Seoul's Yangnyeongsi hosts 32nd World Korean Medicine Culture Festival with free clinics, bibimbap sharing

Dongdaemun-gu said the 32nd Seoul Yangnyeongsi Bojewon World Korean Medicine Culture Festival was held Friday along Yangnyeong Jungang-ro and at the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center.

The festival was organized to carry on the spirit of sharing embodied by Bojewon, a Joseon-era welfare institution that cared for the underprivileged, and to promote traditional Korean medicine and herbal culture. The Seoul Yangnyeongsi Association organized and hosted the event, with support from Dongdaemun-gu and sponsorship from KB Kookmin Bank.

The day began at 9 a.m. with a traditional Bojewon memorial ceremony in the courtyard of the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center, where attendees reflected on the institution's historical significance through a formal rite.

At 11 a.m., a large-bowl herbal mountain-vegetable bibimbap mixing performance and sharing event took place at the same venue. Dongdaemun-gu District Mayor Choi Dong-min joined attendees in preparing the bibimbap, which was then shared with visitors in the spirit of Bojewon's tradition of giving.

An opening ceremony on the main stage on Yangnyeong Jungang-ro followed at 2 p.m., with cultural performances and prize draws for visitors. Attendees watched stage acts and took part in Korean herbal medicine experience programs set up throughout the street.

Free traditional Korean medicine consultations and herbal prescriptions were also available for pre-registered visitors. The event combined hands-on access to traditional herbal medicine with cultural experiences and food sharing, allowing residents and tourists to explore the history and character of Seoul Yangnyeongsi.

"It is gratifying to see so many residents and tourists visiting Seoul Yangnyeongsi to experience Korean herbal culture and enjoy the festival," District Mayor Choi said. "We will work to develop Seoul Yangnyeongsi further as the leading center of Korean medicine culture in the country."