South Korea’s ninth Incheon Queer Culture Festival took place at Aetteul Plaza outside City Hall on 17 October, with rainbow flags, performances and community booths.

The organisers said this was the first time a public institution in Incheon had formally accepted the festival’s notice to use a venue. The city’s decision was announced last month.

Incheon Today’s reporters described 31 booths alongside the opening performances and solidarity speeches. Incheon Ilbo put attendance at about 500, citing the organisers’ estimate. Its reporter said a counter-rally took place nearby and that no physical clashes occurred.

The organisers used their opening declaration to describe the plaza as a civic space secured through collective effort. They said the theme, “The rainbow beside you”, offered reassurance to people who find it difficult to show who they are.

An organising committee member told Incheon Ilbo that the solidarity should carry into daily life, so people could live without hiding or denying their existence.