'Connecting Tradition and Modernity'... Eunpyeong-gu Pabalje Opens Today

On the 7th, Opening Celebration Performance and Traditional Games at Gupabal Meeting Plaza... 'Ring Lighting' Themed Exhibition Presented on Bulgwangcheon Walkway

Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) will hold the 'Pabalje Opening Ceremony' on the 7th at the Gupabal Meeting Square in Jingwan-dong.

'Pabalje' was a Joseon Dynasty communication system where horses or people would run directly to quickly deliver urgent news in border areas. Gupabal in Eunpyeong-gu is a place named after the Pabal system and preserves the history and culture of the Pabal system.

The district has been holding the 'Pabalje' annually since 1996 to commemorate the Eunpyeong area, including Gupabal and Tongil-ro where Pabal operated and there were relay stations, and to pray for reunification.

The 'Pabalje Opening Ceremony' will be held from noon on the 7th at the Gupabal Meeting Square. Various cultural performances and traditional play experiences such as archery, beonadolligi, and jegichagi, which anyone from young to old can enjoy, are also prepared.

The opening ceremony will begin with a congratulatory performance by the fusion gugak team 'Kkeullim', followed by Janggu dance by 'Lee Hyun-hee', calligraphy performance by 'Tong Calligraphy Kim Moo-jin', a reenactment play of Pabalje by 'Theater Yeoingeukjang', and traditional performances by 'Pungmul Madang Teoju' & 'Jipdan'.

From the 6th to the 14th, the Bulkwangcheon walking trail will host the Pabalje special exhibition 'Gibyeol: News Delivered by a Small Bird'. Using circular 'ring lighting' that emits light, it depicts a pigeon, a messenger of Eunpyeong's structure, flying up to deliver news, expressing the function of the Pabal system.

This year's 'Pabalje' will be integrated with the 'Eunpyeong Nuri Festival' and held over five days on the 6th-7th and 12th-14th around Bulkwangcheon. The integrated opening ceremony will be held on the 7th at 6:30 PM on the special floating stage at Bulkwangcheon. So Chan-hwi, Park Jae-jung, Park Gun, Create Company, Sound Hills, and others will perform congratulatory shows on stage.

Kim Mi-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, said, "Pabalje is an important traditional cultural festival that informs the history and culture of the Eunpyeong area," and added, "We hope for much interest and participation in this event, which offers various attractions such as congratulatory performances and traditional cultural experiences."