Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Danoje Festival

The Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Danoje is a representative Korean folk festival where tradition and the sea harmonize. It is a historic festival with a history spanning over 500 years dating back to the mid-Joseon Dynasty, held annually around the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in the Beopseongpo area. Reflecting the region's historical focus on fishing, traditional rituals have been passed down, such as praying to the mountain god of Inui for the village's well-being and a bountiful catch, and performing rituals for the Dragon King at sea. Designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012, the festival was recognized for its traditional cultural value and has established itself today as a nationally recognized traditional cultural festival. During the festival, events such as Nanjangteugi (a traditional open-air market), the Dragon King Ritual, Seonyu Nori (boat parade), the Supjaengi Gugak (traditional music) Competition, Ssireum (wrestling) competitions, folk games, traditional performances, and hands-on activities take place. It operates as a participatory festival where locals and visitors mingle together. Seasonal customs experiences, such as washing hair with calamus, pounding rice cakes, and swinging, are also available, allowing families and foreign tourists to experience Korea's unique holiday culture firsthand. It is a representative traditional festival that reflects on the wisdom of ancestors and community spirit, and promotes the inheritance and development of traditional culture.