The Yangjaeyeok Mallijukgeori festival returns Friday near Yangjae Station, bringing together residents and merchants under the theme 'Mallijukgeori, running toward harmony and prosperity'
The Mallijukgeori district near Yangjae Station will transform into a festive gathering place for residents and merchants this week, offering the area's signature street food, lively performances and a range of hands-on activities to capture the flavors and romance of an autumn evening.
Seocho-gu will host the 2026 Yangjaeyeok Mallijukgeori Festival — its ninth edition — on Friday from noon to 9 p.m. in the Mallijukgeori area near Yangjae Station.
Now in its ninth year, the festival has been a signature community event since 2015, using the horse ("mal") as its theme to celebrate the history and traditions of Mallijukgeori while promoting the vitality of its alley commerce and fostering goodwill between residents and merchants. The name "Mallijukgeori" traces back to the Joseon era, when couriers and travelers would stop to feed their horses a warm porridge ("juk") before continuing their journeys. Restaurants and a traditional market took root in the area from the 1970s onward, building the commercial district it is today. The neighborhood is also widely known as the setting of the 2004 film "Once Upon a Time in High School."
Co-hosted by the Yangjaeyeok 1-dong Residents' Autonomy Committee and the Mallijukgeori Alley Merchants' Association, this year's festival runs under the theme "Mallijukgeori, running toward harmony and prosperity!" The event centers on the spirit of community between residents and merchants, and is paired with a nighttime food and culture festival to showcase the area's distinctive cuisine and local character.
The highlight of the day is an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday on the special stage at the north gate of Mallijukgeori. After the official opening declaration, a signal flare will be launched to wish the district harmony and prosperity, followed by a performance on the venue's large LED screen depicting a red horse — symbolizing the Year of the Red Horse — soaring across the sky.
The celebration concert that follows will be hosted by comedian Moon Yong-hyeon. Trot singer Ryu Ji-gwang, known for the song "Ippeuni Kkotbuni," and singer Song Min-kyeong, recognized for "Meoseon Iligo," will take the stage to lift the festival atmosphere with their performances.
This year, the festival also incorporates a linked nighttime food and culture event — "Ya! Midnight Mallijukgeori Food and Culture Festival" — adding another layer of enjoyment centered on the area's distinctive cuisine and after-dark entertainment.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, the nighttime food festival will feature the "Mallijukgeori Gourmet Market," where visitors can sample a wide variety of dishes from the local commercial district all in one place, with outdoor seating set up so guests can savor the autumn night air. Street magic shows and a DJ party will also animate the alleyways throughout the evening, offering entertainment for all ages.
A full slate of participatory programs has been arranged for residents and families as well. A local singing competition — the "Mallijukgeori Song Festival" — will give residents and merchants a chance to show off their vocal talents. On the plaza in front of the SPC Group headquarters, visitors can take part in horse therapy, woodworking, eco-friendly crafts and other hands-on activities.
The district office said it will take thorough safety precautions to ensure visitors can enjoy the festival without incident. Seocho-gu and the Seocho Police Station will conduct advance checks on potential hazards and staffing arrangements, and will deploy district employees and police-affiliated safety volunteers on the day to maintain order and prevent accidents. Vehicle access to parts of Mallijukgeori will also be restricted from 6 a.m. to midnight Friday to protect pedestrian safety.
Seocho-gu designated the Mallijukgeori area as its first officially recognized alley commercial district in 2022, laying the groundwork for revitalization efforts and expanded support for local businesses.
As part of the district's broader commercial revitalization initiative, the office has focused on branding and place-making tailored to the area's character. It has completed an "Art Road" streetscape project to highlight local identity and improve pedestrian safety, carried out signage improvements to enhance the urban environment, and continued infrastructure upgrades including underground utility work.
Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seong-su said he hopes the festival will serve as "a place of harmony where residents, merchants, families and neighbors come together to enjoy the unique flavors and romance of Mallijukgeori and connect with one another." He added that the district will continue working to honor the area's history and character so that "Mallijukgeori can establish itself as a vibrant alley commercial district that more and more people will want to visit."
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