Cultural Heritage Administration Supports 67 Folk Events Linked to Natural Heritage

Seol Holiday Events: Dangsan Festival in Singeum Village, Bongrae-myeon, Goheung and Sansinje in Yesong Village, Wando

Wando Yesong-ri Evergreen Forest Haesinje Ceremony

Korea has traditionally regarded large trees and forests as sacred natural objects. They were worshipped as objects of faith to pray for peace and prosperity. However, due to industrialization and urbanization, this tradition is gradually fading.

On the 9th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it will discover and support 67 folk events related to natural heritage such as natural monuments and scenic sites. These include Dangsanje (Dangsan Festival), Pungyeoje (Rich Fishery Festival), and Yongsinje (Dragon God Festival). Since the support began in 2003, it has continued to help inherit the unique folk beliefs of villages and raise local residents' awareness of protecting natural heritage. An official stated, "All events will be conducted with social distancing strictly observed and with a minimum number of participants."

Wonseong Seongnam-ri Seonghwangnim Seonghwangje

During the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday (February 11?14), events such as the Dangsanje at Singeum Village in Bongrae-myeon, Goheung (February 11?12), Sansinje and Haesinje at Yesong Village in Wando (February 11?12), the Ginkgo Tree Haengdanje at Juam-ri, Buyeo (February 13), Dangje at Maryang-ri, Seocheon (February 14), Sansinje at Wangjeong Village, Muju (February 13?14), and Dangsanje at Neutinamu Tree in Jingi-ri, Namwon (February 14) will be held. The evergreen forest at Yesong-ri, Wando, where both Sansinje and Haesinje take place (Natural Monument No. 40), was created about 300 years ago by residents to protect against typhoons. It functions as a windbreak forest protecting the village and farmland from strong sea winds, as well as a fisherman's forest that attracts schools of fish. Every year on Lunar New Year's Eve, residents hold Sansinje and Haesinje to pray for a bountiful catch and the village's peace and prosperity.

Samcheok Galjeon-ri Dangsup Seonjae Festival

On the first full moon of the lunar year, February 26, events such as the Yongwangsin Dongje (Dragon King Shrine Festival) at Seonghwangdang, Uljin (February 25?26), Seonakje at Neutinamu Tree in Ogari, Goesan (February 25?26), Seonakje at Galjeon-ri, Samcheok (February 26), Dangsanje at Neutinamu Tree in Sasin-ri, Andong (February 26), Dongje at Seoksongnyeong, Yecheon (February 26), and Yeongsongje at Dangsong, Dangsan-ri, Geochang (February 26) will be held. In particular, the Seonakje held at the Dangsup (Sacred Forest) in Galjeon-ri, Samcheok (Natural Monument No. 272) boasts a history of 100 years. Offerings such as fruit, alcohol, and dried persimmons are prepared to pray for the village's well-being.

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