Plenty of Fun Activities Including "Making Nakwhabong" and Stone Powder Painting Experience
Muju County in North Jeolla Province announced on June 2 that the 19th Muju Anseong Nakwhanori Festival will be held on June 6 and 7 in the Dumun Village area of Anseong-myeon, Muju County. This event is hosted and organized by the Dumun Village Nakwhanori Preservation Association, chaired by Park Ilwon, with support from Muju County.
The Muju Anseong Nakwhanori Festival has been held annually since 2006, with the aim of promoting "Nakwhanori," a traditional fireworks performance and an intangible cultural heritage of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, and passing down this fading traditional culture. The festival is led by the residents of Dumun Village.
This year marks the 19th edition of the festival. On the first day, starting at 5:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a village-wide celebration, congratulatory performances, and a demonstration of Nakwhanori. On June 7, starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be additional congratulatory performances and another Nakwhanori demonstration. Attendees can also participate in hands-on activities such as "Making a Wish Nakwhabong" and "Upcycling Keychain Craft."
A variety of foods prepared by village residents, including Dakgaejang (spicy chicken soup), vegetable pancakes, and rice balls, will be available to taste. Accommodation is also available at nearby experiential recreation villages.
Park Ilwon, president of the Dumun Village Nakwhanori Preservation Association, said, "This is a chance to experience a living cultural festival revived by the elders of Dumun Village, where the fireworks dance. I hope you will enjoy both the mountain film festival and Nakwhanori in Muju this weekend."
Nakwhanori, a traditional fireworks performance enjoyed over water, is named for the way the falling sparks resemble flowers. Nakwhabong?100 to 200 sticks made from hanji (traditional Korean paper) filled with mugwort, charcoal, and salt?are hung on a long line and set alight, creating a spectacular display as the flames travel along the line.
Since 2006, Dumun Village in Anseong-myeon, Muju County (Dumun Village Nakwhanori Preservation Association) has been working to restore Nakwhanori. In 2016, it was designated as an intangible cultural heritage of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, and the festival has gained fame through the Muju Firefly Festival.
Currently, Dumun Village in Anseong-myeon, Muju County is home to a two-story Nakwhanori Training Center, built to preserve and pass down the tradition. The center features a promotional video hall, a Nakwhabong experience hall, a Nakwhanori demonstration hall, offices, a lounge, and various convenience facilities.
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