SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Korea Bizwire) —Jongno-gu hosted its third annual “Come and Play, Daehak-ro Car-Free Street” event on Saturday, offering residents and visitors a vibrant escape from the city’s routine hustle.
The one-day festival, held on the last day of August, turned the iconic Daehak-ro street into a lively cultural hub filled with music, theater, and water-themed activities.
“This event is all about taking a break from everyday life and enjoying a festival that captures the essence of summer,” said officials from Jongno-gu, the event’s organizers.
One of the main attractions was the Daehakro Water Park, set up in front of Exit 1 of Hyehwa Station. From 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., attendees cooled off with a giant water slide, joined a spirited water gun fight, and enjoyed a street theater performance by Piltong Theater Company titled “Water Fight: Too Old War,” blending playful energy with street artistry.
As the afternoon heat intensified, a rock concert provided the perfect antidote. The “Heehee Nakrak Concert,” the day’s centerpiece, kicked off at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage, drawing a crowd eager to see a mix of legendary and contemporary musicians.
Headliners included Kim Jong-seo, a pioneering figure in Korean heavy metal, the post-rock band Jambinai, known for their innovative fusion of traditional Korean music with modern sounds, and Blue Paprika, whose heartfelt lyrics and warm melodies resonated with the audience.
With its mix of water games, live performances, and open-air festivities, the event was a refreshing celebration that captured the spirit of summer in Seoul, drawing thousands to one of the city’s most beloved cultural streets.
Image credit: Yonhap, Jongro-gu office / photonews@koreabizwire.com