A traditional cultural performance celebrating the richness of late autumn will take place on November 15 at 2 PM in Haenam County’s Gunmin Plaza, Jeollanam-do. The event, hosted by Haenam County, will feature traditional games, folk music, and performances that highlight the heritage of various towns and villages in the region.

Among the highlights will be Ganggangsullae, a centuries-old Korean dance recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 8 and designated as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This traditional circle dance, widely performed in coastal areas and islands of Jeollado, will be presented by the Usuyeong Ganggangsullae Group, known for preserving Haenam’s unique rendition of the dance.

The event will open with a performance by the Munnae Usuyeong Ganggangsullae Preservation Association, which works to preserve the original form of this folk tradition. The celebration will also showcase variations of Ganggangsullae, including performances by the Ttangkkeut Ganggangsullae Group, recognized as the best team in the Myeongnyang Victory Festival, as well as a group from the Haenam Cultural Center that has been actively practicing and promoting the dance.

In addition, Usuyeong Bunyeo Nongyo, a traditional farming song sung by local women while working in the fields, will be performed. This folk song, designated as Jeollanam-do Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 20, reflects the region’s agricultural heritage. Also on display will be Usuyeong Dulsori, another local farming song traditionally sung by men while working in rice paddies and fields, which earned the prestigious Presidential Award at the 63rd Korean Folk Arts Festival in 2022.

The performance will be further enriched by Haewon Pungmulgut, a traditional Korean drumming and dance troupe featuring Haenam-born artists trained in traditional Korean music. This professional group will join forces with the Haenam Unified Pungmul Group, a collection of local drumming groups representing ten towns across Haenam County, bringing together over 120 participants for a vibrant, large-scale performance.

To honor Korea’s Kimchi Day, a special event will take place on November 22, featuring a community kimchi-making session. Volunteers, including the performers, will use locally grown Haenam cabbage to prepare kimchi, which will be donated to sister cities and other communities.

This festival is expected to provide a captivating experience, celebrating both the cultural heritage and the community spirit of Haenam.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com