The two-day event runs Oct. 24–25 at Noryangjin Fish Market and the adjacent soccer field, featuring popular singers Kim Yeon-ja and Kim Hyun-jung, a live tuna-cutting show, auction experiences and ocean-themed activities for all ages
Dongjak-gu will host the 9th Urban Ocean Festival from Oct. 24 to 25 at Noryangjin Fish Market and the adjacent soccer field at 688 Nodeul-ro, bringing the sights, sounds and flavors of the sea to the heart of Seoul.
Organized in partnership with the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives and Suhyup Noryangjin Susam Co., the festival is themed "Noryangjin, Becoming Seoul's Sea" and will feature fresh seafood, ocean-themed rides and hands-on activities, and performances by popular singers.
On the opening day, Chung-Ang University's cheer squad "Hurassy," the Pure Dance Company and the Hidden Singer Three Masters will take the stage in that order to warm up the crowd. After the opening ceremony at 6 p.m., the "Blue Sea Concert" will follow, with singers Kim Yeon-ja, Kim Hyun-jung, Im Da-un and Ryu Won-jeong all performing.
On the second day, winners of the Nodeul Song Festival will perform in a concert titled "Nodeul, Again," followed by a trot showcase — "Ocean Trot Live" — featuring Kim So-yu, Hong Dan-bi and Shin Seung-tae. The festival will close with a finale event called "See You, Sea!"
Special programs highlighting the fish market's unique character will run across both days. Chef Yang Seung-ho, the country's first certified master of tuna preparation, will perform a live bluefin tuna breakdown, and visitors can learn auction hand signals and take part in a real auction in an event called "I Am the Auction King."
Family-friendly activities include a wave playground, urban surfing, shrimp catching and a children's fishing pond, as well as craft workshops where participants can make mood lamps, beach bags, bracelets and keyrings. An "Ocean Olympics" featuring rubber-boot archery and pool-ball basketball, along with an ocean and seafood-themed quiz, will also be held.
The "Suhyup Direct-Sale Ocean Market" will offer specialty products from across the country, and food trucks selling beverages, fried chicken and sushi will operate alongside seafood restaurant stalls. During the festival, table-setting fees at sashimi restaurants inside the fish market will be discounted by 50 percent.
The district also plans to conduct joint safety inspections with relevant agencies to ensure a safe and comfortable festival environment, with a focus on hygiene management for vendors and cleanliness in the food zones. A rapid-response system linked to the local public health center and nearby hospitals will also be established to handle any food safety incidents.
Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-young said he hopes families will enjoy fresh seafood, diverse performances and hands-on experiences at the district's signature ocean festival. "We will continue to support efforts to showcase the appeal of Noryangjin and bring vitality to the local business community," he said.
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