By Anna Kim

The 2023 Hangang River Festival Summer runs from Aug. 4-20 by the river and at eight surrounding parks, the Hangang Project Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Aug. 1

The festival, held four times a year every season, features programs featuring appeal and enjoyment that can only be experienced by the river, the headquarters said.

The theme of the summer edition is "Wise summer vacation at the Hangang River" with 24 events including those of culture and performing arts, sports and interactive programs, and leisure and relaxation. 

The city government aims to offer "a cost-effective summer resort" since the nation could not enjoy summer over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifteen of the 24 events are free and the remaining nine require fees with rates lower than market levels. The Hangang Summer Music Picnic Program opened the festival on Aug. 4 at Yeouido Hangang River Park. Visitors attended performances by the river on a summer night by jazz musician WoongSan, jazz pianist and singer Maria Kim, and saxophonist Lee Jeong-sik.

The inaugural "Moonlight Fantastage," a show comprising a b-boy performance and fire show, will run from Aug. 11-12 at Banpo Hangang River Park and Some Sevit, a culture complex on three artificial islands. 

Visitors on Aug. 5 and 12 can use wireless headphones at the Yeouido park and lower areas of the Mapodaegyo Bridge to attend a noiseless DJ party in the city by listening and dancing to music spun by a DJ. 

Outdoor movie theaters from Aug. 19-20 at the Yeouido and Mangwon river parks will screen films like "Minari," "A Dog's Journey," "Little Forest" and "La La Land" with the river's cool breeze blowing.