Ceremony and cultural arts festival set for Oct. 1 at Yeongdeungpo Arts Hall
25 honorees to be recognized; more than 500 senior residents expected to attend
Yeongdeungpo-gu will host the "30th Senior Citizens' Day Ceremony and Cultural Arts Festival" at Yeongdeungpo Arts Hall on Thursday at 2 p.m.
The event was organized to express deep gratitude to elderly residents who have devoted their lives to the nation and local community, and to promote a culture of social awareness and filial respect.
The first part of the program, a commemorative ceremony, will open with a performance by the district's senior choir, followed by a reading of the Senior Citizens' Charter, a commendation ceremony and congratulatory remarks.
A total of 25 individuals and organizations will receive commendations in recognition of their contributions — 13 exemplary senior residents, nine individuals who have contributed to senior welfare and three model senior centers.
The second part of the program, a cultural arts festival, will feature a wide variety of performances spanning generations. The lineup includes a janggu drum performance by children from Dorim Daycare Center, accordion playing, a wooden spatula rhythm act, a magic show, a belly dance performance by Asha Belly Dance, a health exercise routine by senior residents of Centralxi Senior Center, and trot music and comedy acts — all coming together in a lively celebration of intergenerational harmony.
The district will also carry out a welfare outreach initiative throughout October, designated as Senior Respect Month. Officials will personally visit 15 households of residents turning 100 this year to deliver a "cheongnyeojang," a ceremonial walking cane symbolizing health and longevity. The district also plans to provide support funds to 178 facilities — including 168 senior centers and 10 senior education centers across the area — as a gesture of appreciation for its elderly residents.
Given the large number of attendees expected, the district will take thorough safety precautions. Multiple safety personnel will be deployed on site to guide crowd movement, and a medical support team composed of health workers and administrative staff will be on hand to respond swiftly to any emergencies.
"The prosperity and abundance we enjoy today are the fruit of our elders' dedication," Yeongdeungpo-gu District Mayor Jo Yu-jin said. "We will continue to develop welfare policies that ensure our senior residents are respected and can enjoy a vibrant retirement."
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