-gu, a child-friendly city, will continue to spare no effort in supporting the healthy growth of our children."
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