Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk announced on the 23rd that it successfully concluded the ‘5th Gochang Nongak Hanmadang Festival’ the previous day at a special stage in front of Moyangseong.
The Nongak Hanmadang Festival, hosted by the Gochang Nongakdan Federation (President Seo Jeong-sun), was held during the ‘50th Moyangseong Festival’ period and was grander than ever with the interest of numerous tourists.
The event was held grandly with about 300 attendees including Shim Deok-seop, Gochang County Governor, Im Jeong-ho, Chairman of Gochang County Council, Kim Gwan-young, Governor of Jeonbuk Province, heads of institutions and social organizations, and residents, invigorating the local cultural and artistic events.
The performances proceeded in the order of Heungdeok Nonghyup Team (Heungdeok, Sillim, Seongnae), Sanghajangsa Nongakdan, Seonunsan Nonghyup Team (Asan, Mujang, Gong-eum), Daeseong Nonghyup Team (Daesan, Seongsong), Haeri Haepung Nongakdan, and Gochang-Buan Nonghyup Team (Gochang, Gosu, Buan).
Also, the excitement and charm of Nongak, designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, were showcased to residents and tourists, promoting the excellence of Nongak nationwide.
The prestigious grand prize was awarded to the Daeseong Nonghyup Team (Daesan·Seongsong). The Eolssigu Prize went to Sanghajangsa Nongakdan, and the Acha Prize was awarded to the Heungdeok Nonghyup Team. Individual performance awards were given to Jeong Sang-gi (Heungdeok Nonghyup Team), Choi Bo-seon (Haeri Haepung Nongakdan), and Kim Byeong-hee (Seonunsan Nonghyup Team), respectively.
In addition to the competition, a congratulatory performance was held by the Jinju Samcheonpo Nongak Preservation Society, National Intangible Cultural Property No. 11-1, and a raffle drawing further enlivened the spirits of many participants including the competing teams.
Seo Jeong-sun, President of the Gochang Nongakdan Federation, said, “I sincerely thank all the Nongakdan families from the towns and townships who have worked passionately throughout the year,” and added, “I hope this festival will continue to be a joyful and exciting event for all Nongak performers, regardless of winning or losing.”
Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “I hope this Gochang Nongak Hanmadang Festival serves as a valuable opportunity to experience our precious traditional cultural heritage, and Gochang-gun will make further efforts for the systematic preservation and transmission of Gochang Nongak.”
Gochang = Kim Jae-gil, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr
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