The 26th Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival opens Oct. 23 at Olympic Park's 88 Lawn — featuring a 60-meter main stage, a 900-drone show, and performances spanning classical music, K-pop and traditional Korean music over three days
Songpa-gu's signature cultural festival, the 26th Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival, will run for three days from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25 at the 88 Lawn of Olympic Park in Seoul.
Held under the theme "Brilliant Culture, Deep Resonance, United as One," this year's festival brings together the cultural heritage of the Hanseong Baekje kingdom from 2,000 years ago and the energy of today's globally celebrated K-culture on a single high-caliber stage. The event aims to create a space of unity where people of all generations and regions can enjoy tradition and modernity side by side.
This year's festival is bigger in scale than ever before. The centerpiece is a main stage stretching 60 meters — the largest in the festival's history — built in a multilevel structure. A massive LED screen covering the entire front face, combined with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, promises an immersive experience for audiences.
Day 1: Opening performance lights up the autumn sky with 900 drones and classical music
The festival kicks off on the evening of Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. with a "Welcome Drone Show" illuminating the autumn night sky. The show opens with a greeting from Songpa-gu's mascots "Haha" and "Hoho" formed by the drones, followed by an opening performance blending media art and large-scale contemporary dance to build anticipation for the days ahead.
This year's opening performance has significantly expanded its classical lineup. The program features the Songpa District Symphony Orchestra and a large chorus performing the opera "O Fortuna," a violin solo, a harmonized performance by three top-tier tenors — Yoon Jeong-su, Jin Seong-won and Lee Dong-myeong — and a waltz by professional dancers, showcasing the finest of classical performance.
A "creative stage" follows, reimagining the festival's theme through band music, with celebratory performances by hip-hop artist Loco and vocal duo Davichi adding to the excitement. The opening ceremony closes with 900 drones — the largest fleet in the festival's history — again painting the night sky over Songpa in a spectacular display of light.
Day 2: Community stage puts residents in the spotlight
On the second day, Oct. 24, the Songpa Cultural Foundation's professional arts support team will present a musical gala performance titled "Standing by the River" at 11 p.m. The special production offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the "Domi-naru" legend, a story rooted in the historical backdrop of the Hanseong Baekje era.
From 4:50 p.m. to 8:20 p.m., the community showcase "Hanmaeum Eoulmadag" will take the stage, featuring the talents of local residents. A record number of neighborhoods are participating this year, with residents performing skills honed through community center programs — a meaningful occasion where the people of Songpa-gu become the festival's own performers.
Day 3: Finale spans 30-player geomungo ensemble to K-pop
On the final day, Oct. 25, the "Hanseong Culture Concert" will deliver a bold program blending tradition and modernity. The traditional Korean music segment features a rare ensemble of 30 geomungo players performing alongside a live band, a multi-voice performance by master singers, and a fusion gugak set by Lee Bong-geun. Global idol group Kep1er and hip-hop act Dynamic Duo then take the stage to close out the festival.
A hands-on activity zone will operate throughout all three days of the festival. The "Hanseong Baekje Kids Cafe" features large inflatable bounce structures and a block play zone, while more than 20 programs — including a cypress wood playground, Baekje costume experiences, and craft and cultural activities — round out the offerings. The "Hanseong Baekje Market," with 17 participating organizations, will also showcase a variety of K-food to satisfy visitors on every level.
The district will prioritize visitor safety by stationing professional safety management personnel throughout the venue at all times and operating a real-time on-site monitoring system to ensure a safe festival environment.
"The Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival began with the history of Hanseong Baekje and has grown year by year into Songpa's signature event, one that blends culture, the arts and community participation — a source of pride for our 650,000 residents," District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "This year, we will deliver an unforgettable experience through our largest-ever stage, high-caliber performances and a rich array of hands-on programs. We warmly invite everyone to come and enjoy the romance of autumn."
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