Korea: Han River Festival set to launch next month, aiming to draw 3 million visitors by year's end
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Participants at a space-out competition at Han River zoning out focus on the competiton in this May 21, 2023 file photo. Newsis |
The 2024 Han River Festival, under the theme "joy beyond imagination," will hit 11 riverside parks across the capital, with rich programs to bring unexpected fun and offer a break from routine, according to the Seoul metropolitan government.
The top 10 most popular programs include a mask parade in which people march down the Jamsu Bridge, a submersible bridge across the Han River, with a naval band and big-sized dolls while wearing a self-made mask, and a space-out competition to select who is the best at spacing out for 90 minutes.
The list also includes a sleeping contest on May 11, which awards the person who most peacefully sleeps for two hours, a songwriting contest for university students slated for May 25, a boat parade on June 2 and a pep rally for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11.
It will also hold a "noise-free DJ party," where participants can enjoy a dance party wearing wireless headphones and a car-free festival at the Jamsu Bridge.
The city aims to attract 3 million visitors during this year's festival, which it estimates will bring in 120.6 billion won ($87.2 million) in economic benefits, along with 964 new jobs, city officials said.