The Heat of Heo Jun Festival Makes Gangseo 'Buzz'...Record Crowds Gather for a 'Grand Success'

Following the Success of the 'Heo Jun Marathon,' the 'Heo Jun Festival' Also a Big Hit... Jin Gyo-hoon, Gangseo District Mayor, Communicates with Residents Throughout the Venue

As autumn festivals are in full swing across Seoul, Gangseo-gu is heating up with the excitement of the 'Heo Jun Festival.'

On the 14th, when the 21st Heo Jun Festival officially began, an unprecedented crowd of about 50,000 people flocked to the main venue, Seoul Botanical Garden, creating a so-called 'big hit.'

This year, the festival's enthusiasm was further elevated by the first-ever 'Heo Jun Marathon' held in Gangseo-gu.

Nearly 3,000 participants gathered for the 'Heo Jun Marathon' held that morning. Jin Gyo-hoon, the mayor of Gangseo-gu, also visited the site early in the morning to cheer them on.

Mayor Jin repeatedly encouraged the participants, saying, "Complete the race healthily and safely without injury. Fighting!"

In the afternoon, over 70 experiential programs were held throughout Seoul Botanical Garden under the theme 'Let's Be Heo Jun.' These included 'HeoVengers Adventure,' where participants save people infected by viruses alongside Heo Jun, a recreated Joseon-era marketplace experience, audience-participation magic shows, personal color analysis, traditional games, VR sports games, and a variety of other attractions.

On one side, opportunities were also provided to diagnose health conditions such as posture correction and body shape management, shoulder ultrasound, and rhinitis care.

Mayor Jin toured the festival grounds, greeting residents who came to enjoy the event. He approached warmly, saying, "I am Jin Gyo-hoon, the fresh new mayor of Gangseo-gu, elected just three days ago." Despite the flood of photo requests, he smiled brightly and responded willingly.

The area around Seoul Botanical Garden was truly a festival ground filled with people enjoying the Heo Jun Festival. At 7 p.m., when the opening ceremony and Heo Jun concert took place, the 2,500 seats in front of the special stage on the lawn plaza were filled early, and the crowd was so dense it seemed endless.

People of all ages sang along and enjoyed the celebratory performances by singers. Mayor Jin stayed until the end, sharing the moment with the residents.

On the 15th, the Heo Jun National Song Contest will be held, culminating the festival with a spectacular fireworks display.

To promote an eco-friendly festival, the district supplied reusable containers to all food booths. Especially since this is the first local festival in four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, a large crowd is expected, and the district collaborated with the police, volunteers, and professional organizations to ensure thorough safety management at the venue.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, "I hope you come to the Heo Jun Festival with your beloved family, friends, or loved ones and enjoy the deep autumnal atmosphere of the night."

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