Hana Bank will host the 2026 Hana Bank Children's Baduk Festival in May as part of Korea’s Family Month observance.
First held in 2024 to broaden interest in baduk (Go) and cultivate the next generation of players, this year’s festival marks its third edition and will again feature a variety of programs and events.
The festival is scheduled for May 9 at the 100th Anniversary Hall at the University of Seoul. It’s open to elementary-school and preschool children. Registration is free and open on a first-come, first-served basis via Hana One Q, Hana Bank’s mobile app, from April 23 through April 30.
Organizers expect to recruit roughly 1,000 young players across 13 divisions organized by skill level, including the top division, dan-level division, beginner, intermediate and advanced grade divisions, plus a preschool division. All participants will receive commemorative gifts, and winners in each division will be awarded trophies, medals and additional prizes.
To create special memories for families during Family Month, Hana Bank will host two autograph sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—with Go legend Lee Chang-ho. The bank will also hold a lottery to award 50 participants folding fans personally inscribed by Lee.
Hana Bank will operate a booth for its youth financial education platform Ibuja. The booth will distribute children’s books on economics to help cultivate healthy financial habits and will offer prize giveaways with a range of rewards.
A Hana Bank spokesperson said, "We organized this festival so children—future leaders—can expand their creativity and critical thinking through Go, enjoy healthy competition and gain learning opportunities. We hope the festival serves as a stepping-stone in children’s development and becomes a happy Family Month memory for families."
