The youth-led festival opens Tuesday at the district office plaza under the slogan 'A Signal From Gwanak, Reaching Beyond'; programs span financial counseling, health consultations and job-hunting support
Gwanak-gu will hold the 8th Gwanak Youth Festival — "Gwanak Signal: G-BEYOND" — at the district office plaza on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Now in its eighth year, the festival carries the slogan "A Signal From Gwanak, Reaching Beyond," reflecting the idea that the thoughts, challenges and passion of young people can converge to push past yesterday's limits and open up greater possibilities.
The Gwanak Youth Festival Organizing Committee joined the planning process from the outset, shaping the program through a youth lens. Built around the themes of trend, opportunity and local identity, the event aims to reflect the latest youth culture, offer tangible growth opportunities, and showcase Gwanak's own youth culture and policies — presenting the district's vision of itself as a youth-friendly city.
The standout program is "Youth Life Handbook," a one-stop resource where young people can gather practical information across three areas: finance, health and employment. On the financial side, an on-the-spot "speed financial consultation" will diagnose each visitor's personal financial situation and needs. The health section will offer counseling on the harms of smoking and drinking, smoking-cessation support services, and a self-assessment tool to raise awareness of mental health. On the employment front, the festival will provide information on Gwanak Dream On Academy — the district's youth entrepreneurship and employment program — along with on-site career consulting.
Participatory booths will also be on hand to promote youth policies and share diverse experiences. The Gwanak Youth Center, Sillim-dong Three Rooms, affiliated organizations, university clubs and young entrepreneurs will introduce youth policies and support programs, and offer hands-on activities including psychological and art-based assessments, helping visitors discover relevant policies and explore areas of personal interest.
A range of programs will invite young people to take on new challenges and find fresh energy. In the morning, Morning Rave "Gwanak The Boost: G-BOOST" will combine an approximately 5-kilometer run with a DJ party. That will be followed by "Gwanak The Roast: G-ROAST," a black-and-white barista competition in which young people with no café experience go head-to-head against professional baristas, with a panel of residents on site to judge and join in the fun.
Culture and relaxation programs will also be on offer for young people in need of a break. "Gwanak The Inner: G-INNER," a silent handpan performance, will let visitors listen to a live set through wireless headsets while unwinding, and the sunset picnic "Gwanak The Breeze: G-BREEZE" will feature outdoor busking by young artists.
Rounding out the day, K-pop group Billlie will perform at 4:30 p.m., and the festival will also feature street action painting, a youth flea market called "Shaket," and a healing space — all open for any young person or district resident to enjoy freely.
"This year's Gwanak Youth Festival was prepared so that young people can do more than simply have fun — they can walk away with the information and experiences they need for their daily lives and their futures," Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee said. "I hope it becomes a time when young people discover the policies they need, meet new experiences and people, and expand their own possibilities."
The 8th Gwanak Youth Festival is open to all interested young people and district residents. For more information, contact the Gwanak-gu district office's Youth Policy Division or check the official social media channels of the Gwanak Youth Festival and Gwanak-gu district office.
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