Official 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Fourth Anniversary Events Scheduled in Seoul
The South Korean government, Seoul Metropolitan Government, bereaved families, and civil society groups will jointly host official memorial events in Seoul for the fourth anniversary of the 10.29 Itaewon disaster, according to a report by Kyeonggi Ilbo. The commemorations are split into an open public mourning event and a government-backed memorial ceremony designed to honor the victims and support surviving families.
Seoul Plaza Citizen Memorial Service Details
The citizen memorial service begins at 5:30 p.m. on October 24 at Seoul Plaza. Organizers require no advance registration or paperwork for this gathering, allowing any member of the public to join the mourning process freely on-site. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster bereaved families’ association, the citizens’ council, and Seoul city are co-hosting the events.
Gwanghwamun North Plaza Official Fourth Anniversary Ceremony
The official fourth anniversary ceremony takes place at 10:29 a.m. on October 29 at Gwanghwamun North Plaza, marking the exact time the tragedy unfolded. Approximately 1,000 attendees—including government officials, ruling and opposition party leaders, lawmakers, civic group members, and the general public—will gather to pay their respects. The program opens with a moment of silence, government memorial addresses, and remarks from a bereaved family representative.
The ceremony will feature a commemorative video reviewing the past four years and emphasizing truth-seeking efforts. Thirty-five foreign bereaved family members visiting South Korea will deliver messages during the program. Novelist Bora Chung will read a “Memory Writing,” followed by a joint “Fourth Anniversary Pledge” reading by bereaved families and citizens, alongside cultural and artistic performances.
Citizens Apply Online for Gwanghwamun Memorial Ceremony
Citizens wishing to attend the Gwanghwamun memorial ceremony can apply online through the official website starting October 6 through October 19. If applications exceed the designated venue capacity, organizers will select attendees through a random lottery system. Shinkidong, head of the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Victim Relief and Memorial Support Unit, stated that the events aim to deepen public remembrance of the victims and reinforce mutual solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Memorial Events
Do I need to sign up in advance to attend the Seoul Plaza citizen memorial service?
No registration is necessary for the Seoul Plaza event on October 24. Any citizen can visit the site freely without prior administrative steps.
How are attendees chosen for the Gwanghwamun remembrance ceremony if demand exceeds capacity?
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that online applications run from October 6 to October 19 on the official website. If applicants outnumber the available seats, organizers will select participants via random drawing.
Who is scheduled to speak at the official remembrance ceremony on October 29?
The program includes opening remarks from government and bereaved family representatives, video messages from 35 visiting foreign bereaved family members, a reading by novelist Bora Chung, and a joint pledge reading by families and citizens.
Upcoming Memorial Schedule
The citizen memorial service is scheduled for October 24, 2025, at Seoul Plaza, followed by the official fourth anniversary remembrance ceremony at Gwanghwamun North Plaza on October 29, 2025, at 10:29 a.m.
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