From May 5 – 10 Yeoido Han River Park, Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and the world-famous Cheonggye Stream were again transformed into exciting venues for the Hi Seoul Festival. The six day celebration, organized by the city of Seoul and the Seoul Culture Foundation, successfully ran from May 5-10, under the slogan ‘The Gestures of Spring (Calling for Spring)’ to highlight the mild May weather and the festival’s recurring theme of nonverbal performances.
The ‘Big Top Village’ at Yeoido Han River Park was the location for the bulk of over 300 free performances, and featured a 1,100 seat outdoor theater and several other smaller theaters. Korean cultural experience programs, flea markets, and theaters all lined the wide Han River, which cuts through the center of Seoul and is lined with several performance halls and meetings spaces such as the Floating Stage, Fradia, and the upcoming Floating Islands facility.
Seoul’s downtown streets were also alive with energy. Businessmen and leisurely pedestrians alike enjoyed impromptu performances, street art, parades, and international performance teams all throughout the days of the festival.
Seoulites regularly enjoy events near City Hall, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggye Stream Plaza, as 600 annual festivals take place in the city throughout the year. Hi Seoul is by far the biggest in terms of scale and participation, and since it began in 2003, it has welcomed over 24 million residents and foreign visitors. |