4th Korea Children's Expo delights more than 10,000 young visitors

The 4th Korea Children's Expo, co-hosted by the Korea Children and Youth Culture Institute, The Herald Business and The Korea Herald, was held June 20–21 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

The event, which has established itself as the country's largest children's policy and experiential expo, welcomed more than 10,000 children and families from across the country, who took part in a wide range of exhibitions and hands-on programs.

Now in its fourth year, the expo drew participation from more than 40 institutions and companies — including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Interior and Safety, and the Korea Meteorological Administration — which presented children's policy initiatives and future education content.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government drew particular attention with a booth introducing support policies and services covering marriage, pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing, along with information on building healthy family culture. The city also operated hands-on exhibition spaces designed to nurture children's creativity and future competencies, generating strong interest among visitors.

"I came last year and again this year, and it was really useful to be able to access policies and information from so many different agencies all in one place," said one elementary school parent who visited the Seoul booth. "My child had a great time trying out the various programs — it was a meaningful experience for both of us."

Hands-on education content prepared by public institutions — including the Korea Meteorological Administration, the Korean National Police Agency, the Korea Racing Authority, the Korea Arboretum and Garden Management Institute, and the Seoul Water Regeneration Facilities Corporation — also drew a strong response. Children spent time throughout the venue enjoying programs that made it easy and fun to learn about weather, the environment, safety and ecology.

The 2nd Seoul Children's Musical Festa ran for two days on the main stage, captivating audiences throughout the expo. Young performers showcased their singing, dancing and acting, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

"Standing on such a big stage in front of so many people felt like a dream," said one child from the Chorokkkum troupe who performed Sunday. "I was so happy to show everyone what I had worked so hard to practice, and I feel proud that it was a wonderful gift for my parents too."

The 1st Seoul-Beijing-Tokyo Children's Choir Festival, held afterward, also moved audiences. Children from South Korea, China and Japan took part, with ensembles including the Areumdri Multicultural Choir, the Plends Choir and the Brillante Children's Choir performing in harmony.

Dressed in their countries' traditional attire, the children shared their cultures through music and forged new friendships. The joint finale by children from all three nations left the audience — parents and children alike — visibly moved.

Kang Seok-ju, chair of the first-half Health and Welfare Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, has served as the expo's president for three consecutive years including this year. "It is vital to build a society where children — the next generation — can learn without discrimination, live safely and pursue their dreams freely," he said. "I will continue to actively support the Korea Children's Expo so that it can grow into a flagship event that spreads social attention and support for children."

The 4th Korea Children's Expo concluded as a safe festival that brought together children's policy promotion, hands-on education and cultural performances, delivering dreams and hope to the next generation.