Eight traditional markets across Gwangjin-gu will hold their own signature festivals throughout October, offering street food, cultural performances, payback events and prize draws in a lively night-market atmosphere.
Gwangjin-gu will hold a series of "traditional market revitalization festivals" at eight local markets throughout October, aiming to inject new energy into the district's commercial areas as autumn arrives.
The festival series, which launched in 2023, was created to turn traditional markets into cultural spaces where residents and vendors can enjoy and connect with one another. This year's edition again highlights each market's distinct character through food, performances and hands-on activities, with programs blending street food, beer and live entertainment to recreate a night-market atmosphere.
The festivities kick off Oct. 8 with "Junggok Culture Night" at Junggok Jeil Market. The schedule then moves to Hwayangjeongil Market's "Hwayangnyeonhwa" on Oct. 13, Yeongdonggyo Alley Market's "Autumn Night Family Food and Culture Festival" on Oct. 14, Norunsan Alley Market's "Art Play Festival" on Oct. 15, and Sinseong Traditional Market's "A Delicious Night on Achasan" on Oct. 16.
On Oct. 22, Myeongok Market hosts "Myeongok Night Market," combining a makgeolli festival with a "YES KIDS!" event. The series continues with Jayang Traditional Market's "Autumn Night Market Festival" on Oct. 23 before wrapping up with Jayang Han River Traditional Market's "Take It Easy Night Market Festival" on Oct. 27.
Each market will offer a variety of food stalls, beer booths and tasting events. Visitor-participation programs will also run, including payback promotions, prize draws, photo zones and charity sharing markets.
Cultural performances, busking, singing contests and resident talent shows will give community members a chance to take part directly.
The district hopes the festivals will give residents a fun autumn outing while providing vendors with an opportunity to promote their markets and meet new customers.
"We hope traditional markets can grow into spaces where residents and merchants share culture together, beyond simply being places to shop," Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said. "Please visit your neighborhood market with family, friends and loved ones to enjoy the flavors and excitement of autumn."
Gwangjin-gu plans to establish safety management protocols ahead of each event and will work to prevent accidents through crowd control and visitor flow management. For detailed schedules and information on individual festivals, residents can contact each market's merchants' association or the Gwangjin-gu Local Economy Division.
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