The 7th Songpa Education Fair comes to Seoul Nori Madang on Nov. 7, featuring more than 50 programs in future education and career exploration. More than 40 free hands-on booths will offer AI glasses, drones, career aptitude tests and more.
Songpa-gu in Seoul will hold the 7th Songpa Education Fair at Seoul Nori Madang on Nov. 7, giving students a chance to explore the latest educational technologies, including AI, and discover their aptitudes and career paths.
The district holds the fair annually to help young people move beyond exam-focused, competitive schooling and find their own interests, career directions and aspirations.
This year's fair reflects demand from educators and students alike, bringing together more than 50 programs — from future education and career exploration experiences to performances showcasing the talents students have honed throughout the year.
All more than 40 hands-on booths will be free of charge. Key programs include learning-style and career aptitude tests, future edtech experiences such as AI glasses and drones, job simulations as a doctor or chef, and a traveling science escape-room bus. Exhibition and promotional booths featuring educational content from local schools and study clubs will also be on hand.
Programs tied to educational institutions will also run at the fair. Sungkyunkwan University's Edtech Research Institute will demonstrate a student lesson-analysis program designed to help teachers evaluate classroom instruction, while the Songpa Wee Center under the Gangdong-Songpa Office of Education and the Songpa Education Welfare Center will operate youth counseling booths to support students' emotional development.
The opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on the special stage at Seoul Nori Madang. A pre-ceremony performance by b-boy dance crew Fusion MC kicks off at 12:40 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony for the Songpa Youth Film Festival and a celebratory performance by the Korean traditional music orchestra of Oryun Middle School.
From 2 p.m., students and young people take center stage for a club performance showcase. A total of 13 teams — three more than last year — will perform, presenting skills in samulnori, dance, cheerleading and band music.
At 3 p.m., a screening of the Songpa Youth Film Festival will be held at Lotte Cinema World Tower. The program includes a post-screening audience talk with directors and actors of award-winning works, along with behind-the-scenes footage and submitted entries. This year, special awards for cinematography, performance and directing have been newly introduced to encourage creative work among young people.
Throughout the venue, visitors can also enjoy a stamp tour — collecting stamps at experience booths to receive souvenirs — along with photo zones and rest areas.
"It is important for students to step outside the classroom and discover their aptitudes and talents through diverse educational and cultural experiences," Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will continue to expand opportunities for young people to freely explore and express their dreams and abilities through education and cultural arts."
The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 7 and is open to all residents, including students and parents. For more information, contact the Songpa-gu Office's Education Cooperation Division.
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