A reimagined take on the 20-year Necktie Marathon tradition, the new cultural festival drew about 7,200 participants
Highlights included a 2-kilometer G-Valley trail walk, a craft beer festival and live performances
Guro-gu announced that the inaugural "Guro G-Valley After-Work Festival," held Thursday in the plazas in front of G-Tower and Daeryung Post Tower 8, concluded successfully.
The event was designed as a new cultural festival that carries on the 20-year tradition of the Necktie Marathon while combining walking, performances, food and hands-on activities. About 7,200 office workers, business people and local residents from the G-Valley area took part.
A roughly 2-kilometer walk along the G-Valley trail got underway at 3 p.m., with pre-show performances by singer Maronier and a busking act adding to the festive atmosphere. From 5 p.m., the program shifted into high gear with craft beer and food stalls, a noraebang event featuring 95 Noraebang, a DJ show, a celebratory performance by singer Gyeongseo and a prize giveaway.
Alongside the main program, a flea market and experience booths offering tarot readings, caricature portraits and personal color consultations drew strong interest from attendees. Discount coupons for nearby shops were also distributed, encouraging participants to visit local businesses — a move that was well received by area merchants.
Guro-gu District Mayor Jang In-hong said he was pleased to present a new festival that honors the spirit of the Necktie Marathon by bringing together walking, music and culture. "I hope this event adds vitality to G-Valley and helps revitalize the local business community," he said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
