Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop, second from right, announces raffle winners during the St. Patrick's Day festival at D-Cube City Plaza outside Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul, March 15, 2025. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
It's that time of year again — the ice melts, the sun sets later and the greens come out. It's time once again for St. Patrick's Day, including the big annual festival at D-Cube City Plaza in southwestern Seoul this Saturday.
Under this year’s theme of “Seoul’s Going Green,” the plaza will be transformed into a lively showcase of Irish heritage and contemporary culture, highlighting the deep and growing tie between Ireland and Korea.
“St. Patrick’s Day has been a staple in Seoul for many years now, and what makes it special is the feeling of Irish hospitality and community on display for all to see," said Alan Leavy, chairman of the Irish Association of Korea (IAK), the main organizer. "It’s not just for Irish people. We really want it to be open to anyone who wants to come along, take part and enjoy themselves. St. Patrick’s Day is among the most widely celebrated national days in the world, and here in Seoul it’s a great day out for the whole family and a chance to experience a bit of Irish culture.”
A man naps in the sun during last year's St. Patrick's Day festival at D-Cube City Plaza outside Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul, March 15, 2025. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Running from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the free, family-friendly outdoor festival is open to the public. An afternoon of events and activities is planned, including live music and dance performances, cultural exhibits and community booths, and activities for children including facepainting and prizes.
The best-dressed contest offers 200,000 won to the adult with the best attire, and LEGO sets for kids with the best outfits.
The live performances will include the new Irish folk band Suffering Fools, the all-Korean Irish folk group Gan Ainm, the 8th Army Rock Band and expat bands Honey Jam Sam, Sotto Gamba and the 120s. There will also be a dance performance by Irish Dance Company Rince, and a music and dance performance by the Seoul Ceilí Band featuring 10 musicians on stage accompanying a troupe of dancers in front of the stage.
Red Dawg String Band performs during last year's St. Patrick's Day Festival at D-Cube City in southwestern Seoul, March 15, 2025. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
The event will be hosted by Daniel Ryan in English and Bethany McMonagle in Korean. There will be speeches by Kim Jun-min, vice president of Daesung, the operator of D-Cube City, as well as Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop.
Source: Korea Times News
