Special Stage Along Yocheon Stream on October 19
Honoring the Spirit and Legacy of the Late Master Ryu Myeongcheol
Namwon City in North Jeolla Province will host the 1st Namwon Pungnyu National Nongak Competition on a special stage along the Yocheon Stream in Namwon on October 19.
According to the city on September 25, this competition was organized both to honor and carry on the spirit and legacy of the late master Ryu Myeongcheol, and to foster young talents in Nongak. The event will be divided into youth and general divisions, featuring a variety of categories such as solo performances, Samulnori, and traditional performing arts.
In particular, just as other Nongak forms designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Honam region-such as Iri Nongak from Iksan and Pilbong Nongak from Imsil-have regularly strengthened their foundations for preservation through competitions, Namwon Nongak is also expected to expand its base of transmission through this event.
The total prize pool amounts to 17.7 million won. The grand prize winner in the general division will receive 5 million won and a citation from the Mayor of Namwon, while the youth division grand prize winner will be awarded 1 million won. In addition, prizes for excellence, merit, and encouragement are also prepared, drawing strong interest and participation from Nongak performers nationwide.
Applications will be accepted until October 10, either by email, in person at the Culture and Arts Division of Namwon City Hall, or by visiting the Namwon Nongak Troupe. The youth division is open to elementary, middle, and high school students nationwide, as well as individuals and groups under the age of 18. The general division is open to anyone aged 18 or older. However, holders of intangible cultural heritage performing artist status and those who have completed official transmission training are not eligible to participate.
Mayor Choi Kyungsik stated, "The Namwon Pungnyu National Nongak Competition will become a cultural festival that preserves traditional Nongak and welcomes participation from both youth and adults. We will continue to provide various forms of support so that Namwon, the birthplace of Nongak, can further solidify its cultural stature."
Currently, there are eight types of Nongak designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Korea. One of them is Namwon Nongak, which was registered in 2019. Namwon Nongak is characterized by the unique Budeulsangmo style, developed around the late master Ryu Myeongcheol, and is currently being preserved by the Namwon Nongak Preservation Association.
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