Reenactment of 'Bawijeol Village Hosangnori' at Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival

Park Seong-jik, the 10th holder of Seoul City Intangible Cultural Property and current head of the Gangdong Agricultural Cooperative, will perform a reenactment of the ‘Bawijeol Village Hosangnori’ at the 29th Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival.

Park Seong-jik, who is also the head of the Seoul Gangdong Nonghyup, was awarded the ‘Iron Tower Industrial Medal’ last year in recognition of his leadership in establishing a new role model for urban agricultural cooperatives and promoting urban-rural exchange.

‘Bawijeol Village Hosangnori’ is a Seoul City Intangible Cultural Property. It is a traditional funeral play performed when a long-lived and blessed person passes away. To ensure a safe journey through the difficult path, pallbearers carrying the bier and a lead singer exchange dirges while matching their steps. Unlike typical funerals, the bier appears to move forward as if pushed from behind, and the ceremony proceeds in a lively atmosphere resembling the rippling of flowing water.

Bawijeol Village Hosang Play

In particular, ‘Bawijeol Village Hosangnori’ is a traditional funeral ritual that combines unique plays and ceremonies during the bier procession. The region’s distinctive traditional carrying methods, such as crossing a single-log bridge and stepping stones, vividly convey the unique cultural heritage of the Seoul area.

The Gangdong District Office (headed by Mayor Lee Soo-hee) showcases this performance annually in October at the Prehistoric Culture Festival, which it hosts and organizes together with the Bawijeol Village Hosangnori Preservation Society.

The Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival, held at the Amsa-dong archaeological site, is the only festival in Seoul themed around the prehistoric era and takes place every October. Marking its 29th year this year, the festival’s theme is ‘6000 Years of Stories, Meeting Today’ and runs from the 11th to the 13th. Visitors can experience and enjoy prehistoric life through various hands-on programs, performances, and food offerings.