Gwanak-gu's signature history and culture festival opens at Nakseongdae Park on Friday
From a memorial rite for General Gang Gam-chan to wish-hanging and a Youth Dream Concert, the opening day draws a full slate of events
Gwanak-gu launched the 2026 Gwanak Gangam-chan Festival on Friday with a memorial rite honoring General Gang Gam-chan, drawing residents together for the district's signature history and culture celebration.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the festival carries the theme "Tomorrow Gangam-chan" and aims to connect history with the future. Organizers rolled out a wide range of cultural and hands-on programs designed to resonate with younger generations while offering something for all ages.
The opening ceremonies began with a memorial rite for General Gang Gam-chan and a calligraphy competition. At the morning rite held at Anguksa Temple inside Nakseongdae Park, participants honored the general's patriotic spirit and sacrifices in service of the nation.
A nighttime program called "Nakseongdae Yabyeolhoe" linked the historic Nakseongdae area — steeped in the general's legend — with Seoul National University's astronomical observatory, weaving together historical commentary and stargazing to explore the "star" at the heart of the general's birth myth.
The evening's Youth Dream Concert on the main stage at the grand plaza featured hip-hop clubs from Seoul universities alongside invited performers Dynamic Duo and Sinse, filling the festival's opening night with youthful energy.
"The love for the country and dedication to the people that General Gang Gam-chan demonstrated continue to offer great lessons to this day," District Mayor Park Jun-hee said. "Through this memorial rite, we will reflect on the general's noble patriotic spirit and brilliant achievements, and carry that legacy forward to future generations."
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