Seoul Street Art Festival

File:Korea-Hi Seoul Festival-2006-01.jpg

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The Seoul Street Arts Festival is an annual festival held across Seoul, South Korea, and organized by the Seoul Foundation for Arts & Culture.{{Cite web |title=SFAC – Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture |url=https://www.sfac.or.kr/english/engMain.do |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=www.sfac.or.kr}} It is the country’s largest street art festival, with performances from local and international artists. While the festival is free, some performances now require advanced reservation as they have limited seating. There is an official program of select artists, but there are also many off program performances to enjoy as well.

The festival began in 2003 as the Hi! Seoul Festival showcasing a wide array of cultural and art performances. By 2013, the focus was narrowed to street art performances. The name was changed to the Seoul Street Arts Festival in 2016 to reflect this focus. As it has grown, the festival has become the center for contemporary street arts in Asia, giving acts chances for global recognition.{{Cite web |title=Koreanisches Kulturzentrum |url=https://germany.korean-culture.org/de/1515/board/1182/read/129745 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Koreanisches Kulturzentrum |language=de}} The event includes interactive activities to encourage public involvement, rounding out the captivating cultural experience.

The festival takes place across central Seoul at iconic locations such as:

• Seoul Plaza
• Nodeul Island
• Cheonggye Plaza{{Cite web |title=Cheonggye Plaza |url=https://www.theseoulguide.com/cheonggye-plaza/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=The Seoul Guide |language=en-US}}
• Gwanghwamun Square
• Deoksugung Doldam-gil{{Cite web |title=Deoksugung Doldam-gil (Deoksugung Stone-wall Road) |url=https://www.koreatodo.com/deoksugung-stone-wall-road |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=koreatodo |language=en}}
• Seoul Museum of Art
• Seoul City Hall

In 2024, the festival took place over the Chuseok holiday, with many displays showing tribute to the Year of the Rabbit. There were 77 Official Program performances and with over 300 artists representing eight countries.{{Cite web |last=Dayeon |first=Lee |date=2024-09-15 |title=2024 Seoul Street Arts Festival for three days from 16 September (2024 서울거리예술축제 16일부터 사흘간) |url=http://www.thepreview.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=9790 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=THE PREVIEW (더 프리뷰) |language=ko}}

The Seoul Street Arts Festival has gained widespread recognition for its contribution to the arts and cultural landscape of South Korea. By fostering artistic exchange and promoting street performances, it has become a significant platform for both local and international artists. Through its continued efforts, the festival supports the growth and appreciation of street arts while enhancing Seoul’s cultural vibrancy.{{Cite web |last=Dong-hee |first=Hwang |date=2024-09-11 |title=Spectacle of street, aerial wonders awaits at Seoul Street Arts Festival |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3473198 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}