Jeong-dong Glows With Light and Melody: Jung-gu's 'Jeong-dong Yahaeng' Opens on the 30th

A night festival with light at its center

Jeongdong Yahaeng is a night festival in Jung-gu, Seoul, where old history and culture sites are close together. It opens on the 30th and runs for two days, on the 30th and 31st, around Deoksugung Palace and the Jeongdong area. This year's theme is light. Thirty-four history and culture sites will be lit up so people can enjoy them at night.

Key facts

• 34 history and culture sites take part, including museums, galleries, and religious buildings.
• The festival runs for 2 days, on the 30th and 31st.
• It moved from spring last year to autumn this year.
• Lights will be added at 19 places, including history sites and streets.
• About 20 restaurants in the area will offer discounts during the festival.

Why the district wants this

Jeongdong has old stone buildings and palace walls, but its street lights are the main light there at night. The district wants people to see the beauty of the buildings after dark too. Jung-gu's chief hopes Jeongdong can become a hub like Myeongdong, so visitors also travel to nearby areas such as Bukchang-dong and Namdaemun.

Why it matters

The festival lets visitors see places that are often closed at night. It also shows how old buildings can draw tourists after dark. If the lights and night tours work, Jeongdong could become a year-round night tourist spot.

What to watch

• The opening show on the 30th at Deoksugung's Junghwajeon Hall, with a pop-opera group, a conductor, and a Korean traditional music show.
• The lighting of 19 places, which the district plans to keep as a regular night attraction.
• Whether the festival moves visitors to nearby areas such as Myeongdong, Bukchang-dong, and Namdaemun.