Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee announced on October 6 that an integrated festival will be held to meaningfully celebrate the 38th Citizens' Day this year, allowing residents to enjoy events close to home.
Mayor Han stated, "The '2026 Gunpo Olrae Happiness Festival' will take place from October 16 to 24, combining major events for Citizens' Day into one festival."
This festival aims to provide a unified platform for cultural, artistic, reading, and lifelong learning events that have previously been held separately.
Through this integrated festival, Mayor Han envisions lowering barriers to citizen participation and embedding culture and learning into the daily lives of residents.
The festival will be divided into 'Civic Harmony and Cultural Arts Week' and 'Reading and Lifelong Learning Week,' taking place in accessible locations such as the Gunpo National Sports Center, Sanbon Rodeo Street, and Lifelong Learning Village.
On the first day, October 16, the 38th Citizens' Day ceremony and awards presentation will be held at the Gunpo National Sports Center soccer field.
This will be followed by the announcement of the vision for the 9th elected term, performances by local arts groups and the city choir, and congratulatory performances by artists such as Kim Yeon-ja and Enok.
On October 17 and 18, Sanbon Rodeo Street will host performances by cultural clubs and a handmade goods market, while a traditional music concert featuring Korean music, dance, and popular music will take place at Surisa on the 18th.
On October 24, programs focused on reading and lifelong learning are expected to continue.
The 'Gunpo Reading Festival' will feature an outdoor library and experiential activities in collaboration with local bookstores in the Cultural Street of Gungnae-dong and Surit-gil, while the Lifelong Learning Village will host a festival centered on club experiences and exhibitions.
Notably, this festival is designed to encourage citizens not just to observe events but to actively participate in cultural clubs, local arts groups, and reading and lifelong learning programs, reflecting Mayor Han's commitment to citizen engagement in governance.
Residents are expressing excitement about the opportunity to enjoy performances and experiences with their families in locations close to their daily lives.
With various programs set in accessible spaces like Sanbon Rodeo Street, there is hope that families can enjoy the festival without having to travel far.
Mayor Han Dae-hee added, "I hope this festival brings joy of culture and learning into the daily lives of our citizens and serves as a meaningful time to share Gunpo's new vision for the future."
Additionally, Mayor Han plans to expand cultural, artistic, and lifelong learning programs centered around citizens' living areas, strengthening the foundation for citizen participation in shaping the future of the city.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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