More than 150 participants march in traditional costumes
Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon took part in the 24th Heo Jun Festival Gala Parade on Sunday, joining the procession in costume as the legendary Joseon-era physician Heo Jun near Seoul Botanic Park.
Jin and about 150 other participants dressed in traditional royal court attire and marched along Seoul Botanic Park and Magok Jungang-ro.
The Gangseo Pungmul troupe led the procession, carrying large flags and performing spirited street music, with participants following in step to the beat of traditional percussion.
The scene evoked the Joseon dynasty, and visitors were kept busy snapping photos and selfies with the parade as a backdrop.
At key points along the route, special performances blending pungmul (traditional folk music and dance) with breakdancing drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
Participants were all smiles as the parade came to a close.
A resident of Naebalsan-dong who joined with his first-grade daughter said it was already their third time attending. "My daughter loves it, so we keep coming back — and this time we brought one of her friends along," he said.
A visitor from Yeongjong-gu in Incheon joined the parade with her 10-year-old daughter, Jeong Yun-jin, after signing up on-site. "I was looking for somewhere fun to take my child on the weekend and ended up here," she said. "It was easy to get to because it connects directly to Magoknauru Station on the Airport Railroad. I think it'll be a wonderful memory for her."
A 31-year-old resident of Seodaemun-gu surnamed Heo said she had applied after watching the parade at last year's Heo Jun Festival. "I knew I had to take part, and I already want to do it again next year," she said. Her friend Ryu, also 31, said the experience was so enjoyable she would recommend it to others. "It's going to be a great memory," Ryu added.
The areas around Seoul Botanic Park and Magok Jungang-ro saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the festival. Long lines formed at hands-on activity programs and food stalls scattered across the venue.
"Seeing everyone — young and old, children and adults — having such a good time made me feel even happier," Jin said. "We will do our utmost to ensure visitors can enjoy the Heo Jun Festival to the fullest."
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