The sunshine was out again on Monday and everyone was ready for a day of fun at Hi Seoul Festival to celebrate Children’s Day. Both City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream were equipped to satisfy the masses with a variety of exhibits, including some special activities just for Children’s Day, but the fun will continue at both locations throughout the week until 11 May.
At City Hall’s Seoul Plaza, the grassy area provided a great spot for friends and families to picnic and enjoy the long weekend together. Kids were enjoying the sunny afternoon by jumping on trampolines, practicing their tight-rope walking skills, or trying their hands at top-spinning. Stilt-walking clowns entertained the crowds with great juggling routines and funny dances in their big shoes. They also made balloon animals, much to the delight of the kids who swarmed around to watch the creation in action.
With tents set up for various craft activities, the City Hall exhibit is appropriately titled ‘Imagination Factory’. Crowds of kids were enthusiastically painting traditional face masks in bright greens, blues, reds, and yellows—and then later wearing the masks to show their handiwork to their parents. Children were also letting their inner princes and princesses come out with the creation of royal crowns. And volunteers were busy painting fun designs onto children’s cheeks for an extra splash of color. All day long, the Imagination Factory at City Hall was at top gear, helping children to realize their imaginative designs with creative craft projects.
A short walk away, Cheonggyecheon Stream proved to be another popular venue for families on Children’s Day. The stream always provides a burst of fresh air and a pop of color to the central city, with permanent displays of art all along the walkway. But just for Hi Seoul Festival, even more exhibitions are on display here, like large vibrant lanterns that have been placed at the beginning of the stream near Cheonggye Plaza.
Here, families, couples, and friends were picnicking beside the stream, enjoying the natural retreat in the heart of the city. Also at Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul citizens were showcasing their musical talent on a big stage and performing for a large crowd throughout the day. Along the stream, artists were available to sketch portraits for visitors.
To help everyone cool off in the hot midday sun, Hi Seoul Festival organized a large water gun fight at Cheonggye Plaza in what became a wet and wild—and amazingly fun—afternoon. Volunteers handed out dozens of water guns to children, who filled them with water and let loose, spraying everyone lucky enough to be in the plaza. Laughter and playful screams filled the air. Adults and children alike were having a great time splashing and spraying around the plaza. After the giant water gun fight was over, there were more ways to cool off: kids got their feet wet in the cold stream water and dropped water balloons on their squealing parents.
Children’s Day in Seoul was full of excitement for visitors to Seoul Plaza at City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream. With imaginative crafts, impressive performances, and a delightful water gun fight, families and friends spent the day together, celebrating a wonderful, warm spring day.
FURTHER INFORMATION
All of these events will continue until the end of the Hi Seoul Festival on 11 May. To get to either City Hall or Cheonggyecheon Stream, leave exit 5 at City Hall Station (line 1). Additionally, Seoul Plaza at City Hall is the location of other Hi Seoul Festival events. ‘Eight Color Ball’ will take place every evening from with various song and dance performances. After dark, the plaza becomes a vibrant digital palace with amazing light displays in an exhibition called ‘May Palace’. On Parents’ Day (8 May), a special 60-couple wedding ceremony and a children’s talent show will take place at the plaza. To celebrate the Seoul Friendship Fair on 10 May, international events, such as a foreigner painting exhibit and multi-cultural dance performances, will take place at Seoul Plaza.
