Seongnam to Host "Global Harmony Festival" on May 10... A Glimpse into Traditional Weddings Around the World

On May 10, Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province will hold the 15th Global Harmony Festival at City Hall Plaza, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., under the theme of "Experiencing Traditional Weddings Around the World."

Poster announcing the 15th Global Harmony Festival in Seongnam City. Provided by Seongnam City

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This festival is organized in celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity (May 20) to promote understanding of different cultures and traditions, and to foster an open society of respect and communication.

About 5,000 people, including local and foreign residents, multicultural families, and general citizens, are expected to attend the event.

The official ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on a special stage at City Hall Plaza. The ceremony will begin with a national flag parade representing 28 countries, followed by the opening declaration and an awards ceremony honoring six individuals who have contributed to foreign resident and multicultural affairs.

Next, a special program will introduce wedding cultures from five countries-Korea, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines-featuring brides and grooms dressed in each country's traditional wedding attire on stage.

The festival will also feature a diverse range of performances, including a pungmul (Korean traditional percussion) troupe, Areumduri Choir, the Eighth United States Army Brass Band, and a dynamic performance by the African dance company TAGG (TAGG).

A total of 38 booths for exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and food will be set up at City Hall Plaza.

The exhibition booths will showcase traditional wedding cultures and attire from five countries, including Korea, China, and Vietnam.

The flag parade at the Global Harmony Festival held at Seongnam City Hall Plaza last May. Provided by Seongnam City

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The hands-on experience booths will offer a variety of programs, such as trying on Korean police uniforms for children, virtual reality (VR) games, calligraphy, measuring family health age, free legal consultations, visa consultations for foreigners, and drip bag coffee making.

At the food booths, visitors can sample dishes from 10 countries, including Chinese Hong Shao Rou (braised pork) rice, Japanese Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), Vietnamese Bun Cha (vermicelli and grilled pork), Cambodian Sach Ko Ang (beef skewers), Filipino Lumpia (spring rolls), Ghanaian meat pies, Indian samosas (fried dumplings), and Nepali Sel Roti (doughnuts).

Currently, Seongnam City is home to about 32,000 foreign residents, including approximately 6,400 marriage immigrants, accounting for 3.5% of the total population.

A Seongnam City official said, "This festival will serve as a venue for multicultural harmony, offering a special experience that feels like traveling the world right here in Seongnam."

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