Sunchang-gun Successfully Hosts the 21st Sunchang Nongyo Geumgwadeul Sori On-site Performance

On the 11th, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk Province announced on the 12th that the 'Sunchang Nongyo Geumgadeul Sori On-site Performance' was successfully concluded at the outdoor performance venue of the Sunchang Nongyo Geumgadeul Sori Transmission Center.

Organized by the Sunchang Nongyo Geumgadeul Sori Preservation Society (President Kim Bong-ho) and sponsored by Jeonbuk Province, Sunchang-gun, and the Sunchang-gun Council, this performance was successfully held with the participation of master performer Yoon Young-baek, who has devoted efforts to the transmission and development of Geumgadeul Sori, along with about 50 preservation society members and an audience of approximately 500 people.

Sunchang Nongyo Geumgadeul Sound Performance.
Photo by Sunchang-gun

The performance began with the National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 84 Goseong Nongyo from Gyeongnam and the Gumi Balgeng-i Deul Sori, Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 27 from Gyeongbuk, followed by reenactments of Nongyo from various regions nationwide, including Gyeolseong Nongyo from Hongseong, Chungnam, and Tongmyeong Nongyo from Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, which deeply moved many attendees.

Additionally, various performances such as Gimje Aemitdeul Nolae, Geumga Ami Nongak, folk songs, Nanta, Chwita band, and dance added to the festive atmosphere.

The Geumgadeul Sori performance is a form of Nongyo that expresses the hearts of our ancestors who overcame difficult farming work through cooperative labor in wide fields while praying for a bountiful harvest. It is recognized for its unique musical scale and mode, which correspond to the Ujo and Gyemyeonjo modes of Pansori, distinguishing it from other regional Nongyo. In 2005, it was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 32 in the Nongyo category, the only one in Jeonbuk Province.

After the passing of the artistic holder Lee Jeong-ho in 2017, about 50 preservation members, including President Kim Bong-ho and master performer Yoon Young-baek, have continued to preserve and transmit the tradition.

Notably, the Geumgadeul Sori Preservation Society won the grand prize at the 59th Jeonbuk Folk Arts Festival in 2019 and represented Jeonbuk Province at the 60th National Folk Arts Festival, promoting the excellence of Sunchang Nongyo nationwide.

Kim Bong-ho, president of the Geumgadeul Sori Preservation Society, stated, “Geumgadeul Sori, passed down for over 500 years, is a precious cultural heritage of our ancestors, offering a glimpse into their joys and sorrows. As it is a valuable cultural heritage handed down in the region, everyone’s interest and effort are needed to lovingly inherit and develop it together.”

Choi Young-il, the county governor, said, “I express my gratitude to the members of the Geumgadeul Sori Preservation Society who strive to preserve and transmit the fading traditional intangible cultural heritage. We will actively support the continued maintenance and preservation of Geumgadeul Sori.”

Meanwhile, at the opening ceremony, master performer Yoon Young-baek was honored with the Sunchang-gun Governor’s Commendation, preservation member Jeon Seon-ae received the Sunchang-gun Council Chairman’s Commendation, and preservation member Yoon Oh-chae was awarded the Provincial Assembly Member’s Commendation in recognition of their contributions to the preservation and transmission of Geumgadeul Sori.

Sunchang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Young-kwon baekok@asiae.co.kr