Children’s Day, which to some may just be a day off to catch up on sleep or binge watch their favorite TV shows, has a rich history indebted to the efforts of one man -- Pang Chong-hwan.

The late children’s advocate and political activist was a pioneering figure in children rights and literature, introducing the country’s first children’s magazine in 1923. He made efforts to improve children’s welfare, especially during Japan’s colonial rule of the peninsula.

However, to modern day Koreans, Pang’s most memorable achievement was the establishment of Children’s Day, which was designated to promote the health and happiness of Korea’s youth. Originally celebrated on May 1, the national holiday was changed to May 5 in 1975.

This year, the government designated the following day as a temporary holiday to make it a four-day weekend.

So what is there to do during the extended weekend aside from lounging in one’s pajamas all day?

Meant as a time for families to enjoy each other’s company, the country offers plenty of fun and exciting events for kids and parents alike to make the most of the holiday. Virtually every major hotel is offering kid-centric events, feasts and special discounts, and nearly all major stages are hosting performances to please all tastes.

Performances

While the city of Seoul is playing host to countless shows, musicals and plays as normal on Children’s Day, the Sejong Center is staging live performances that are specially geared toward families with young children to enjoy on Children’s Day: “Wow! Classic Ensemble for Kids,” “The Enchanted Seven Dwarfs” and “L’Elisir d’Amore.”

An elementary-level comprehensive chamber music performance for the young ones, “Wow! Classic Ensemble for Kids” will perform familiar classical music including the beloved children’s musical narrative, “Peter and the Wolf.” The concert will also feature video animations that will provide simple explanations of each of the classical pieces.

For those with older children looking for a more mature classical performance, the center will also be staging the family opera, “L’Elisir d’Amore,” a production that has been among the most consistently popular operatic comedies for almost two centuries. 

With music by Gaetano Donizetti, the light-hearted romantic comedy opera tells the tale of a young, poor peasant villager named Nemorino. Desperate to win the affection of the beautiful and affluent Adina, Nemorino decides that a magic love potion is the only way to win her heart.

The third kid’s performance that will be held at the Sejong Center is the musical, “The Enchanted Seven Dwarfs,” performed by the Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theatre. 

Based on the popular Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale about seven brave knights who were cursed and turned to dwarfs under an evil witch’s spell, the musical promises fun for all ages.

For more information on dates, show times and ticket prices, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

Amusement Parks

Some of the biggest hot spots every Children’s Day are two of the country’s largest amusement parks -- Everland and Lotte World.

Just in time for the holiday, Everland has recently welcomed its two newest guests for the next 15 years -- Chinese pandas Aibao and Lebao.

The two pandas that are now calling Everland’s newly “Panda World” home are the first to have been brought to Korea in 22 years. Located in Everland’s Zootopia, “Panda World,” offers exciting views of the peninsula’s newest animal attraction. It also provides a unique educational experience using the exhibition hall’s advanced technology that allows guest to learn about the lives of pandas like never before.

Seoul’s Lotte World will also be celebrating the special day by offering discounts of up to 40 percent for children, as well as holding a special magic show that will be performed at the amusement park’s Garden Stage. 

Visitors can also expect to come across various street magic acts performed throughout the park.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)