Myeongdong Festival Boosts Vibrancy of Commercial District

Jung-gu, Seoul to Hold ‘Myeongdong Festival’ Linked with ‘Seoul Festa 2023’ from April 29 to May 7

Collaboration with World-Renowned Artist Grafflex to Transform Myeongdong Streets into Artworks

Diverse Programs Including Stamp Tour, Receipt Event, and SNS Campaigns

Targeting Both Foreign Tourists Increasing Post-Endemic and Domestic Visitors Ahead of Family Month

Jung-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Kim Gil-seong) will host the ‘Myeongdong Festival’ for 10 days from April 29 to May 7 across the Myeongdong area, revitalizing the Myeongdong commercial district.

With a variety of attractions and activities, the festival aims to captivate tourists flocking in after the end of the pandemic and provide enjoyment for family visitors during the Family Month.

This event is especially notable for its collaboration with graphic artist Grafflex. Grafflex is a domestic artist known for his unique style that blends graffiti and graphic art, boasting a strong fan base. He has gained international recognition through collaborations with famous brands worldwide.

Grafflex reinterpreted inspirations from Myeongdong in his distinctive style, creating basic icons and characters based on Myeongdong’s landmark buildings and street food. These artworks are applied as stickers (wrapping) on the sidewalks, building walls, and fixed street stalls in Myeongdong, highlighting the district’s charm and injecting vitality.

At the official opening event on April 30 at 5 p.m., a balloon parade synchronized with percussion (lapercussion) performances will energize tourists. On May 3, a plogging campaign called ‘Ssedam Running’ promoting environmental awareness will be held with comedian Lee Eun-ji. On April 30 and May 5, balloons and other gifts will be distributed for children.

Additionally, various programs such as receipt events to boost the Myeongdong commercial district, a stamp mission exploring Myeongdong’s attractions, and SNS promotional events will be prepared to welcome tourists.

This event is hosted by Seoul City, Jung-gu Office, and Lotte Department Store in conjunction with the representative Seoul tourism festival ‘Seoul Festa 2023,’ and is promoted through public-private cooperation with the Myeongdong Tourism Special Zone, Myeongdong Merchants Association, and WeChat Pay.

Kim Gil-seong, Mayor of Jung-gu, stated, “We hope this Myeongdong Festival will serve as a catalyst to restore the vibrancy of the Myeongdong commercial district to pre-COVID levels. During the festival, we encourage visitors to enjoy the artists’ works on the streets of Myeongdong and participate in various events to create unique memories.”

Gwanak-gu to Support Venture and Startup Companies with Up to 10 Million KRW for Technology Consulting

Technology Consulting Provided in Collaboration with Seoul National University SNU Engineering Consulting Center and Korea Electronics Technology Institute

Support Available for Companies Within 7 Years of Establishment, Up to 10 Million KRW for Consulting Costs

Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) is launching a ‘Technology Consulting Support Project’ to help venture and startup companies facing difficulties in technology development.

The ‘Technology Consulting Support Project’ is part of the district’s key initiative, the ‘Gwanak S Valley’ project, which utilizes technologies held by universities and research institutes to provide consulting and financial support for technology development such as prototype development and product improvement for startup companies.

Since last year, the district has signed agreements with Seoul National University SNU Engineering Consulting Center and Korea Electronics Technology Institute, supporting 14 companies in solving technical issues.

This year, companies wishing to receive technology consulting will be supported through first-stage consultations and second-stage in-depth consultations, with consulting costs incurred during the second-stage consultations supported up to 10 million KRW (with a 20% self-payment).

Applicants must be technology-based venture or startup companies established within 7 years and have at least two research and development personnel. However, companies seeking support for second-stage in-depth consultation costs must relocate their headquarters to Gwanak-gu within one month from the date of selection.

Detailed information about the ‘Technology Consulting Support Project’ can be found on the Gwanak-gu Office website (News & Notices - Public Announcements). Interested companies can download the application form and submit it via email to the person in charge.

A district official said, “Through practical support for venture and startup companies, we aim to create a sustainable startup ecosystem and drive innovative growth of companies through various methods.”

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