Gangneung Danoje
Gangneung Danoje is a traditional festival held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month every year in Gangneung, Gangwon-do. It is National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 13 and was registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage masterpiece on November 25, 2005.
Succeeding the traditional meaning of Dano, the Gangneung Dano Festival holds various events such as folk games, performances, and exhibitions, as well as rituals to pray for good harvests and well-being to the mountain gods.
The ritual is the most important event of Gangneung Danoje. Danogut is performed several times from the end of March to the beginning of May after April. Danogut is a ritual for Daegwallyeong Mountain God, Daegwallyeong National Preceptor Seonghwangshin, and Daegwallyeong National Preceptor Yeoseonghwangshin. It has a unique form that combines shamanism and folk consciousness.
Folk games are another highlight of Gangneung Danoje. Various folk games such as swing, ssireum, changpo hair washing, and suri chui tteok are held. Swing jumping is a representative folk game of Dano, and women play the swing to pray for abundance and fertility. Ssireum is one of the most popular events of Danoje, a game where men compete for strength and valor. There is a myth that washing one’s hair with changpo on Dano Day can prevent bad luck and pray for good health and longevity, so many people participate. There is a popular belief that eating surichui tteok on Dano day can bring health, so many people enjoy it.
The performance provides various attractions of Gangneung Danoje. Gangneung Gwanno Masquerade Show is the representative performance of Gangneung Danoje, which has been handed down since the Joseon Dynasty. It is a magnificent and colorful performance featuring the theme of preventing exorcism and disaster, and is loved by many audiences.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Gangneung Danoje. The Gangneung Dano Festival Museum exhibits the relics and records of the Gangneung Dano Festival and provides various information on the history and culture of Dano Festival.
Gangneung Dano Festival is a representative traditional festival in Korea, and many tourists visit every year. It will be a great opportunity to experience Korean traditional culture and customs through Gangneung Danoje.
History of Gangneung Danoje
Gangneung Danoje is a festival with a long history. It dates back to before the Three Kingdoms Period and is said to have been held as a national event during the Joseon Dynasty.
Succeeding the traditional meaning of Dano, the Gangneung Dano Festival holds various events such as folk games, performances, and exhibitions, as well as rituals to pray for good harvests and well-being to the mountain gods.
The content of Gangneung Danoje
Gangneung Danoje Festival is largely divided into ritual, folk games, performances, and exhibitions.
The ritual is the most important event of Gangneung Danoje. Danogut is performed several times from the end of March to the beginning of May after April. Danogut is a ritual for Daegwallyeong Mountain God, Daegwallyeong National Preceptor Seonghwangshin, and Daegwallyeong National Preceptor Yeoseonghwangshin. It has a unique form that combines shamanism and folk consciousness.
Folk games are another highlight of Gangneung Danoje. Various folk games such as swing, ssireum, changpo hair washing, and suri chui tteok are held. Swing jumping is a representative folk game of Dano, and women play the swing to pray for abundance and fertility. Ssireum is one of the most popular events of Danoje, a game where men compete for strength and valor. There is a myth that washing one’s hair with changpo on Dano Day can prevent bad luck and pray for good health and longevity, so many people participate.
About Gangneung City
Gangneung is a city located on the east coast of Gangwon-do, Korea. It is about 230km east of Seoul and is one of the three major cities in Gangwon-do.
Characteristics of Gangneung:
Beautiful nature: Gangneung is famous for its beautiful beaches, dense forests, and clean air. Especially, Gyeongpoho, Gyeongpodae, Jeongdongjin, and Anmok beach are the representative natural attractions of Gangneung.
Rich history and culture: Gangneung has been an important city since ancient times. During the Silla Dynasty, it was the center of the East Sea, and during the Joseon Dynasty, Confucian culture developed. Ojukheon, Seongyojang, Gangneung Hyanggyo, etc. show the history and culture of Gangneung.
Various delicious food: Gangneung is famous for various delicious food. Especially, Gangneung Coffee, Chodang Soft Tofu, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Fresh Seafood are popular menus.
Various festivals: Gangneung is a city where various festivals are held. Especially, Gangneung Danoje is a representative festival designated as UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Gangneung trip:
Gangneung is the most popular tourist destination in summer. You can enjoy sea bathing on a beautiful beach and experience various marine leisure sports.
Gangneung is a beautiful city even in winter. You can enjoy the snow-covered Gyeongpoho Lake and Jeongdongjin, and have a relaxing time drinking warm coffee at Gangneung Coffee Street.
You can easily go to Gangneung by public transportation. It takes about 3 hours by KTX or bus from Seoul.
You can taste various delicious food in Gangneung. You should try Gangneung coffee, chodang soft tofu, sweet and sour chicken, etc.
Gangneung is a must-visit city in Korea. It is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature, rich history and culture, and various delicious foods.
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