Two-day event Saturday and Sunday at Seonyudo Park and the 'Walking Street' near Seonyudo Station features performances by John Park and Kim Sawol, yoga, a flea market and more
Seonyudo will transform into a hub of culture and art this weekend as Yeongdeungpo-gu hosts a pair of autumn festivals.
The district will hold the Yeongdeungpo Seonyudowon Festival and "Siworuiseonyu" (October at Seonyudo) at Seonyudo Park and the "Walking Street" near Seonyudo Station on Saturday and Sunday.
Now in its third year, the Yeongdeungpo Seonyudowon Festival will showcase performances and programs set against the park's natural scenery — befitting the island's name, which evokes a place where immortals once roamed — and promises visitors a memorable autumn outing.
The opening performance takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the main stage at Seonyudo Park's lawn, featuring singer John Park, the youth orchestra Kkumui Orchestra Yeongdeungpo and the five-piece jazz band Tune Around. On Sunday, the lineup shifts to a folk concert by indie acts Sanmanhan Siseon and Kim Sawol, a classical performance by the YDPCF Ensemble and jazz by the Golden Swing Band. Jazz, traditional Korean music, circus acts and tightrope walking will round out the entertainment across both days.
A range of hands-on activities will give visitors lasting memories: calligraphy and inspirational writing, painting on circular fans, postcard making, free commemorative photo shoots, a flea market with 120 participating vendors, a guided birdwatching and nature walk called "Seonyudo Bird Stroll" led by expert birders, and a yoga session for families and couples.
The streets leading to Seonyudo Park will also become part of the festivities. Now in its 10th year, the "Siworuiseonyu" street festival will run along the 300-meter "Walking Street" stretch from exits 2 and 3 of Seonyudo Station to the rear gate of Dangsan Elementary School. To ensure safety, that section will be closed to traffic from 5 a.m. Saturday through 9 p.m. Sunday.
The festival is shaped by active participation from local residents, artists, schools and small-business owners. Programming includes a street performance stage — "Siworuimuidae" — featuring busking, orchestra and jazz-pop acts; bracelet and smart-tok making; a children's center bazaar from Yangpyeong 2-dong; a snack-sharing bazaar sponsored by Lotte Wellfood; a kids' cafe; and pet caricature drawing. Food stalls will offer craft beer, walnut cakes, chicken skewers, Korean street snacks, tornado potatoes, kimchi pancakes, spicy fried chicken and vegan options.
Around the alley shopping district near exit 6 of Seonyudo Station, the 11th Nopo Festival — a celebration of long-standing neighborhood shops — will run for two days starting Friday. The Seonyudo Station alley shopping district, designated as Yeongdeungpo-gu's first alley-type commercial zone, is lined with establishments that have served the community for decades.
During the festival, signature menu items from participating shops will be available at discounted prices, and loyalty events will be held for customers who visit member stores.
"Seonyudo and its surroundings will come alive this weekend with sights, activities and food," a Yeongdeungpo-gu official said. "We hope many people will come out and enjoy the autumn in Yeongdeungpo."
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