Pyeongtaek City to Run "Baneujilbudae" Program as Part of Vivid National Heritage Project

Connecting Local Heritage Through Hand Sewing
Baneujilbudae Marks Its Fifth Year

Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province announced on May 7 that it will operate “Baneujilbudae,” a community participation cultural program that combines traditional costume making and parades, throughout the Pyeongtaek area from May 23 to November 7.

Pyeongtaek City will operate a community participation cultural program called "Baneujil Budae," which combines traditional costume making and parades throughout the Pyeongtaek area from the 23rd to November 7th. Photo by Pyeongtaek City

Launched as part of the National Heritage Administration’s “Vivid National Heritage Project,” Baneujilbudae offers participants a unique experience of completing traditional attire through hand sewing. Participants will wear the outfits they have made and take part as the main characters in the parade during “The Journey to Meet the King,” Pyeongtaek’s signature traditional culture festival, on November 7.

First introduced in 2022, this program has established itself as a prominent local cultural initiative that goes beyond a simple traditional experience, symbolizing citizens’ direct participation as key players in preserving regional cultural heritage. The program not only sees a high rate of returning participants each year, but also receives steady interest, with some citizens waiting over a year for the opportunity to join.

This year’s recruitment was more enthusiastic than ever. A resident who had to turn away last year due to participant limits stated, “I waited more than a year to join Baneujilbudae. I am very excited to finally be able to participate in the parade wearing clothes I made with my own hands.”

In addition, the “Ppomnaegi Stage,” which was met with overwhelming support last year and gave participants a sense of pride and accomplishment, will continue this year. Participants will confidently showcase their handmade traditional costumes on stage and share the process and significance of their creations with fellow citizens.

The enthusiasm for “Baneujilbudae” continues even after the program ends. Participants naturally become members of the “Resident Supporter Group,” taking the lead in promoting both the festival and Pyeongtaek’s cultural heritage.

A Pyeongtaek City official commented, “This program is a highly meaningful example of transforming cultural heritage from something to be simply preserved and viewed into a living cultural asset that breathes together with residents. We will continue to create diverse opportunities for citizens to enjoy and participate in cultural heritage in their daily lives.”

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