First-Ever Baekjungmaeul Festival to Be Held in Toero Village, Bubuk-myeon
Experience Miryang Baekjungnori, the Nation's Only National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Hands-On Programs, Performances, and Local Market Await Visitors
Miryang City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on August 25 that it will hold the first-ever '2025 Baekjungmaeul Festival' on September 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Toero Village, Bubuk-myeon.
Baekjung (百中·Baekjong) falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. It is a traditional holiday when farmers, having finished the busy farming season, would pray for a good harvest and treat farmhands to meals. While various Baekjung games have been passed down across the country, Miryang Baekjungnori is the only one designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This festival, organized by the Miryang Foundation for Culture and Tourism, is designed as an event where citizens and visitors can enjoy and help preserve Miryang Baekjungnori together.
The highlight of the festival is the 'Miryang Baekjungnori Parade Performance.' It will take place twice, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., throughout the Toero Village area. The program will begin with Mojeongja Nori and Pungmul Gilnori, followed by a series of diverse performances including Jappgwi-maki Gut (ritual to ward off evil spirits), Ssireum (Korean wrestling), Yangban Dance, and Byeongsin Dance. During the final celebratory gathering, spectators will be able to join in and mingle with the performers.
Additionally, busking performances of intangible cultural heritage will be held all day at the village entrance. In the morning, there will be Miryang Nongak and traditional dance, while in the afternoon, groups such as Ulsan Soeburi, Goseong Nongyo, Gangneung Nongak, Cheongchun Samulnori Troupe, and Daegu Samulnori Team will take the stage in succession.
There will also be a variety of hands-on programs. At the Hwaaksan Nest Traditional Culture Center, families can sign up on-site to participate in a gochujang (red chili paste) making experience. Other activities include traditional percussion instrument experiences, straw craft exhibitions and workshops, as well as traditional games such as Yutnori and Beonanori, all open to participants of all ages.
Alongside food booths, the Bubuk Agricultural Market will offer visitors the chance to purchase local agricultural products and specialties. For transportation convenience, shuttle buses will run approximately every hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bus No. 1 will operate between Miryang Arena and Toero Village, while Bus No. 2 will run from Sapo Elementary School to Bubuk-myeon Administrative Welfare Center to Muyeon Village to Toero Village.
A Miryang City official stated, "We have prepared the first Baekjungmaeul Festival where citizens and tourists can come together to enjoy Miryang Baekjungnori, the only Baekjung game in the country designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. We will continue to develop the festival to further enhance the brand value of Miryang."
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