Songpa District’s Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival wraps up, drawing 350,000 visitors over three days

[Financial News] Seoul’s Songpa-gu district wrapped up its signature cultural arts festival, the 26th Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival, after drawing 350,000 visitors over three days, according to the organizers. In preparation for the large crowds, the district concentrated its deployment of safety personnel and took other precautions, bringing the event to a close without any safety incidents.
Songpa-gu said on the 26th that the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival, held from the 23rd to the 25th at 88 Lawn Field in Olympic Park, had concluded successfully.
This year’s festival was built around the theme “Brilliant Culture, Deep Resonance, United as One,” with performances combining Baekje history and contemporary popular culture. A 60-meter-long stage—the largest in the festival’s history—was installed, and a range of genres, from classical music and Korean traditional music to K-pop, was featured.
On opening day, 900 drones lit up the night sky, followed by classical performances by the Songpa-gu Municipal Symphony Orchestra and tenors, and sets by singers Loco and Davichi. On the second day, “One Heart Gathering,” an event featuring direct participation by residents, was held. The festival reached its finale on the last day with a 30-member geomungo ensemble and performances by Kep1er and Dynamic Duo.
Around 20 hands-on programs were also offered at the festival grounds, including Baekje costume experiences, a children’s play area and a local food market.
Songpa-gu deployed a total of 1,155 personnel for safety management and event operations during the festival. In particular, to prepare for the crowds expected on the closing day, it added 67 people, including security staff and district office employees, and concentrated safety personnel at three entrances and along major walkways.
Emergency exit lighting, safety fences and barriers along walkways were installed at the site, and 90 flashing warning lights and 12 loudspeakers were also deployed. The district also activated a response system to manage congestion, appointing supervisors for each area and sharing information on conditions at the site.
Songpa District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said, “The Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival began with the history of Hanseong Baekje and, with each passing year, has brought culture and the arts together with residents’ participation. It is Songpa’s signature festival and a source of pride for its 650,000 residents.”
[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter