Dongdaemun Festival

Under the theme 'A New Sprint of Culture,' a 700-meter stretch of Janghan-ro transforms into a car-free culture and arts street for one day. With vehicle access closed off, performances, hands-on experiences, and citizen-participation programs run at spots all along the street, reinterpreting the road itself as a single festival space. Building on Janghan-ro's history, from Janghanpyeong where Joseon dynasty army horses once galloped to its days at the center of the modern and contemporary automobile industry, the festival stages a new sprint that travels from 'horse' through 'car' to 'culture.' This year in particular, it goes beyond watching performances, strengthening participatory programs that make citizens the leading figures of the festival themselves. Through distinctive offerings such as a roller rink shaped by Janghan-ro's unique layout and a 'my car becomes a shop' day that puts residents' own vehicles to use, the entire road is composed as one vast festival ground.