Gwanak-gu Rings In Fall With Youth Festival, Robot Contest and Dog Swimming Meet

Autumn — the season of crisp skies and cool breezes — has arrived.

Gwanak-gu marked the season Saturday with a series of festivals for youth, teenagers and pet owners held at venues across the district.

The centerpiece was the 8th Gwanak Youth Festival, "Gwanak Signal: G-BEYOND," held at the Gwanak District Office plaza. The event was packed with programs for local young adults and the next generation of leaders in Gwanak S-Valley, befitting the district's identity as South Korea's "Youth Capital."

Running under the slogan "A signal from Gwanak, reaching beyond," the festival was planned and driven by young residents themselves. This year's edition opened with a newly introduced "Morning Rave" — a group run designed not for competition but for connection, giving participants a chance to share energy and mingle freely.

A program called "Youth Life Handbook" drew strong interest by gathering practical information young people need in everyday life, organized around three tracks: finance, health and employment.

Outdoor busking performances by young artists also gave weary residents a chance to unwind.

Separately, the district held the 2026 Gwanak S-Valley Robo:ON Youth Robot Competition in the eighth-floor auditorium of the district office, open to elementary, middle and high school students.

About 30 students who had excelled in the 2026 Gwanak S-Valley Robo:ON Youth Future Technology Education Program took part. Lower-grade elementary students completed a "mission challenge" format, while upper-grade elementary, middle and high school students presented projects — building not only creative thinking and problem-solving skills but also communication abilities.

The district also operated the Gwanak-gu Nakseongdae Dog Water Park in response to growing demand for leisure activities shared between people and their pets. The Nakseongdae Dog Swimming Meet, held Saturday, proved a highlight, giving dogs and their owners a memorable experience to enjoy together.

Elsewhere in the district, the alley shopping districts of Nangok Sinsa Food Street and Naknakbyeol Street each hosted their own themed festivals simultaneously — featuring cashback events, camping activities and more — injecting energy into local small businesses and creating a space where residents and merchants could come together.

"Going beyond simply watching and enjoying, seeing young people think for themselves and take on challenges is exactly what 'Gwanak, South Korea's Youth City' looks like," Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee said. "We will continue to spare no effort in providing diverse policies and support for youth and the next generation of talent." He added that more family-friendly events — including a local event on Sharosugil — are planned for Sept. 12 and encouraged residents to come out and enjoy the day.