The festival takes place Saturday at Red Road R5 and R6, featuring ceremonies, performances and themed exhibition spaces that connect past sacrifice to present gratitude and future remembrance across generations.
Mapo-gu (district mayor Park Kang-su) will hold the "Happy to Be With You — 4th Patriots and Veterans Gratitude Festival" on Saturday at Red Road R5 and R6 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in observance of Patriots and Veterans Month.
Now in its fourth year, the festival brings together veterans and their families alongside local residents to express gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication made for the country, and to share the meaning and values of the patriotic spirit across generations.
This year's festival is themed around a journey through time — from past sacrifice to present gratitude to future remembrance — and features ceremonies, cultural performances, exhibitions and hands-on programs designed to resonate with all ages, from children to seniors.
The opening ceremony begins with a military band parade and concert, followed by a commendation ceremony honoring veterans, an awards presentation for the children's and youth "Love for Our Country" contest, a reading of the top prize-winning entry, and a commemorative performance.
Singers Bae Geum-seong and Bae Jin-a will then take the stage for a celebratory concert, turning the event into a gathering where veterans and residents can share their appreciation and respect.
Three themed zones — "Time of Memory," "Time of Gratitude" and "Time of Hope" — will be set up across the festival grounds.
The "Time of Memory" zone honors those who defended the nation. It features introductions to veterans' organizations and the veterans' hall, along with a promotional booth for "Bohun Bapsang," a state welfare program providing meal support to veterans, giving visitors a comprehensive look at services available to them.
The "Time of Gratitude" zone is dedicated to expressing respect and thanks to those who served. It displays 31 winning entries from the "Patriots and Veterans — Love for Our Country Children's Drawing Contest," a photo exhibition tracing the history of the Taegukgi national flag, and a display of military equipment and uniforms, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the contributions of veterans.
The "Time of Hope" zone connects the next generation with the spirit of patriotism through interactive experiences. Participating organizations — including the Seoul Regional Veterans Affairs Office, a youth cultural center and a Woori Neighborhood Children's Care Center — will run programs such as an AI-powered encounter with independence heroes, Taegukgi tattoos and face painting, making it easy and fun for children and teenagers to engage with veterans' culture.
Traditional games such as cup stacking with the Taegukgi and beanbag toss will be available for veterans and senior visitors, along with a photo booth and food stalls.
A Mapo-gu official said the district hopes the festival will serve as a meaningful occasion to convey gratitude and respect to all those who dedicated themselves to the country.
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