Changwon City, National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 127 'Araetnyeok Surukjae' Public Event

The scene of the National Intangible Cultural Property No. 127 'Arenksuk Surukjae' held at Baegunsa Temple on Muhaksan Mountain on the 10th. (Photo by Changwon City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] Changwon City in Gyeongnam announced on the 12th that it held a public performance of the 'Arenek Surukjae,' designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 127, for local residents at Baegunsa Temple on Muhaksan Mountain in Masan.

Surukjae (水陸齋) is a Buddhist ritual to soothe and comfort the souls and hungry ghosts wandering in water and on land. Arenek Surukjae inherits the tradition of Beompae, which was passed down in the Gyeongnam area, and embodies the regional characteristics of Gyeongnam in terms of ritual and musical aspects.

Recognized for its historicity and artistry, it was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, and the Arenek Surukjae Preservation Society has been steadily continuing this tradition once a year to the present.

Especially this year, special devotion was given to the ritual (齋) to comfort the souls who passed away due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to overcome the national crisis. First, the ceremony began with Deulborye (入普禮), a respectful greeting to the Buddha in front of the Daeungjeon Hall, followed by various rituals such as Honggo (弘鼓), Oedaeryeong (外對靈), and Gwaebuliyun (掛佛移運), concluding with Samhoehyang (三回向) to end the ceremony.

Jeong Sook-yi, Director of Cultural Heritage Development, said, "Arenek Surukjae is a precious National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized for its artistry and historicity. We will strive to provide unwavering support so that our traditional cultural heritage does not easily disappear and can be passed down and developed for a long time."

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