Gwangju Seo-gu, Colorful 40th Anniversary 5·18 Commemorative Events Draw Attention

Pilgrimage to Historic Sites Westerners Concert · Sharing of Jumeokbap · Special Exhibition, etc.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Seo Daeseok) will hold various commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement.

According to Seo-gu on the 11th, this event was promoted to honor the May 18 democratic martyrs and to elevate the meaning of May 18, which shared pain and solidarity amid hardship.

Originally, Seo-gu planned a "Seo-gu Residents' Grand Ensemble" where citizens would directly play nine instruments including salt, sogo, and ocarina. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which is spreading worldwide, it was changed to a pilgrimage concert.

The concert will involve 2-3 representatives per instrument in the ensemble, accompaniment by a traditional Korean music group, and about 30 participants including the Seo-gu Women's Choir. It will be held while touring May 18 historical sites.

The concert will start at 12:30 PM on the 15th at the Seo-gu Office first-floor plaza, followed by events on the 16th at Nongsung Square (11:00 AM), Yangdong Market (1:30 PM), and Gwangcheon-dong Catholic Church (3:30 PM).

The concert venues are designated May 18 historical sites: Nongsung Square is site No. 16, Yangdong Market is No. 19, and the Deulbul Night School site at Gwangcheon-dong Catholic Church is No. 27.

The performance will begin with "Song of May," followed by "March for the Beloved," created for the spiritual wedding of Deulbul martyrs Yoon Sang-won and Park Ki-soon, "Our Wish is Unification," connecting May and unification, and the traditional folk song "Arirang," culminating in a grand communal celebration.

Additionally, the 5·18 Seo-gu Event Committee, Yangdong Residents' Autonomy Committee, Village Community Irak, and Village Enterprise Bio Seed Cooperative plan to hold a "Love Rice Ball (Rice Bread) Sharing" event for concert viewers.

Furthermore, Seo-gu will hold a "40 Years of Memory: May 18 Special Exhibition" in the first-floor lobby of the Seo-gu office building until the 22nd.

The special exhibition will display photos and records remembering May, with video screenings and explanations provided by a May 18 guide.

A Seo-gu official said, "We put a lot of thought into promoting the event to participate in COVID-19 prevention and social distancing," adding, "Above all, we will prioritize residents' safety and ensure the event is meaningful."

Meanwhile, Seo-gu plans to present this concert, held as a no-audience live performance, to the entire nation via YouTube and other social media, delivering a message of hope and courage amid the COVID-19 crisis.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.