16 dong community centers hosting performances at apartments, parks and other neighborhood spots through November; series kicked off Sept. 9 in Seogang-dong
Mapo-gu will host a traveling concert series at apartment complexes, parks and other neighborhood venues from September through November.
The series was designed to bring live music within easy reach of residents who find it difficult to visit dedicated performance venues amid busy daily schedules.
All 16 dong community centers in Mapo-gu are organizing and hosting the events, selecting accessible locations for performances. Each concert will be accompanied by a range of side events for the whole family, with three to four performances scheduled per dong through November.
The series opened Sept. 9 at the plaza of Seogang Haemoro Apartments in Seogang-dong.
Fingerstyle guitarist Kim Na-rin opened the show, followed by mixed pop-opera duo Benny & E, who drew warm applause from the crowd with familiar tunes including Disney soundtrack numbers. During the encore, residents waved their phone flashlights to light up the stage.
After the musical performances, juggling artist Won Tae-yun of Magic Juggling captivated the audience with a dazzling show that drew in everyone from young children to elderly residents.
A second concert was held Friday at Mapo I'Park Fore Apartments in Sinsu-dong. A cello and violin duet was followed by the Nanuri Choir — Sinsu-dong's representative chorus made up of residents aged 65 and older — who took the stage and delivered beautiful harmonies.
Between performances, a segment called "A Piece of the Heart" featured brief personal stories shared by apartment residents, giving neighbors a moment to connect and celebrate everyday life together.
In Mangwon 2-dong, Wednesday's concert at Mangwon 2nd Daelim Apartments opened with a magic show, then featured a performance by vibraphonist Yun Hyeon-sang and a set by jazz and pop duo Kim Deok-hwa Duo.
The series continues Thursday in Yonggang-dong, followed by Sangam-dong on Friday, Seogyeo-dong on Monday, and Dohwa-dong, Mangwon 1-dong, Yeonnam-dong and Seongsan 2-dong on Sept. 30. In October, the concerts will spread to Gongdeok-dong, Ahyeon-dong, Daeheung-dong, Yeomni-dong, Hapjeong-dong, Seongsan 1-dong and other neighborhoods across Mapo-gu.
"We prepared these concerts so residents can enjoy culture in their everyday lives, not just on special occasions," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "We hope this becomes a time to enjoy good music alongside the feel of autumn."
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