[On Site] Hwangryong River on an Autumn Night: Filled with Music, Beer, and People

3rd Gwangsan Music ON Festival Draws 95,000 Visitors
Citizen Participation and Introduction of Reusable Containers
A Step Toward Becoming a National Festival

On the afternoon of the 21st, citizens enjoying an autumn evening performance on a mat spread out on the lawn of Hwangryong Chinsu Park in Gwangsan District, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

On the afternoon of the 21st, the lawn along the Hwangryong River quickly filled with citizens who arrived early to secure their spots. Families spread out mats and shared lunchboxes, groups of young people gathered to enjoy beer together, and parents with strollers joined in, creating a festive autumn night for people of all ages. Foreign visitors were also noticeable among the crowd. One attendee said, "It was wonderful to enjoy music with my family while feeling the cool autumn breeze."

The 3rd Gwangsan Music ON Festival was held at Hwangryong Chinsu Park in Gwangsan District, Gwangju, on September 20 and 21, attracting an estimated 95,000 visitors over two days. With the theme "Autumn ON Moment," this year's festival featured an emotional concept that combined music and nature.

Over the course of two days, ten leading Korean musicians and bands, including 10cm, Hwang Garam, Crying Nut, Lee Hyun, Glen Check, Yudabin Band, Woody, Hangzoo, and Khadi, took the stage, delivering a blend of emotion and excitement. The cheers from the audience, who filled the venue until the very last song, turned into calls for the festival to be held twice a year.

Singer 10cm is passionately singing on stage amid the audience's cheers. Photo by Song Bohyun

While the audience in front of the stage was immersed in music, the food booths at the back were bustling as well. Festival-goers enjoyed draft beer for 3,000 won, while vendors served food to customers waiting in long lines-another vibrant scene of the festival. More than 1,000 safety and operations personnel, including members of the voluntary security unit and volunteers, were deployed on-site to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

This year's festival attracted a diverse audience, regardless of age or gender. Families, couples, and groups of friends gathered in small groups, young people captured the performances on their phones, and foreign visitors were also present. Between the mats spread out on the grass, spaces like the Cosmos Lounge, Booknic, and Indian Tents provided citizens with places to relax.

On the second day of the 3rd Gwangsan Music ON Festival on the 21st, the Black Eagles performed a spectacular air show. Photo by Gwangsan District Office

Above all, this year's festival was well received for its participatory programs. Activities such as the "Street Karaoke" for impromptu singing, the "Street Piano" open to anyone, and the "Starlight Cinema" with a screen set up under the stars, transformed the audience from mere spectators into protagonists of the event.

For the first time, Gwangsan District introduced reusable containers at the festival. All vendors used reusable containers instead of disposables, and return bins were installed at major entrances. Gwangsan District reported that sales at nearby stores increased two to three times during the festival period. One citizen who received food in a reusable container said, "At first it felt unfamiliar, but thinking about the environment made the experience even more enjoyable."

The view of the 3rd Gwangsan Music ON Festival held at Hwangryong Chinsu Park on the 20th and 21st. Over 95,000 people visited over two days to enjoy the romance and emotions of autumn. Provided by Gwangsan District Office

Park Byungkyu, the head of Gwangsan District, said, "This festival, enjoyed by citizens from all over the country, has established itself as a national music festival beyond just Gwangju. We will continue to develop it into a sustainable festival where citizens take the lead."

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