Wishing for Abundance This Year... Dongdaemun-gu Hosts '2024 Seonnong Daeje'

On the 20th, events including Jeonhyangrye, Royal Procession, and Ritual Ceremony continued around Seonnongdan History Park
Magnificent Royal Procession to Yongdu Park... A time to reflect on the meaning of Seonnongje while sharing Seolleongtang

On April 20, when the spring rain was gently falling, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) held the ‘2024 Seonnong Daeje’ to pray for a bountiful year.

The day before, the festival began with a warm response as the ‘Seolleongseolleong Concert’ featuring pansori singer Shin Seung-tae and the jazz band ‘Prelude’ was held like lively music announcing the start of the celebration.

At noon on the 20th, starting with the Jeonhyangrye, where the chief ritual officer handed incense and ritual documents used in the ceremony to the grand ritual officer at Seonnongdan History Park, a royal procession (abridged) and the ritual ceremony followed. The solemn ritual ceremony attracted attention with ritual music performances and Ilmu (ritual dance).

The royal procession reenacting the event of returning to the palace after the ritual extended from Seonnongdan History Park to Yongdu Park, with roads closed along the way.

Following the tradition where the king performed the ritual at Seonnongdan, personally plowed the fields to mark the beginning of farming, and slaughtered cattle to cook meat soup to share with the people, 2,500 servings of Seolleongtang were shared with residents at Yongdu Park, reflecting on the meaning of Seonnong Daeje.

In addition, various side events such as a children’s art contest, traditional tea sharing and experience, and making Cheongsachorong (traditional Korean lanterns) were prepared.

Lee Pil-hyung, mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, who acted as the chief ritual officer playing the role of the king that day, said, “Seonnong Daeje, a representative cultural festival of Dongdaemun-gu where 600 years of history lives and breathes, was held again this year without fail. We performed the ritual with a solemn heart praying for everyone’s safety and happiness this year.” He added, “We will spare no effort to protect and inherit our district’s precious traditional culture, including Seonnong Daeje, which reflects the unique colors of our community.”