'Senior Hanmadang' festival to draw 1,500 elderly residents to Seoul Nori Madang on Oct. 2; 30 honorees to receive commendations alongside performances and health activities
Songpa-gu in Seoul will hold the "30th National Seniors' Day Songpa-gu Senior Hanmadang" at Seoul Nori Madang on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 2 is National Seniors' Day, a statutory commemoration designated to raise public awareness and respect for the elderly. Songpa-gu is home to approximately 120,000 residents aged 65 or older — the largest such population among Seoul's 25 autonomous districts. The district organized the event to express gratitude to seniors who have contributed to the community and to encourage a healthy, vibrant retirement.
About 1,500 people are expected to attend, including senior center presidents and elderly residents from across the district. The event will be divided into two parts: a commemorative ceremony and a celebratory performance.
The first part opens with pre-ceremony performances by the Hongik Taekwondo demonstration team — made up of elementary and middle school students from Macheon 2-dong — and "Pungnu, Project Nan," a three-member women's fusion traditional music group. The ceremony will then present commendations to 30 recipients, including exemplary seniors, individuals who have contributed to senior welfare, and organizations dedicated to elderly care, followed by commemorative and congratulatory remarks.
The second part features trot singers Kim Jung-yeon and Kim Seon-jun, pop opera singer and musical actor Kim Ye-eun, and trot singer Choi Ju-hee, who will take the stage for a lively performance.
Throughout the venue, a range of side events will offer seniors entertainment and useful information. These include an exhibition of 21 artworks created by elderly residents, health experience booths covering dementia prevention, blood sugar monitoring, walking health and traditional Korean medicine consultations, promotional booths for local senior welfare organizations, and an emergency medical booth.
New this year, the district has set up a photo zone where seniors can create lasting memories at the event.
The event is hosted by the Songpa-gu chapter of the Korea Senior Citizens Association and co-organized by the Munjeong and Songpa Senior Welfare Centers, Songpa Senior Club, and Songpa Silbeot Ddeurak, with Songpa-gu serving as a sponsor.
The district also runs a "Senior Center Dining Day" program, providing elderly residents at local senior centers with a monthly dining allowance of 10,000 won ($7) per person to use at nearby restaurants. The first payments are scheduled for October.
"I am deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of the seniors who helped build today's Songpa," District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will continue to roll out senior welfare policies that make a real difference in daily life, so that all 120,000 seniors in our district can enjoy a healthy and vibrant retirement."
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