Gangnam: Gangnam-gu is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the 14th annual Gangnam Festival, running Sept 25 to Oct 3 across iconic venues like COEX, Yeongdong-daero, and Maru Park.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year’s expanded K-Culture extravaganza features 10 signature programmes blending music, fashion, cuisine, and sports. Highlights include star-studded K-Pop concerts with acts like god, BTOB, and SF9; a fashion festa showcasing the latest trends; and a Gourmet Tour and K-Culture Zone offering global flavours alongside cultural experiences.

Gangnam-gu Mayor Cho Sung-myung declared: “The Gangnam Festival is Korea’s premier global city festival, sharing the spirit of K-Culture with the world. In celebration of the district’s 50th anniversary, we are presenting a festival that everyone can enjoy, and we will continue to strengthen Gangnam’s position as the heart of Hallyu culture.”

The festival kicks off at COEX East Square on Sept 26 with an Opening Ceremony and Vision Proclamation. Fans can enjoy the Yeongdong-daero K-Pop Concert on the 27th, followed by the HEY Gangnam Family Concert spotlighting 1990s icons on the 28th. Fringe performances like tightrope walking, busking, and dance covers enliven hotspots such as Gangnam Station and Apgujeong Rodeo Street from Sept 25 to 28. Maru Park will host a Music Picnic, while the KBS Open Concert takes place at Jamwon Hangang Park on Oct 2.

The festival culminates with the HEY Gangnam International Peace Marathon, drawing an expected 10,000 participants, and the Bongeunsa Temple Music Concert on Oct 3. To welcome global visitors, exclusive travel packages and special merchandise are available through partnerships with the Korea Tourism Organization and Trip.com, while select events will be live-streamed worldwide on KBS World’s YouTube channel.