Every June, Gangneung comes alive with the vibrant ‘Gangneung Danoje Festival’, a celebration rich in tradition and culture. With over a thousand years of history, this festival offers unforgettable memories to both locals and visitors from around the world. Gangneung Danoje Festival commemorates our precious cultural heritage and is filled with various programs that everyone can enjoy. Experience Korean traditional culture firsthand through dance, music, traditional games, and food.
1. Introduction to the “Gangneung Danoje Festival”
1-1. About the Gangneung Danoje Festival
The Gangneung Danoje Festival is an annual traditional celebration held in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea. This festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is one of Korea’s most significant folk festivals. It will take place this year from June 6 to June 13 (Wikipedia) (Trazy Blog).
1-2. History and Significance
The Gangneung Danoje Festival is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, aimed at praying for a bountiful harvest and communal peace. It is a unique blend of shamanistic, Confucian, and Buddhist rituals that have been preserved since the Joseon Dynasty. During the festival, participants engage in making sinju, a sacred liquor, and performing various rituals to honor the mountain deities (Wikipedia) (Korea JoongAng Daily).
1-3. Visitor Information
The festival is open to everyone and takes place across various locations in Gangneung. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences and participate in hands-on activities. For more detailed information and schedules, visit the official Gangneung Danoje Festival website (UNESCO).
The Gangneung Danoje Festival takes place in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, primarily around the Namdaecheon Stream and its vicinity. In 2024, the festival will be held from June 6 to June 13 (Travel And Tour World) (Haps Magazine).
2-2. Key Events and Activities
Dano Gut
The core event of the festival, this shamanistic ritual prays for the peace and prosperity of the village. It involves brewing sinju (sacred liquor) and offering it to the mountain gods, accompanied by traditional dance and music (Realk) (Haps Magazine).
Gwanno Mask Drama
A traditional mask dance drama that includes various satirical stories and social commentary. The audience can experience a blend of the past and present through performances featuring unique Korean masks (Realk).
Nanjang Market
The largest outdoor market in Korea, where local specialties and handicrafts are sold. Visitors can enjoy traditional Korean food and cultural experiences through various hands-on programs (UNESCO).
Traditional Games and Experiences
Activities such as swing riding, wrestling (ssireum), and folk music performances. Visitors can participate and immerse themselves in Korean traditional games and culture (Realk).
Sinju Brewing Experience
A hands-on program where visitors can brew sinju themselves, wearing traditional Korean attire. This program is especially popular among family visitors (Korea JoongAng Daily).
2-3. Reservation and Ticket Information
Most events and programs of the Gangneung Danoje Festival are free to attend, but some special programs and activities may require a fee. Certain events might require prior reservations, so it is advisable to check the official website for detailed information before your visit. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, and online reservations may also be available. For the latest information and reservations, please visit the official Gangneung Danoje Festival website.
2-4. Directions to the Festival
For those looking to attend the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a shuttle bus service is available from Gangneung Station to the festival site. The festival site, which is about a 10-minute drive from Gangneung IC towards Namdaecheon, is recommended to be accessed via public transportation, especially on weekends when it can get crowded.
Here’s how you can get there using public transportation from Seoul.
By Train
KTX You can take the KTX from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Once you arrive at Gangneung Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the festival site around Namdaecheon Stream.
By Bus
Express Bus You can catch an express bus from either Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Central City) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Gangneung. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival at the Gangneung Express Bus Terminal, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the festival location.
Local Transport
Local Buses From Gangneung Station or Gangneung Express Bus Terminal, you can take local buses (check specific bus numbers) that head towards Namdaecheon Stream. Local buses are a cost-effective way to get around, with various routes connecting to the festival site.
The 2024 Gangneung Danoje Festival, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, once again showcased the beauty of our cultural heritage and traditions to the world. This festival started from the early days of April according to the lunar calendar and kicked off with grand celebrations at the Namdaecheon Danoje Pavilion on June 6th, including a variety of events and performances that lasted until June 9th. The highlight for many was the fireworks display on the second day, June 7th, which captivated numerous spectators and photographers with its breathtaking scenes.
The festival attracted citizens and tourists from all over the country, especially during the long weekend, causing traffic and parking congestion around the main venues. The anticipation for the fireworks led many to secure their spots early, showcasing the event’s popularity. Despite the challenges of capturing the perfect moment of fireworks in photography, the beauty and satisfaction derived from these shots were immense for many photographers.
This year’s Danoje Festival not only reminded us of the importance and beauty of our traditions and culture but also left us looking forward to future celebrations. The festival provided joy and memories for all who participated, highlighting the significance of preserving such traditions for generations to come.
Today, I visited the Gangneung Dano Festival, one of the major events in Gangwon Province. The festival runs for eight days from June 6th to 13th and is held near the Namdaecheon parking lot. A large number of people attended the event, and the food offerings included whole roasted pork, pork belly, and festive noodles. Prices were relatively reasonable, with pork belly at 20,000 KRW per serving and whole roasted pork at 25,000 KRW per serving.
Given Gangneung’s fame for coffee, there were coffee experience booths where visitors could enjoy free tastings and purchase freshly roasted coffee. There were also various facilities for children and adults, including a circus, shooting games, and darts. We dined at Baeknyeon Kalguksu, where we ordered festive noodles (7,000 KRW) and seafood pancake (15,000 KRW). The portions were generous, and the food was delicious, making it a more affordable option compared to other food stalls.
The dining area was located right next to Namdaecheon, offering a scenic view while eating, and in the evening, we could watch the fireworks. The festival also featured various hands-on activities such as tasting traditional rice cakes and herbal wine (free), Dano postcard coloring (free), washing hair with sweet flag water (3,000 KRW), and Dano fan painting (5,000 KRW). There were resting areas to take a break from the heat, and performances were held at three venues: Surimadang, Arimadang, and the Transmission Education Center. Performances included traditional percussion, art troupes, mask plays, and more.
There were also hanbok rental shops and a giant swing with a competition for the highest swing, with prizes for the winners. The entire Namdaecheon area served as the festival ground. Fireworks were held on June 7th and 13th, with the display on the 7th starting at 9:30 PM and lasting for about 5 minutes. Despite the large crowd, the event was safely managed with the help of the police.
With only a few days left for the Dano Festival, I highly recommend a trip to Gangneung to experience it.
Comfortable Shoes: The festival involves a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.
Sun Protection: Early June in Gangneung can be quite sunny. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Light Clothing: Wear breathable, lightweight clothing to stay comfortable in warm weather. Also, consider bringing a light jacket for unpredictable weather.
Prepare Cash
Cash Usage: Some traditional markets and small vendors may not accept card payments, so it’s wise to carry some cash. This is particularly useful in places like the Jungang Market.
Check the Event Schedule
Preliminary Research: Check the official website or festival guidebook for the schedule of major events and programs. Planning your visit around the events you are interested in will enhance your festival experience. For detailed information, visit the official Gangneung Danoje Festival website (Haps Magazine) (Veronika\’s Adventure).
Transportation and Parking Information
Public Transportation: Parking can be challenging during the festival, so using public transportation is recommended. Arrive in Gangneung by train or bus and use local buses or taxis to get to the festival site.
Parking Space: If you must drive, check the official website for information on available parking areas and shuttle bus services.
Experience Local Cuisine
Taste Local Food: Visit places like the Gangneung Jungang Market to enjoy a variety of traditional local foods. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while savoring the unique flavors of Gangneung.
5. Exploring Around the Festival: Attractions Nearby
5-1. Top Tourist Spots Near the Festival
While visiting the Gangneung Danoje Festival, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful tourist attractions in the vicinity. Gangneung is a city rich in cultural heritage and natural scenery, offering various places to see and activities to enjoy. Here are some recommended tourist spots:
Gyeongpo Pavilion (Gyeongpodae)
Gyeongpodae is a famous tourist spot in Gangneung, known for its stunning beach and Gyeongpo Lake. Visitors can enjoy various water sports at the beach and take leisurely walks around the lake. In spring, the area hosts a cherry blossom festival, making it a popular destination.
Ojukheon
Ojukheon is the birthplace of the famous Korean scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother, Shin Saimdang. It showcases traditional Korean hanok architecture. The Ojukheon Museum displays various historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into Korea’s traditional culture. The surrounding bamboo forest provides a peaceful setting for a walk.
Seongyojang
Seongyojang is a traditional Korean noble house from the Joseon Dynasty, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture. It offers various cultural experience programs, such as traditional wedding ceremonies and tea ceremonies. The seasonal changes in the landscape make Seongyojang a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.
Jeongdongjin
Jeongdongjin is famous for its sunrise views and holds the record for the world’s closest train station to the sea, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The beach is a romantic spot for watching the sunrise, and the area has various cafes and restaurants for visitors to relax.
Gangneung Coffee Street
Gangneung is also known for its coffee culture. The Gangneung Coffee Street is home to many unique cafes, making it a popular spot for coffee lovers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of coffee and desserts made with local specialties.
In addition to these, Gangneung has numerous museums, art galleries, and natural landscapes to explore. Enjoy your visit to the Gangneung Danoje Festival and the nearby attractions.
5-2. Recommendations for Accommodations and Dining
While enjoying the Gangneung Danoje Festival, you can also experience the best accommodations and dining options in the area. Gangneung offers a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable visit.
5-2-1.Top Hotel Picks
St. John’s Hotel Gangneung
St. John’s Hotel is a premier luxury hotel in Gangneung, conveniently located near the beach. It offers various room options, a pool, a spa, and other amenities for a comfortable stay.
Seamarq Hotel features modern design and luxurious facilities, with all rooms offering ocean views. The hotel provides restaurants, bars, a spa, and more to enhance your stay.
For a unique experience, stay at Gyeongpo Hanok Village, where you can enjoy traditional Korean houses and beautiful gardens. It offers a glimpse into Korea’s traditional culture.
Gangneung Jungang Market is a bustling market where you can enjoy a variety of local foods, from fresh seafood to traditional Korean dishes. It’s a great place to experience the local culture.
The Gangneung Danoje Festival offers a unique opportunity to deeply immerse yourself in Korean traditions and culture. From shamanistic rituals to traditional games, various performances, and hands-on programs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Combine this with the stunning natural scenery of Gangneung, and you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
