Han River family festival to feature films, jazz, 7,500 books

The Seoul government announced the launch of the 2026 Hangang Family Festival along the iconic Han River, set to take place from October 1st through the 18th. This annual event will be held at Gwangnaru and Jamwon Han River parks, two of the most popular riverside parks in the city. Gwangnaru Park will be the primary location for the festival, with performances and activities taking place every Saturday and Sunday.

The festival's theme, Hangang Moeumjip, is a clever play on words, combining the Korean term for "anthology" with "home." This theme aims to bring together the diverse interests of families in a single venue. The festival will feature a wealth of activities, including reading areas along the water's edge offering approximately 7,500 books. A total of 6,000 books will be available at Gwangnaru Park, while Jamwon Park will host 1,500 titles, covering a wide range of genres from picture books to essays and travel narratives.

In addition to literature, the festival will showcase local artists, teenagers, and residents through a performance program on October 9th. Visitors to Jamwon Park can easily access the location via the Hangang Bus stop at Apgujeong, as well as the city's river ferry service. The festival is designed to cater to the varied interests of family members, providing a range of reading areas with comfortable seating options, including beanbags, mats, and shaded spots.