Mapo-gu's signature summer event, the "Tong Tong Tong Mul Tong Tong" village water festival, will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Guryong Neighborhood Park (456 World Cup Buk-ro) in Sangam-dong.
Organized by the Sangam-dong Festival Committee, the event — now in its sixth year — is designed to help children beat the summer heat through water play while bringing residents together in a spirit of community and connection.
The festival is divided into four zones — a water play area, a group activity area, a rest area and a village market — offering a wide range of programs for visitors of all ages.
The water play zone will feature a swimming pool, medium and large water slides, pedal boats and a maze-style inflatable bounce structure, giving children a chance to cool off in the heart of the city. Safety personnel will be stationed throughout, and facilities will operate on a 45-minutes-on, 15-minutes-off rotation, with safety the top priority.
The group activity zone will open with a ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by family-friendly programs including a ball-pool basketball game and a ring-toss contest.
Alongside these activities, a bubble show and a variety of performances — including a stage show featuring local children — will add to the festive atmosphere.
The rest zone will debut a new large shaded picnic area this year, giving visitors a comfortable place to escape the heat and relax.
Food booths run by local civic organizations will also be on hand, so attendees can enjoy a meal alongside the water activities.
The festival is a resident-led community event, planned and operated from start to finish by the Sangam-dong Festival Committee together with the residents' autonomy committee and other local civic groups. Organizers hope it will serve as a model for community building — breaking down generational barriers and strengthening neighborly bonds.
In the event of heavy rain or severe weather, the festival will be rescheduled to July 25. For more information, contact the Sangam-dong Community Service Center.
"I hope children will have a wonderful time splashing around, and that residents will use this festival as a chance to connect with their neighbors and share in the warmth of community," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "I look forward to this festival bringing new energy to our local community, with everyone from children to seniors coming together and enjoying it."
Mapo-gu also plans to operate outdoor water play facilities at six locations across the district from July 25 to Aug. 16. Venues will include the Mapo-gu Office plaza, Mapo Art Center and the Hapjeong-dong rest area.
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