Jungang-dong in Yeongcheon City Fosters Community Unity Under 460-Year-Old Dangsan Tree

On March 3, Jungang-dong in Yeongcheon City held the traditional Dangsan Ritual in the Munoedong 69-1 area, wishing for the well-being of the community and a bountiful harvest, while also strengthening unity among residents.

About 50 villagers attended the event and sincerely performed the ritual in front of the 460-year-old pagoda tree (Dangsan Tree), which has protected the village for centuries.

The residents came together with one heart to pray for the safety of the village throughout the year and for peace in every household.

Residents are performing a ritual in front of the Dangsanmok tree. Provided by Yeongcheon City

Following the main ceremony, a pungmul troupe performed a Jisinbalgi (earth-stepping) performance, allowing the residents to join together and reflect on the meaning of tradition.

The Jungang-dong Dangsan Ritual has been held every year without fail for 45 years since the first ceremony in 1980.

In particular, this event, centered around the approximately 460-year-old Dangsan Tree—the symbol of the village—is recognized as a valuable cultural asset that goes beyond a simple ancestral rite, serving to strengthen the bonds of the village community amid a rapidly changing modern society.

Lee Sangyong, head of the Dangsan Ritual Organizing Committee, said, "I hope the Dangsan Ritual becomes an opportunity for residents to look after one another and share warmth," adding, "We will continue to preserve and develop this tradition so that Jungang-dong can become an even more united community."

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