A photo zone featuring Seoul's mascot Hechi and Soul Friends at Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul during Seoul Friendship Festival, May 24, 2024. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host the Seoul Friendship Festival 2025 in May, providing attendees an opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures from across the globe.

Under the theme "the world and Seoul come together through culture," the festival will feature a variety of cultural programs, including a traditional costume parade, performances, embassy showcases and a world photo exhibition. The two-day event will run from May 24 to 25 at Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggye Plaza.

Seoul Friendship Festival 2025 poster / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

First held in 1996 to mark Seoul Citizens' Day, the event has grown into one of the city's signature global events, offering residents a chance to experience cultures from around the world while providing international visitors with a taste of Korean culture.

The Seoul Friendship Festival will kick off with an opening ceremony at noon on May 24 at Gwanghwamun Square, featuring a parade with representatives from foreign embassies in Korea, international residents and performances.

During the event, traditional performances from 12 of Seoul's friendship cities will happen on a special stage, alongside a commendation ceremony recognizing the contributions of people in the multiculturalism field.

In the embassy zone at Gwanghwamun Square, visitors can explore cultural exhibitions, try on traditional costumes from various cultures and purchase souvenirs and specialty items at affordable prices.

Global food and dessert zones will be set up along Cheonggye Stream, serving dishes such as Hungarian lángos, Brazilian açaí bowls and Colombian cheese arepas, along with other international specialties.

This year will also feature embassy and cultural center cooking classes, where visitors can learn how to prepare world-famous dishes and desserts.

The event will also include a range of attractions for residents and tourists, including a world photo exhibition, a photo zone featuring Seoul's mascot and a K-food zone.

"It will be an opportunity for citizens and visitors to experience the global charm of Seoul," said Lee Hae-sun, director-general of the Global City Policy Bureau at the city government. "We will work closely with embassies in Korea and our partner cities abroad to establish this as a signature event for Seoul as a global city."

More details about the event can be found on the festival's official Instagram page.