Yoon invites kids to Blue House to celebrate Children's Day

Politics

Published: 05 May. 2024, 16:32 Updated: 05 May. 2024, 16:35

Yoon invites kids to Blue House to celebrate Children's Day

President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, makes a picture frame using air purifying plants with kids at the Blue House, the former presidential compound, in central Seoul on Sunday at an event to mark Children’s Day. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk Yeol invited hundreds of children and parents to the Blue House, the former presidential compound in central Seoul, to commemorate Children's Day on Sunday.

Some 360 children and their families attended the Children's Day event, enjoying various education activities and booths introducing government ministries and agencies, the presidential office said.

Participants included children from rural areas and in foster care, as well as those with disabilities or from multicultural families, the presidential office said. Children of soldiers or police officers killed in the line of duty also were invited to the event.

"I am grateful to parents, teachers and facility staffers for their efforts to help children grow up to be bright and healthy," Yoon said.

When the children arrived at Yeonmugwan Hall, the president greeted them in person, and a military band welcomed participants.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, and hundreds of kids and their parents watch a bubble magic show at an event to mark Children’s Day at the Blue House, the former presidential compound, in central Seoul, on Sunday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

Children participated in activities such as making healthy snacks, experiencing jobs such as pet groomers and traffic and fire safety officers, and creating AI pets.

Yoon made a picture frame with the children using air-purifying plants, which was organized by the Ministry of Environment.

They also watched a bubble magic show.

"As president, I will also work hard to support you so that you can fully realize your dreams and hopes and grow up to be strong," Yoon told the children, taking a commemorative photo with them.

Children who attended the event received gifts, including colored pencils, coloring books and a presidential office watch.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, takes a selfie with kids at an event to mark Children’s Day at the Blue House, the former presidential compound, in central Seoul, on Sunday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

The three-day weekend extends to Monday, a substitute holiday day, as Children's Day falls on a Sunday.

Yoon hosted a similar event for Children's Day at the Blue House last year. The Blue House in northern Gwanghwamun was opened to the public with Yoon's inauguration in May 2022 as a part of his campaign pledge to move the presidential office to Yongsan in central Seoul.

On Friday, Yoon also attended a Parents' Day event, the first time for an incumbent president. Parents' Day falls on May 8 in Korea.

At the event, attended by some 1,300 people, Yoon highlighted a pledge to increase monthly basic pension subsidies for seniors.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]