Heavy rain couldn't dampen the spirits of thousands of festival-goers who gathered at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on Saturday for the Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival 2025. The event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, brought together traditional Thai culture and modern T-pop music in one of the capital's most vibrant cultural celebrations in recent months. Despite persistent rainfall that continued into the afternoon, enthusiastic crowds arrived early and stayed late, with some showing up well before the 10 a.m. opening ceremony to secure prime viewing spots near the main stage.
According to organizers from the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul, thousands of visitors attended the first day alone, many coming prepared with ponchos and umbrellas. The festival's unique blend of tradition, pop music, and community pride drew diverse crowds who filled the plaza with signs and smartphone cameras, ready to capture the day's performances.
One of the event's most anticipated acts was Thai actor-singer Korapat Nanon Kirdpan, who performed just before 1 p.m. to passionate crowds from Korea, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Naomi, a Mexican exchange student studying in Korea, had arrived early with friends from Germany and other countries to secure a front-row spot. "I've followed him since Bad Buddy in 2021," she said. "He sings well, acts well, and seems really sincere. We couldn't miss it."
The international appeal of Thai entertainment was evident throughout the crowd. Kim Ji-on, a fan from Gyeonggi Province in her 40s, stood waiting in the rain with a homemade banner. "There's something different about Thai artists," she explained. "Nanon has this kindness that you can feel. He's not just a celebrity – he's someone you want to root for."
Following Nanon's performance, rising T-pop boy group Perses took the stage for a high-energy set that showcased the growing popularity of Thai pop music. Pocky, a Thai exchange student in Seoul, had been standing at the crowd barrier since 11 a.m. with two friends who flew in from Thailand specifically for the festival. "We don't get many chances to see T-pop live outside Thailand," she said. "Perses is still growing, but they're gaining real fans. I hope more people in Korea get to know them."
The festival's most visually spectacular moment came at 3 p.m. with the Sawasdee Seoul cultural parade. Performers dressed in ornate Thai garments and traditional Khon masks moved through a 593-meter stretch of downtown streets in a stunning display of Thai cultural heritage. The procession was led by a towering inflatable elephant and featured dozens of flag-waving participants from Thai community groups across Korea.
Crowds lined both sides of the parade route, many leaning in for photographs as dancers moved gracefully down the street. The parade showcased traditional Thai court dress and the intricate artistry of Khon theatrical masks, bringing authentic Thai culture directly to Seoul's downtown area.
For many Thai residents in Korea, the festival represented more than entertainment – it was a powerful moment of cultural visibility and community pride. Lily, a 34-year-old Thai resident of Seoul who attended with friends from the local Thai community, reflected on the event's significance. "I haven't seen these costumes up close since leaving Thailand," she said. "This kind of visibility matters. There are over 200,000 Thais living in Korea now, and it's powerful to be seen like this."
The festival's success despite challenging weather conditions demonstrated the strong cultural connections between Thailand and Korea, as well as the growing international appeal of Thai entertainment and traditions. The event served as both a celebration of Thai heritage and a bridge between communities, bringing together locals and international visitors in appreciation of Thai culture.
