Wando-gun Holds First Event of Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage 'Garipojang Nolja'

Tea Ceremony Demonstration, Pansori and Acoustic Guitar Performances Conducted in Various Ways

The first event of the 2020 Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage 'Let's Play Gariporang' was held on the 6th at 7 p.m. around Wando Guesthouse (Provincial Cultural Property No. 109). (Photo by Wando-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] The first event of the 2020 Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage "Let's Play with Gariporang," organized by the Wando Culture and Arts Cooperative (Chairman Kim Poong-ho), hosted by Wando County and Jeollanam-do, and sponsored by the Cultural Heritage Administration, was held at 7 p.m. on the 6th at Wando Guksa (Provincial Cultural Heritage Material No. 109) area.

According to Wando County on the 8th, the Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage "Let's Play with Gariporang" was selected last year through a public contest by the Cultural Heritage Administration. It is a "cultural heritage utilization project" where the Cultural Heritage Administration, local governments, and cultural organizations collaborate to create new value for local cultural heritage under the principles of "lowering the threshold for cultural heritage," "raising the quality of programs," and "greatly enhancing public happiness."

The selected project "Let's Play with Gariporang" consists of reenactment of Manggwolrye, tea ceremony experience, learning Pansori, music concerts, and cultural heritage exploration.

Although the event was delayed due to the impact of COVID-19, the first event was held on Memorial Day, a meaningful day to honor the spirit of the patriotic martyrs.

On that day, a "tea ceremony demonstration" was held with Kim Deok-chan, a Bon Buddhist teacher from Cheonghaejin Dawon in Gunoe-myeon, where participants learned tea and meditation, followed by a Pansori performance by master singer Joo Hee-ra.

Additionally, the acoustic guitar performance by "Deungdae Jigi" and the beautiful harmony of the male marine healing choir "Blue" received applause from about 100 local residents and tourists who visited Guksa.

To observe and learn about the Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage, officials from Yeongam Cultural Center (Director Kim Han-nam) and members of the Seobok Research Society from Gwangju Metropolitan City and Hamyang, Gyeongnam, also participated. All 100 attendees strictly followed quarantine and social distancing measures during the performances and viewing.

Representatives from Wando County and the Wando Culture and Arts Cooperative said, "This was a time to reflect on the meaning of the Saengsaeng Cultural Heritage and to offer precious sights and experiences to local residents and tourists exhausted by COVID-19."

The second program is scheduled to conduct a heritage site exploration for students, but the schedule is undecided due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Garipojin refers to the area of Gunnae-ri, Wando-eup, and was an important naval fortress on the southwest coast, established in 1521 (16th year of King Jungjong) and abolished in 1895 (32nd year of King Gojong).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.