Seongdong-gu to host King Taejo Yi Seonggye festival with royal procession reenactment

Seongdong-gu in Seoul will host the 2026 King Taejo Yi Seonggye Festival alongside a district singing competition at the Salgoji Sports Park soccer field on Saturday.

The event is designed to honor the historical significance of Salgoji — a site closely tied to Joseon founder King Taejo Yi Seonggye — and to present that history through contemporary performances. This year's edition also incorporates a district-wide singing contest open to residents of all ages, giving the festival a community celebration feel.

The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a reenactment of King Taejo's royal return procession. A troupe of about 30 participants — including a royal wind-and-percussion ensemble, flag bearers and warriors — will recreate the moment the king, persuaded by the Buddhist monk Muhak to leave his self-imposed exile in Hamheung, made his way back to Hanyang and arrived at the Salgoji plains.

An opening video recounting the story of the king's return will follow, leading into a specially commissioned traditional performance titled "Peace Descends on Salgoji." The dramatic stage production aims to make the district's history and culture more accessible and engaging for audiences. A fusion gugak set blending traditional Korean music with a modern sensibility will also be performed to keep the festive energy going.

The evening's momentum will carry into the Seongdong District Singing Competition, where residents who advanced through a preliminary round will take the stage to showcase their vocal talent. Families and neighbors are expected to cheer each other on in what organizers describe as a celebration of community. Performances by popular guest singers will close out the night and add to the autumn-evening atmosphere.

"With the King Taejo Yi Seonggye Festival and the district singing competition taking place together, this will be a special occasion where residents can experience history and culture alongside the passion and talent of their neighbors," Seongdong-gu District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa said. "I hope many residents will join us, cheer each other on, connect and create happy memories together."