A Grand Folk Culture Festival Blending Tradition and Modernity
Recognized as a Leading Festival of the West Coast
The "2025 Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Dano Festival," held over four days from May 29 to June 1, concluded successfully with approximately 115,000 visitors. Provided by Yeonggwang County
Yeonggwang County in South Jeolla Province announced on June 4 that the "2025 Yeonggwang Beopseongpo Dano Festival," held over four days from May 29 to June 1 at the Beopseongpo Dano Festival Transmission Education Center and across the Beopseongpo New Town area, concluded successfully amid enthusiastic support from approximately 115,000 visitors from across the country.
The Beopseongpo Dano Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage with a 500-year history, once again demonstrated its status as a traditional cultural festival this year. Centered around the Dragon King Ritual and Seonyu Nori, the festival featured a variety of traditional programs, including Dangsan Ritual, Sanshin Ritual, Ssireum wrestling competition, Dansimjul Nori, Changpo hair washing, kite flying, sangmo spinning, traditional archery, and jegichagi.
The Dragon King Ritual, which prays for a bountiful catch against the backdrop of the Chilsan Sea, and the reenactment of Seonyu Nori, which is exclusively participated in by local women, captured the unique identity and maritime culture of Beopseongpo, drawing significant attention from many visitors.
In particular, the newly introduced creative musical "Light, Wind, and the Chilsan Sea" received attention as a signature content piece that reinterpreted the traditions and sentiments of the Beopseongpo Dano Festival in a modern way. New programs such as the children's traditional costume contest, Nakhwa Nori (firework play), student tea etiquette competition, youth festival competition, and "Spring Dano Busking" were also introduced, providing meaningful cultural experiences for families and young visitors alike.
Jang Seil, Governor of Yeonggwang County, stated, "This year's Dano Festival became a place of harmony where families and neighbors could enjoy and connect through a variety of experiences and cultural performances. I hope everyone will cherish the warmth and excitement felt in Beopseongpo for a long time, and I invite you to return to Yeonggwang Beopseongpo again next year."
Han Yugyeong, President of the Beopseongpo Dano Festival Preservation Association, added, "This year's festival was an opportunity to reaffirm the development potential of the Beopseongpo Dano Festival. We will maintain and further develop the strengths, carefully address any shortcomings, and prepare an even richer and higher-quality festival for next year."
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