Discovering the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum in Dangjin
The Gijisi Juldarigi Museum in Dangjin is the only specialized museum in South Korea dedicated to the traditional game of tug-of-war.
This museum offers insights into the history of tug-of-war not only in Korea but also in various countries around the world.
Located indoors, it has become a popular destination for indoor travel during the long winter vacation.
The museum serves as a cultural space established to systematically preserve and transmit local traditional culture.
Gijisi Juldarigi is recognized as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 75 and is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, embodying the hopes for community unity and prosperity.
The museum presents the history of tug-of-war, its production process, related rituals, and festival culture in an easily understandable exhibition for citizens and tourists.
The first exhibit that catches the eye is the permanent exhibition hall, featuring around 300 artifacts, records, and photographs related to tug-of-war.
The display includes tools for making ropes, traditional farming implements, and scenes from festivals, vividly showcasing the lifestyle and folk culture of past rural communities.
Visitors can also explore the history of tug-of-war in Korea alongside similar cultures from around the world, confirming that tug-of-war is not limited to specific regions but is a universal community culture that has endured for centuries.
The museum features an actual tug-of-war rope on display, and a miniature exhibition of tug-of-war scenes stands out, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur and atmosphere of the Gijisi Juldarigi.
The Gijisi Juldarigi Folk Festival takes place every year in the second week of April around the museum, featuring the main event of tug-of-war, traditional performances, and folk games.
Visitors can participate in the festival alongside local residents, making it especially popular among families and children.
This April, I plan to attend the Gijisi Juldarigi Festival with my child.
There is also a space in the permanent exhibition hall where visitors can write their wishes on straw and weave them together.
This area is designated for writing wishes that will be burned during the upcoming Daeboreum celebration, providing a meaningful opportunity to experience traditional seasonal customs.
Daeboreum falls on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, celebrated as a day to pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune, featuring various activities such as the Jisinbalgi, Yonggungmaji, Hahoe Byeolsin Gut, Jibulnori, and tug-of-war.
This year's Daeboreum is on March 3rd, and as part of the tradition, I recommend visiting the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum before this date to take time to write your wishes.
My favorite space in the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum is where retro items are displayed, offering nostalgia for parents while providing new experiences for children.
When visiting with family, you can share stories across generations and create lasting memories.
The museum also has a space where visitors can try pulling the rope, giving a sense of being part of the Gijisi Juldarigi event.
Seeing my child pulling the rope with a serious expression was a heartwarming moment for me.
The Gijisi Juldarigi Museum, an ideal indoor travel destination during the cold winter, opened in April 2011 and shows some signs of wear in certain facilities.
With ongoing maintenance and improvements, its appeal as a traditional cultural tourism site representing Dangjin is expected to grow.
I encourage you to visit the Gijisi Juldarigi Museum with your children to discuss traditional culture and experience tug-of-war firsthand.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: Free
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224171127663
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