Samcheok City Successfully Holds 'Samcheok Isabu General Memorial Ceremony and Surukdaejae' Event

An event honoring General Isabu of Silla, the only figure in Korean maritime history to have pioneered the maritime territory of Usan-guk, as well as the spirits of those lost at sea and on land, was held successfully.

Sangsoo Park, mayor of Samcheok, delivered a greeting at the '9th Samcheok Isabu General Memorial Ceremony and Water Land Ritual' held on the 2nd at Yukhyangsan Square in Jeongnadong, where the spirit of General Isabu is enshrined. Provided by Samcheok City

The Samcheok Isabu General Memorial Ceremony Promotion Committee (Chairman: Monk Dong-eun of Cheonunsa Temple) held the 9th Samcheok Isabu General Memorial Ceremony and Surukdaejae on September 2 at Yukhyangsan Square in Jeongrado, where the spirit of General Isabu resides. For the first time, the event featured a 'Siryeon' procession, which began at 10 a.m. at Samcheok Port and escorted the spirits of General Isabu and the fallen to Yukhyangsan Square, drawing the attention of both citizens and tourists.

Starting at 1 p.m., the event included pre-ceremony performances such as 'Pangut', a traditional farmers' band ritual, and 'Janggeommu', a long sword dance. This was followed by 'Jinhonmu', a soul-soothing dance, and 'Salpuri', both commemorating General Isabu's conquest of Usan-guk (Ulleungdo and Dokdo) and consoling the spirits of the deceased. Other performances included 'Janggeommu', expressing the general’s wisdom and spirit, the 'Geungnakwangsaeng Prayer' for memorial and peaceful rebirth, and 'Beompaejakbeop', a Buddhist ritual to comfort wandering souls and ward off evil spirits.

Monk Dong-eun stated, "The Isabu General Memorial Ceremony and Surukdaejae hold even greater significance at a time when territorial disputes with Japan persist. This is an occasion to reflect on the true meaning of Usan-guk’s incorporation and to inspire patriotism among future generations."

Mayor Park Sangsoo emphasized, "The pioneering spirit of General Isabu, who crossed the rough East Sea to conquer Usan-guk, and the maritime spirit of our national heroes, are still alive in Samcheok today. I hope this event will serve as an opportunity to reflect on Samcheok’s history as the departure point, and to strengthen our patriotism and resolve to protect Dokdo."

City Council Chairman Kwon Jeongbok, in his congratulatory message, said, "I hope today’s ceremony will further promote a correct view of history and patriotism. The city council will do its utmost to ensure that the pioneering spirit of the general is passed down to future generations."