"Citizen-Participatory Urban Festival"...Donggu Gwangju to Host 'Car-Free Street' on Geumnam-ro

by Min Chanki

Published 27 Apr.2026 13:38(KST)

Three Themed Zones: Nolja-ing, Swija-ing, and Julyeo-ing

Donggu District of Gwangju announced on April 27 that it will operate a ‘Car-Free Street’ event around Geumnam-ro on May 2, presenting a citizen-participatory urban festival in conjunction with the Chungjang Laon Festa.

Car-Free Street Poster. Provided by Dong-gu, Gwangju

This event, marking Family Month, has been designed around hands-on content so that families and young people can enjoy it together. In particular, programs linked to Children's Day have been expanded to create a festival that children and families alike can enjoy.

The event area will be divided into three themed zones: ‘Nolja-ing Zone’ (Play Zone), ‘Swija-ing Zone’ (Rest Zone), and ‘Julyeo-ing Zone’ (Reduce Zone).

In the ‘Nolja-ing Zone,’ the street will be transformed into a large play area, featuring ▲an air bounce playground ▲bicycle education ▲recreational sports programs such as table tennis and basketball ▲balloon art ▲bubble art ▲the ‘Beat the Word Chain Master’ game, and a variety of other hands-on activities.

The ‘Swija-ing Zone’ will serve as a relaxation space within the city center. Artificial turf and beanbags will be set up so citizens can enjoy an urban picnic, and a ‘Book Exchange’ area will allow people to swap or freely read personally owned books.

In the ‘Julyeo-ing Zone,’ resource recycling and eco-friendly practices will be the main theme, with ▲the Anabada Market ▲the ‘Donggu Manse’ flea market featuring local small businesses, along with ▲chalk art experiences ▲promotional booths from related organizations ▲a food truck zone, and other diverse programs.

At the main stage of the venue, in collaboration with the Regional Culture Promotion Agency, the ‘Youth Mic’ busking performance by young artists will take place. The Chungjang K-Star Challenge, a competition stage for participants from across the country and a program associated with the Chungjang Laon Festa, will also be held, further enhancing the festival atmosphere.

Additionally, throughout the Chungjang commercial district, events such as ▲Underground Shopping Center Culture Day ▲Chungjang-ro 4th and 5th Block Goblin Market ▲Payback receipt event ▲and sales of popular brand off-season items will be held, which are expected to encourage visitors to explore the entire district.

Furthermore, Donggu will promote a ‘Daejabo (Public Transport·Bicycle·Walking) Passport’ certification event to encourage the use of public transportation, bicycles, and walking in support of expanding carbon-neutral practices, offering various benefits and souvenirs to participants.

An official from Donggu District stated, “This Geumnam-ro Car-Free Street event is an urban festival combining hands-on content, cultural performances, and commercial district-linked programs,” adding, “We hope citizens enjoy walking, relaxation, and cultural experiences in the city center.”