A musical gala steeped in the historical legacy of Dumopo comes to Oksu Nadeulmok Han River Park on Saturday, featuring top musical actors Lee Ji-hoon and Shin Young-sook. A new kiosk seat-reservation system eliminates long waits, while a picnic zone with blanket seating adds a relaxed, open-air feel.
Seongdong-gu in Seoul will host the "2026 Dumopo Musical Festival," the district's signature summer cultural event, at Oksu Nadeulmok Han River Park on Saturday.
Now in its seventh year, the Dumopo Musical Festival reinterprets through the musical genre the spirit of solidarity and resolve associated with Dumopo — the historic site along the Han River in present-day Oksu-dong where troops were dispatched for the expedition to Tsushima Island in the first year of King Sejong's reign, more than 600 years ago. This year, the district has incorporated extensive public feedback to present a smarter, more relaxed festival experience.
The most notable change this year is a "smart operating system" designed to put resident satisfaction first. To eliminate the long waits that can plague large outdoor festivals, the district has introduced a new kiosk-based advance seat reservation system. On the day of the festival, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can reserve seats through five on-site kiosks and enjoy the event at a more comfortable, unhurried pace.
The festival grounds have also been redesigned with atmosphere in mind. A new open-air picnic zone has been set up for families with young children and younger visitors who want to spread out a blanket and take in the performances outside the main seating area. The zone adds a relaxed, free-spirited space that enhances the summer feel of Han River Park.
The main program begins at 7 p.m. with a community unity performance. District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa will take the stage alongside four residents representing different generations of Seongdong-gu in a "generational harmony performance" meant to carry the spirit of solidarity embodied by the Dumopo expedition forward into the future.
The centerpiece of the evening is a musical gala show featuring two of South Korea's leading musical actors, Lee Ji-hoon and Shin Young-sook. Set against the Han River's nighttime skyline, the performance pairs a full orchestra with the actors' vocal power, bringing the scale and emotion of a major musical theater production to an open-air riverside stage.
Starting at 2:30 p.m., ahead of the main performance, a range of side events will be on offer — five hands-on activity booths including a historically themed "cheongsa chorong" (traditional lantern) making workshop, an art market showcasing design goods and handcrafted lifestyle items from local small businesses, and food trucks serving a variety of street food.
The festival will also be run as an eco-friendly ESG event. An "Arisu Wow Car" — a mobile eco-station — will be stationed at the venue, offering free beverages including coffee to visitors who bring their own tumblers.
"This year, with the new smart reservation system and the picnic zone, visitors will be able to enjoy the festival in greater comfort and ease," District Mayor Yoo said. "I hope everyone will come and create special summer night memories while taking in performances that blend Seongdong-gu's unique history and culture against the beautiful backdrop of the Han River."
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