Sejong Hangul Festival to host airshows amid wildlife conservation concerns

The 2026 Sejong Hangul Festival is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 11 at Sejong Lake Park and Central Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day. The event features a diverse program, including a Black Eagles airshow and drone displays on the opening day, an AI content talk concert, and a closing performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.

However, the Jangnam Citizens' Association has called on Sejong City and the Sejong Cultural Tourism Foundation to reconsider the airshow and scheduled fireworks displays. The group expressed concerns that the noise and light pollution could negatively impact the Jangnam Wetlands, a critical habitat for endangered species such as the Gold-spotted pond frog and various migratory birds.

The association pointed to Daejeon Jung-gu as a precedent, where local authorities canceled fireworks for the Daejeon Hyomunhwa Root Festival to protect local wildlife. They have proposed transitioning to low-noise programs like drones and adjusting flight paths to minimize disturbance to the ecosystem.