Heojun Festival: Tradition Meets AI in Seoul πΏπ€ What happens when a 400-year-old Korean medical book meets artificial intelligence? π€ππ€ This weekend in Seoul, you can find out for yourself! The 24th Heojun Festival (νμ€μΆμ ) is taking place on October 10–11, 2026, around Seoul Botanic Park, Magok Square, and Magokjungang-ro in Gangseo-gu. πΏπ https://www.fnnews.com/news/202610081425300128 This year’s theme is “Embracing Tradition, Prescribing the Future,” bringing together traditional Korean medicine, modern healthcare technology, culture, performances, and plenty of hands-on activities. At the heart of the festival is Heo Jun (νμ€), one of the most famous physicians of the Joseon Dynasty. He is closely associated with Donguibogam (λμ보κ°), the legendary medical encyclopedia compiled more than 400 years ago. π For the first time, the festival will feature a special Donguibogam Exhibition Zone, where visitors can discover the historical and cultural significance of the book through visual displays. Donguibogam, Traditional Korean Medical Encyclopedia — Heojun Museum / Korea Tourism Organization But this definitely isn’t just a history exhibition! π Visitors can make traditional herbal scent pouches, attend talks about Korean medicine and everyday wellness, and experience traditional medical consultations. Korean medicine doctors will also offer pulse examinations and consultations at the healthcare experience zone. πΏπ©Ί And then things get surprisingly futuristic. You’ll be able to try AI-powered body analysis and skin diagnosis, creating an unusual combination of centuries-old Korean medical traditions and modern technology. π€β¨ Heojun Museum Exhibition — Korea Tourism Organization / Academy of Korean Studies The festival also turns history into entertainment. On October 11, actors dressed as royal physicians from the Joseon era will take part in the Heojun Parade, accompanied by traditional costumes, Korean music, b-boy performances, and interactive games. πΆπ₯ Families have plenty to enjoy too. Around 500 elementary school students are expected to participate in the Heojun Kids Jangwon Competition at Seoul Botanic Park, answering questions about Heo Jun, Donguibogam, and the history of Gangseo-gu. π§π»π¦π»π There will also be a Herbal Stamp Tour, where visitors search for hidden medicinal herbs around the festival grounds and collect stamps. π±π You can even add your creativity to a giant collaborative drawing wall! For early birds, the festival begins on October 10 with the Heojun RUN at 7:20 AM. πβοΈπ Around 4,000 people have signed up this year, with the course running through Seoul Botanic Park, Hangang Park, and, for the first time in Gangseo-gu, sections of city roads. And yes—there’s music too! π€β¨ Heojun Festival (2025) — Gangseo-gu Office / Seoul Culture Portal On the evening of October 10, the Heojun Concert will feature artists including MeloMance, BEN, Ahn Sung Jun, and EPEX. The festival continues the following day with an orchestra performance, local artists, choir performances, theater, and street busking. Across the Magok area, visitors can explore five themed zones dedicated to health and medicine, arts and culture, Heo Jun and Donguibogam, healing experiences, and food. With around 40 different programs over two days, there’s much more here than you might expect from a festival about a historical physician! π π Where: Seoul Botanic Park, Magok Square & Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul π When: October 10–11, 2026 If you’re living in Seoul or visiting Korea this October, the Heojun Festival offers a fun way to discover a side of Korean culture that goes far beyond K-pop and palaces. π°π·πΏ From a 400-year-old medical encyclopedia to AI skin analysis, traditional herbal medicine, parades, concerts, and food, it’s a fascinating mix of Korean history and the future of wellness—all in one weekend. πβ¨ #HeojunFestival #HeoJun #Donguibogam #SeoulFestival #SeoulEvents #SeoulOctober #OctoberInSeoul #SeoulTravel #TravelSeoul #VisitSeoul #KoreaTravel #TravelKorea #VisitKorea #KoreanCulture #KoreanHistory #TraditionalKoreanMedicine #KoreanMedicine #KoreanWellness #SeoulBotanicPark #Magok #GangseoGu #ThingsToDoInSeoul #SeoulWeekend #SeoulLife #LifeInKorea #ExploreSeoul #DiscoverKorea #KoreaEvents #AutumnInSeoul #Stay14
