The Gangnam-gu Council attended the 2026 Gangnam Family Harmony Festival, held Saturday morning at Maru Park, joining children, parents and local residents for a day of celebration and community engagement.
Held to mark the 2026 Gender Equality Week, this year's event brought together four previously separate programs — a gender equality week event, a children's writing and drawing competition, a family sharing market and a multicultural family playground — under one unified festival for the first time.
Gangnam-gu residents, including children and families, attended alongside guests of honor including National Assembly member Park Su-min of Gangnam-eul and Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyeon-gi. A range of hands-on activities and performances filled the day.
At the event, commendations were presented to individuals who have contributed to spreading a culture of gender equality and advancing the local community, in recognition of Gender Equality Week, observed annually from Sept. 1 to 7. About 1,000 children then took part in the writing and drawing competition, showcasing their dreams and talents.
Alongside this, 40 family teams participated in a sharing market, while family activity programs — including bubble play and sun cap decorating — gave children and parents a chance to enjoy the festival together.
The multicultural festival was a particular highlight, offering visitors the chance to experience traditional costumes and games from 15 countries, including Italy, Belarus and Bolivia, fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
Council members attending that day included Economy and Urban Affairs Committee Chair Song Yeong-gwang and lawmakers Lee Dong-ho, Lee Sang-ae, Park Dae-yong, Kim Yun-hui, Yeom Hui-ok, Lee Jong-won (Ma constituency) and No Mi-jin. They spoke with children and parents at the event and took part in the cultural experience programs.
In a congratulatory address, Song said he hoped the festival — bringing together all generations, families and neighbors — would remind attendees of the value of family and allow people of different cultures and ages to share warmth and come together as one. "The Gangnam-gu Council will actively support efforts to make Gangnam a safe city where families can live with peace of mind," he added.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
