Discover the Magic: Highlights from the 14th Gangseo Children’s Fairy Tale Festival

[Herald Economy=Senior Reporter Park Jong-il] On April 25, Gangseo District Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon visited Banghwa Neighborhood Park to attend the 14th Gangseo Children’s Fairy Tale Festival, spending the day with local children.

Mayor Jin joined a street parade that opened the festival. The procession stretched roughly 1 kilometer from Seoul Digital Content High School to Banghwa Neighborhood Park. Some 1,200 participants marched along the route dressed as storybook characters such as Alice in Wonderland and the Ugly Duckling.

Later, Jin and three child representatives took the main stage for an opening performance called “Opening the Door to the World of Fairy Tales.” He mingled comfortably with the children—rising and hopping to the music—and shared in their excitement.

Banghwa Neighborhood Park was busy all day with families arriving in steady groups. Blankets dotted the lawns as children ate boxed lunches and parents snapped photos of kids in fairy-tale costumes.

Kim Yo-hwan, a Banghwa-dong resident who attended with his daughter, said, “I’ve been coming to the fairy-tale festival for four years because I want to make special memories with my child.” His daughter, Hanna Kim, a third-grader at Songhwa Elementary School, said excitedly, “I couldn’t sleep last night. This year I’m dressed as Judy, the police officer from the animated film Zootopia.”

The event featured a variety of hands-on activities, games and performances. Organizers also showcased AI-powered experiences, including an AI Fairy-Tale Transformation Photo Zone and an AI robot–assisted story maze.

“I hope families who come with their children enjoy a joyful, happy time,” Mayor Jin said. “We will continue to develop this festival for the children.”