A slew of festivals and cultural arts programs this month will be held at major landmarks in the capital like Seoul Plaza, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, parks around the Hangang River and Boramae Park, offering activities like strolls alongside spring flowers and events for global cultural exchange. Shown is a scene from last year's Hangang Drone Light Show at Ttukseom Hangang River Park.

By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on May 9 announced a slew of festivals and cultural arts programs to be held this month at major locations including Seoul Plaza, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), parks around the Hangang River and Boramae Park. The activities offered include strolls alongside spring flowers and events for global cultural exchange.

First, outdoor concerts and cultural events at Seoul Plaza will allow visitors to participate as the main agents. This venue will host performances including musicals every Wednesday and Sunday over the period.

Among the international festivals scheduled, Seoul Drum Festival from May 10-11 will showcase world-class drummers on Nodeulseom Island. The Seoul Friendship Festival from May 24-25 will serve as a global exchange of urban culture at DDP.

Display events will transform downtown Seoul into a massive exhibition hall. The Seoul Sculpture Festival will be held from May 23 to Aug. 12 at Baekje Culture Park in the Pungnap-dong neighborhood of Songpa-gu District.

The Seoul International Garden Show from May 22 to Oct. 20 at Boramae Park will showcase garden arts and landscaping culture in Dongjak-gu District.

The Seoul International Garden Show is slated from May 22 to Oct. 20 at Boramae Park in Seoul's Dongjak-gu District. Shown is the plan for the sculpture park of this year's event.

A continuing cultural program will further enhance the mood of spring. The Seoul Outdoor Library will kick off on May 9 along Cheonggyecheon Stream and on May 16 at Gwanghwamun Square.

A permanent event for traditional martial arts from May 9 will be held Fridays through Sundays including archery programs, ceremonies for guard patrols of royal palaces and traditional martial art demonstrations at the site of Uijeongbu, the highest administrative body of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), in front of Gwanghwamun.

The annual Hangang Light Drone Show on May 11 and 25 will use 1,200 drones to create a spectacular nightscape over the river for the public.

The My Pace Hangang Triathlon Festival from May 30 to June 1 will allow people to enjoy leisure their own ways through swimming, bicycling and running.

On Friday evenings, the DDP Spring Festival will showcase a design theme park and a "culture night" program at eight museums and art galleries will attract cultural aficionados.

More information on events is available on the city's official website (seoul.go.kr) and Seoul Culture Portal (culture.seoul.go.kr).Reservations needed for select programs can be made on the website of the city's Reservation for Public Service (yeyak.seoul.go.kr)

margareth@korea.kr