"Despite Budget Cuts for Light Festival"... Sejong Citizens Raise Funds to Hold Light Tree Festival

Festival Budget Cut by Local Politicians,
Citizens Step Up with Fundraising Efforts

The budget for the Sejong City Light Festival was completely cut again this year by the local political community, just as it was last year. However, the festival will be carried out with citizens at the center, funded by donations collected through small contributions. Although the event will be somewhat scaled down due to the lack of government funding and reliance on citizen fundraising, it is noteworthy that the tradition will continue.

The Sejong City Light Tree Festival Citizens' Organizing Committee resolved on October 30 at the temporary festival office in Naseong-dong to once again hold the festival through the power of the citizens. Accordingly, as was the case last year, the festival will take place for 39 days from November 22 to December 31 in the area around the south plaza of Eung Bridge.

Now in its third year, the Light Tree Festival is establishing itself as a local winter event and is expected to help revitalize nearby businesses. The opening lighting ceremony, to be held at 7 p.m. on November 22 at the south plaza of Eung Bridge, will feature the simultaneous illumination of a large church Christmas tree, golden balls, various light tunnels, and a range of light installations. During the festival, weekend busking performances, a Christmas market, and a citizen-participation tree will be on display, offering citizens the chance to share in the romance of winter and a message of hope.

A Light Tree Festival official commented, "It is truly regrettable that citizens have no other choice but to step up due to the budget cuts by the city council. The Light Tree Festival is a symbol of hope created by the citizens of Sejong together, and we hope that the festival will make Sejong's nights shine even warmer."

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