"Ride the City Tour Bus to the Past" ... Seoul City Offers Free Travel + Performance Viewing Event

Operation of Three Courses for '2020 Memories in Seoul' Until November 20... Passengers Selected by Lottery

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 3rd that it will operate a unique city tour bus program called '2020 Memories in Seoul,' combining urban travel with Seoul's historical stories and cultural and artistic performances, from the 4th to the 20th. Participation is free of charge.

Citizens can ride the city tour bus to major landmarks and historical sites in Seoul such as Deoksugung Palace and DDP, and enjoy various performances inside the bus at each location, including plays, magic shows, dance, and popping, themed around historical events like the independence movement.

The city operates three courses under the theme of 'A Time Travel to the Past.' On the 'Downtown Palaces and Namsan Course' and the 'Traditional Culture Course,' participants can encounter stories ranging from independence activists during the Japanese colonial period to female bus conductors who handled announcements in the 1960s. At places like Deoksugung Daehanmun Gate, plays depict independence activists exchanging secret messages and making resolutions, while at the War Memorial of Korea, scenes of student soldiers parting from their families are expressed through modern dance.

Actor Kim Hong-pyo, widely known for the drama 'Im Kkeok-jeong,' participates as a storyteller in these courses to convey the stories to the audience. The dance team 'Robotronic Harmonics,' which gained attention last year through collaboration with global superstar BTS, will also perform.

The 'Path of Peace Course' commemorates the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and extends beyond Seoul to Paju DMZ. Participants tour the War Memorial of Korea and Imjingak with a guide and take a direct tour of the DMZ.

Citizens wishing to participate can apply by the 15th through the official website (www.shnesquetour.com) by writing their own stories about 'Seoul, bus, travel' and the course they want to join. The city plans to select the final passengers through a lottery.

Lee Eun-young, Director of Seoul Tourism Industry Division, said, "This year, due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), citizens have been unable to freely enjoy travel or performances and have grown weary. We want to offer them a small journey," adding, "The themed courses, which combine cultural arts such as plays, pansori, and dance centered on Seoul, will provide participants with fun, memories, and a unique experience of Seoul's tourist attractions."

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