Suncheonman Embroidered with Reed Flowers, 23rd Reed Festival Held

Published 28 Oct.2022 15:20(KST)

From July 4 to 6, "World Heritage Suncheonman, Illuminating a Bountiful Harvest with the Light of Reeds" to be Held

Suncheonman Embroidered with Reed Flowers, 23rd Reed Festival Held

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) announced that the "23rd Suncheonman Reed Festival" will be held for three days from the 4th to the 6th of next month at Suncheonman Wetland and the surrounding areas of Suncheonman.

Under the theme "World Heritage Suncheonman, Illuminating a Bountiful Harvest with the Light of Reeds," this festival is organized by the Suncheonman Ecotourism Council and will be conducted as a private-led event reflecting the opinions of local residents.

In particular, this year's festival is meaningful as it reenacts traditional seasonal customs that pray for a bountiful harvest of farmers and fishermen near Suncheonman and promote community harmony.

On the morning of the first day, village residents will perform Jisinbalgi (a traditional ritual to drive away evil spirits) along the alleys of Daedae Village to mark the start of the festival.

After the Jisinbalgi, the Daedae Village Dragon Rope Tugging procession and pungmul (traditional Korean folk music) performance will continue from the Daedae fields through the pier to the Suncheonman Wetland lawn plaza.

This year’s pre-performance of the Dragon Rope Tugging differs from last year in that about 200 students from Dosa Elementary School and Inan Elementary School will join the village residents in the procession and actively participate in the tug-of-war, providing a rich spectacle.

The opening ceremony will begin at 2 p.m.

Following the opening remarks and congratulatory speeches, there will be a choir performance by Inan Elementary School students and an opening performance by soprano Cha Yu-kyung. Additionally, various performances such as the Namdo Pungmul performance by Sorigol, Daegum (bamboo flute) performance by Do Eun-young, and the Heo Yoon-jung Band are scheduled.

On the second day, from 3 p.m., a Bounty Festival (Pungyeoje) will be held at the pier area of Waon Village, Haeryong-myeon.

The Bounty Festival is a newly introduced program this year, where the residents of Waon Village, who have traditionally depended on fishing, honor their ancestors who lived with the sea and pray for abundance by performing a ritual at the sea.

Starting at the pier with long trumpet sounds, gut (shamanistic ritual) music, and dance to welcome the Dragon King, the village’s specialty dish, cockle cuisine, will be presented. After the ritual, the ceremonial vessels will be scattered into the sea to pray for a good catch.

At sunset, all participants will gather to burn a Daljip (moon house) and make wishes.

Other programs to enjoy at Suncheonman are also prepared.

Especially on the 5th and 6th, a Black-faced Spoonbill wintering site birdwatching program will be conducted with bird experts.

During the festival period, experience booths offering ecological activities such as making Black-faced Spoonbill sotdae (traditional Korean wooden totem poles) and natural crafts will be operated at the Suncheonman Wetland lawn park. Busking performances suited to autumn will be held at different times. Furthermore, a photo exhibition showcasing the lives of Black-faced Spoonbills and nearby residents will be held indoors on the first floor of the Suncheonman Nature Ecology Center.

A Suncheon City official said, "Since this festival includes traditional seasonal customs programs such as Dragon Rope Tugging and the Bounty Festival, we hope to pray for the prosperity of residents who have lived alongside the history of Suncheonman conservation, and that tourists will enjoy the splendid autumn scenery and abundant festivities of Suncheonman."

Meanwhile, the Suncheonman Reed Festival, which began in 1997 as the "Suncheonman Reed Festival," has been continued for over 20 years as Suncheon City's representative autumn festival, marking its 23rd edition this year.