Language and culture experiences in seven languages with native speakers... World travel talk show, global magic show and other family programs planned

Poster
Poster

Yongsan-gu in Seoul will host the "2026 Yongsan-gu Global Lounge" on Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yongsan-gu Kkumnamu Comprehensive Town (329 Baekbeom-ro), offering visitors a chance to experience languages and cultures from around the world in one place.

The event is designed to let local youth, parents and residents communicate directly with native speakers, experience diverse languages and cultures, and build cultural understanding and global competency. Admission is free for all residents, including youth and parents.

On the day of the event, the first floor of Kkumnamu Comprehensive Town will feature themed experience zones for seven languages — English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, French and Vietnamese. Participants can learn simple greetings from native-speaking instructors and practice everyday expressions through role-play. Various cultural experience and craft-making activities will also take place.

Highlights include a rhythm experience in which participants play maracas they make themselves to Spanish traditional music, a hijab-wearing experience introducing Arab culture, and a Vietnamese traditional lantern-making activity. Through these activities, participants can experience the daily life and traditions of each country and naturally deepen their understanding of world cultures.

The experience zones will also host a "passport stamp tour." Participants can carry an activity passport around the country-themed zones to collect stamps, and those who gather at least four of the seven stamps will receive a small souvenir. A photo zone will also be set up in the first-floor lobby, where visitors can try on traditional costumes from around the world and take pictures.

An opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. in the fifth-floor auditorium, featuring an opening declaration and congratulatory remarks. Starting at 1:30 p.m., a world travel talk show will follow, featuring travel content creator "Kkotoneonni." The talk show will share vivid stories and diverse cultural experiences from her travels around the world, offering participants a fresh take on the joys of world travel.

After the talk show, visitors can freely explore the various language and culture programs at the country-themed zones on the first floor. Starting at 4:20 p.m., magician "Rian" will perform an interactive global magic show themed around world cultures in the fifth-floor auditorium.

"I hope this Global Lounge gives residents a chance to naturally encounter diverse languages and cultures and feel closer to the world," Yongsan-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-dae said. "We will continue to provide a variety of education and cultural programs to strengthen the global competency of future generations."


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