Gangneung Danoje Festival Opens with Traditional Rites, New Water-Play Event and Global Performances
Creatrip Team
a month ago
The UNESCO-listed Gangneung Danoje, held on the lunar 5th day of the 5th month, opened in Gangneung, Gangwon Province with the theme “Pulini, Dano-da.” The eight-day festival (15–22) features 72 programs across 13 fields aimed at ritual cleansing and celebration, including traditional rites, folk games, and performances. A new highlight this year is the ‘Dano changpo water battle’ (창포물대전), a public hair‑washing and water-play event using changpo (iris used traditionally on Dano). The festival expanded international offerings with invited troupes from five countries (including the Philippines, Thailand and Japan), multilingual guides, and world intangible cultural heritage stages. A nostalgia zone recreates 1970–80s street games, snacks and photo spots in retro costume. Signature events include the city parade “Sintong Daegil” (신통대길 길놀이) with village processions and local performing groups, daily silent mask-play “Gwan‑no mask drama” (관노가면극), and the regional folk song performance “Haksan Odokttegi” (학산 오독떼기) on the final day. Visitors can try traditional activities—changpo hair‑washing, rice‑cake tasting, folk games, crafts and more—while the festival offers food stalls, discounts for hanbok (한복) wearers, and tourist services. Organizers say the event aims to offer healing and boost the festival’s global profile by combining tradition with community and modern elements.
