'Jeollajwasuyeong Dookje' to Be Developed as Yeosu's Signature Brand

The 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje,' a ritual that Admiral Yi Sun-sin performed before heading into battle, is expected to be reborn as a representative cultural and artistic brand of Yeosu.

On the 6th, the city of Yeosu announced that 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje,' which was selected as the first project for the traditional arts restoration initiative, will be developed into the city's leading traditional culture and arts brand.

Reenactment of the 2024 Yeosu Cultural Arts Brand Project 'Jeolla Jwasuyeong Dukje'. Provided by Yeosu City

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In particular, the city plans to enhance its image as a historical and cultural tourism destination and improve the quality of the performances by combining the Dukje ritual with a naval departure ceremony, performances by the municipal Korean traditional music orchestra, and dance.

Previously, in preparation for the full-scale launch of the cultural and arts brand project, the city held ten pilot performances of the 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje' for branding purposes from June to October last year, all of which were met with great success.

According to the city, this year's cultural and arts brand project, 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje,' will consist of Part 1, the Dukje Ritual, and Part 2, the Military Roll Call and Naval Departure Ceremony, beginning at Yi Sun-sin Square and concluding at Jinnamgwan.

Dukje is a ritual offered to the Dukgi, a military flag erected in front of the troops, and was mainly performed during military departures in the Joseon Dynasty. The ritual was held at a place called 'Dukso' or 'Duksomyo,' and Dukso sites were established in military camps and naval bases across the country, including in Hanyang. The Dukgi, designed to resemble the head of a conquered enemy impaled on a spear, symbolized the might of the military.

The Dukje ritual was also performed during the Imjin War. It usually took place on Gyeongchip and Sanggam, with only military officers participating in full uniform. Notably, the Dukgi was used as a ceremonial flag in royal processions, symbolizing the protection of the king.

Part 1, the Dukje Ritual, proceeds in the following order: Chansilbaeseol, Sabae, Jeonpye, Gancheokmu, Choheon, Gungsimu, Aheon, Changgeommu, Jongheon, Eumbok-Sujo, Cheolbyeondu, and Mangye.

The following Part 2, 'Gunjom (military event) and Naval Departure Ceremony,' is a program that embodies the victory of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who first departed for battle from Yeosu during the Imjin War.

This segment reenacts Admiral Yi Sun-sin building the Turtle Ship at the Jeollajwasuyeong Main Camp, gathering with commanders and naval forces from the five counties (Suncheon Dohobu, Nakan-gun, Boseong-gun, Gwangyang-hyeon, Heungyang-hyeon) and five ports (Bangdapjin, Sadojin, Yeodojin, Balpojin, Nokdojin) at the main camp, conducting a military roll call and inspection of weapons and morale, and then departing for battle.

In this sense, Yeosu, home to Jinnamgwan, the main camp of Jeollajwasuyeong, is considered the optimal location for the 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje.'

The 'Gunjom (military event) and Naval Departure Ceremony' will proceed in the following order: alignment of the naval forces in five ranks (left, front, center, right, rear), nabal (brass horn) performance, roll call of the 15 naval units from the three commands, naval departure, and a parade by the Chwita band.

A city official stated, "By reconstructing the 'Jeollajwasuyeong Dukje' held in Yeosu, the original site of Jeollajwasuyeong, based on historical research, we aim to elevate it as a resource for historical and cultural tourism and to inspire a spirit of national defense. We ask for the enthusiastic support of our citizens so that it can become Yeosu's representative cultural and artistic brand."

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