Discover the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum in Dangjin
In Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do, there is a very special museum where you can feel the breath of a 500-year tradition.
This museum holds everything about the 'Gijisi Juldarigi,' which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
It is a place where you can encounter the dedication and stories encapsulated within the massive rope crafted by the hands of thousands.
Details of the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum:
Address: 11 Antlemosigil, Songak-eup, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Other Closures: The day after public holidays
Admission: Free
At the museum lobby entrance, there is a large photo zone that announces the Gijisi Juldarigi Festival.
The festival held in April 2026 commemorated the 11th anniversary of its UNESCO registration.
Every year, the Gijisi Juldarigi Festival in Dangjin is a grand celebration wishing for community harmony and abundance that has continued for 500 years.
The museum's exhibition begins with the arduous yet essential process of creating the rope and the villagers' wishes.
Traditional tools used to twist the massive rope are recreated in life size, showcasing the special techniques and tools necessary to gather thousands of strands of straw into one.
Black-and-white photographs covering the walls vividly illustrate how the villagers cooperated seamlessly.
Rope pulling began as a ritual wishing for the village's peace rather than just a competition.
One side of the exhibition space replicates the village's shrine and traditional houses, where a golden thread hung under the roof symbolizes the purity of the sacred rituals.
Monitors display lively interviews and videos of the actual practitioners making the rope or performing rituals, deepening the understanding of intangible heritage.
There is a special space depicting the vibrant Gijisi market and village scenery from the peak of the Gijisi Juldarigi.
It evokes nostalgia for the elderly and offers unique fun for the younger generation.
Among the lively market scenes, a shoe store displays worn straw sandals and rubber shoes, and a repair shop with a rustic 'keys and stamps' sign feels like stepping into a drama set.
The old red rotary phone on the floor evokes memories of the past.
Walking down the alley with flags of a sundae soup restaurant and a traditional medicine shop, you can almost hear the bustling sounds of thousands gathered at the Gijisi market.
The museum is a great place for a nostalgic journey, even when visited with parents!
One of the most memorable exhibits is the rope-pulling demonstration model.
As you learn about the methods and rules of rope pulling while observing the sculptures of people pulling with all their strength, you become even more fascinated by the exhibition.
One corner of the exhibition hall displays traditional costumes and props used in actual festivals and rituals.
The colorful ceremonial robes and archery clothes embody the unique five colors of our nation, holding sacred meanings to ward off evil and invite blessings.
Outdoor Space and Playground:
After the museum exhibits, you will head to the outdoor playground, making it a perfect reason to visit with children.
The playground's slide and tunnel resemble the shape of the massive rope, and the swings face each other in a circular play structure, adding to the excitement.
The final stop is the large rope exhibition hall.
A rope of the same size used in the actual festival is on display, measuring over 1 meter in diameter and reaching waist height for adults, showcasing the incredible effort and straw involved in its creation.
This was a time to fully appreciate the warm hearts of our ancestors who wished for harmony and abundance among neighbors.
From experiencing the stories of a 500-year tradition to an outdoor playground where children can play freely, I highly recommend the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum as a worthwhile travel destination for all ages.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224285223365
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