The 9th annual fair takes place Monday near Uraok restaurant in Bangsan Market, featuring transfer and digital printing demonstrations alongside tattoo and nail art experiences
Bangsan Market in Jung-gu, Seoul — long regarded as the home of printing and packaging in Korea — will transform into a fairground Monday.
Jung-gu will host the 9th Bangsan Market Printing and Packaging Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the event space in front of Uraok restaurant inside the market.
Bangsan Market has built its reputation over decades as the country's premier destination for printing and packaging businesses. The fair is designed to showcase the market's products and craftsmanship to the public while injecting new energy into the local commercial district.
The event is laid out to draw visitors through the market's alleys, not just the main stage. Eight shops will take part in the signature stamp tour, where visitors can browse each store's displays and promotional materials to learn about the range of products and production techniques on offer. Those who collect stamps from at least five of the participating shops can redeem a special commemorative gift at a designated location.
A hands-on experience zone will highlight what makes the printing and packaging market unique. Visitors can try transfer printing and digital printing firsthand, and take part in activities including temporary tattoos and nail art.
Visitors who spend 20,000 won ($15) or more at Bangsan Market on the day will receive a chance to spin a roulette wheel for prizes, adding an extra incentive to shop around the market.
The main stage will also host an exhibition tracing the history of Bangsan Market as a mecca of printing and packaging. Through photographs of veteran craftspeople and archival images of the market's streets and workshops, visitors can follow the story of how the market grew into the specialized hub it is today.
A nanta percussion performance and a variety of food stalls will round out the festivities. The Euljiro-dong Saemaul Women's Association will welcome visitors with warm dishes including fish cake soup.
Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Gil-sung said Bangsan Market is "a precious industrial asset of Jung-gu, where printing and packaging artisans have built their skills and experience over many years." He added that he hoped visitors would "discover the new charm hidden in this traditional market by seeing and experiencing firsthand the diverse products and technologies that make Bangsan Market unique."
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