Event set for Nov. 3 at Jamsil Reservoir Park, with 61 daycare centers taking part
Children's pledge ceremony and safety-promise performance to open the day; family sports meet divided by infant and toddler groups
'Haha Hoho Playground' to offer bounce houses, photo zones and bubble shows for the whole family
"One! Stay strong to the end! One! Help each other! One! Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Songpa-gu in Seoul will host the "2026 Songpa Daycare Festival" on Nov. 3 at the Eoulim Soccer Field and Youth Baseball Field inside Jamsil Reservoir Park, bringing together about 3,200 infants, toddlers, parents and childcare staff from across the district.
The annual festival is organized by the district to strengthen bonds between families and promote exchanges among local daycare centers. This year, 61 daycare centers in the district are taking part.
The event opens with a pre-show performance by the Hongik Taekwondo national team, followed by a pledge ceremony led by two child representatives — one boy and one girl — from participating daycare centers. Attendees will then join a group performance pledging to practice safety and order, before District Mayor Seo Gang-seok and the heads of the private and workplace daycare center associations formally declare the festival open.
The centerpiece of the festival is a family sports meet, divided into infant and toddler groups to account for developmental differences and safety. Families will compete together in a range of team events, including tire races, giant dice flipping and ball-toss games.
Alongside the sports meet, a free-play zone called the "Haha Hoho Playground" will be open throughout the day, featuring bounce houses and other play equipment, photo zones and a bubble show for the whole family to enjoy.
The event is hosted by Songpa-gu and organized by the Songpa Private and Workplace Daycare Center Association, with sponsorship from CJ Freshway, My Edu and Pulmuone Foodmerce.
Songpa-gu recorded about 3,600 births in 2025, the highest of any of Seoul's 25 autonomous districts. The district has been steadily expanding infant and toddler play facilities and improving childcare conditions as part of its broader support for children and parents.
"I hope this becomes a time when children can run and play freely with their families and friends, creating precious memories," District Mayor Seo said. "We will continue building Songpa into a city where young parents can raise their children with confidence, supported by strong childcare and education."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
