The two-day event runs Friday and Saturday at the district office, split into a 'Day of Communication and Encouragement for Workers' and a 'Day of Resident Participation and Experience'
Highlights include commendations for meritorious service, a slogan contest awards ceremony, a town hall meeting, promotional and hands-on booths, and cultural performances
Dongjak-gu will hold the 2026 Dongjak Welfare Hope Festival from Friday to Saturday at the district office, marking the 27th Social Welfare Day on Monday.
The festival was organized under the slogan "Bright Welfare, Strong Dongjak!" — selected through a public contest — to deepen residents' understanding of social welfare and to recognize the hard work of welfare workers.
This year the event is divided into two distinct days: a "Day of Communication and Encouragement" for social welfare workers, and a "Day of Participation and Experience" for residents, with the aim of boosting both engagement and impact.
On the first day, Friday, a ceremony marking the 27th Social Welfare Day will be held in the grand auditorium on the fourth floor of the district office, with about 150 attendees including District Mayor Ryu Sam-young, guests and social welfare workers.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., a pre-ceremony performance by the Leon Ensemble and soprano and baritone vocalists will open the proceedings, followed by the first-half program: an opening declaration, commendations for meritorious welfare service, the slogan contest awards ceremony, and a commemorative group photo.
After the closing remarks, a town hall meeting with the district mayor will be held as the second-half program, giving social welfare facility workers a chance to share on-the-ground opinions, learn about the welfare policy direction for the ninth elected-term administration, and have their questions answered.
On the second day, Saturday, the festival will feature programs in which residents can participate and try things out firsthand.
From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the first-floor lobby and outdoor plaza of the district office will host more than 40 policy promotion and hands-on booths — covering integrated care consultations, smart welfare assessments, keyring and stress-ball making, and mood lamp crafting — alongside a flea market selling homemade snacks, clothing and daily goods.
In the basement level of the district office, the district-run boys' and girls' choir will give a pre-show performance at 12:30 p.m. before the opening ceremony, with string and classical ensemble performances running from 1:30 p.m. to add to the festival atmosphere.
"I hope this festival will be a time of encouragement and connection for the workers who give so much on the front lines of social welfare, and a meaningful occasion for residents to share in the value of welfare," District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said. "We will continue to roll out a comprehensive welfare policy to build a Dongjak where no one is left behind and everyone thrives together."
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