Gyeonggi Gwacheon Mayor Shin Kye-yong expressed hope on September 29 that the youth-led 'Recharge' festival will provide an opportunity to relieve daily fatigue and gain new vitality.
Mayor Shin announced that the 2026 Gwacheon Youth Festival 'Recharge' will take place on October 3 at Gwacheon Central Park.
This year marks the fifth iteration of the Gwacheon Youth Festival, which is a citizen-led event where young people participate in both planning and operation.
In particular, the third cohort of the Gwacheon Youth Festival Planning Committee has directly engaged in program development and booth operations, ensuring that the voices of young people are reflected at the festival.
The theme of this year's festival, 'Recharge,' carries the slogan 'It's okay to overdo it today,' aiming to energize the daily lives of Gwacheon youth and recharge their youthful energy by 150%.
The event will feature various experiences, food options, and a flea market.
In the 'Recharge Zone' and 'Overindulgence Zone,' attendees can enjoy a variety of experiential programs, including a discharge testing station, a charging arcade, a DIY beverage vending machine, caricatures, and a tattoo shop.
The 'Overeating Zone' will host food trucks offering dishes that are typically hard to find in the area, while the flea market will showcase a variety of products from local youth sellers.
A space will also be set up to inform citizens about youth policies.
The 'Youth Lounge' and the Gwacheon Youth Space 'Flying Zone' will promote youth policies and host events and experiential programs, enhancing communication about youth support policies.
The stage will feature performances by brass bands, buskers, and magic shows, culminating in the 'Gwacheon Youth Superstar Odyssey,' where young talents will showcase their skills.
Following a ceremony to commemorate Youth Day and an awards presentation for outstanding youth activists, a 'Romantic Autumn Night Concert' will take place, featuring performances by artists such as Sunset, Nokdu, Neibro, Jit-eun, and Lee Ye-jun, adding to the festive atmosphere of the autumn night.
Mayor Shin emphasized that this festival, planned and executed by youth, aims to enhance the relevance of youth policies in the community.
Local citizens are also taking note of the festival's youth-driven nature.
Residents have responded positively, recognizing that the event goes beyond mere performances and experiences, providing a platform for young people to create programs and engage with the community.
In particular, the integration of youth spaces and policy promotion at the festival is seen as a significant opportunity for young people to access and participate in policies that are genuinely needed.
Mayor Shin added, 'We will continue to expand support for youth-centric policies and challenges, ensuring that the initiatives and planning of young people can serve as a driving force for the future of Gwacheon.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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