The Gijisi Juldari Festival: A Celebration of Tradition
Every April, the Gijisi Juldari Festival is held in Gijisi-ri, Songak-eup, Dangjin City, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, we will introduce the heart of the festival: the making of the large rope.
The Gijisi Juldari Preservation Association has been working tirelessly since February 25, utilizing over 20 members daily to create the rope using 6,000 bundles of straw.
On the day of my visit, preservation members, hundreds of local residents, and volunteers from the Songak Community Self-Governance Committee and Saemaul Leaders were all busily engaged in the production of the large rope.
The photo shows two smaller ropes being joined to create a 100-meter length. It is remarkable that they plan to make 210 of these smaller ropes, demonstrating immense dedication and effort.
To create the middle rope, 70 strands of smaller rope are laid out on the ground and connected with straw, resembling the way dried fish are woven. While it may look easy, it requires highly skilled techniques.
The preliminary work involves weaving 70 strands of smaller rope into three middle ropes. During this, a performance by the Sehan Dae folk music group entertained the volunteers, energizing them for the task ahead.
As the members shout, "Heave-ho! Heave-ho!" several strong adults begin to turn the heads of the ropes.
As the framework spins, dozens of people stand in a line using their feet to roll the smaller ropes, which twist together into the middle rope, creating a fascinating sight.
Once the three middle ropes are complete, the process of making the large rope begins. Adults turn the framework while others roll the three middle ropes in sequence, using their feet. The twisted large rope is then pulled back toward them using connected ropes and rolled again, creating an impressive visual.
The thickness of the large rope indicates that it requires many people to create it. I was curious about the large drum attached to the framework, but observing the rope-making process clarified its purpose.
As the rope twists, a technique called sachimi is applied to ensure the middle ropes are tightly twisted. A roller is placed beneath the middle ropes to facilitate this process, showcasing the wisdom of the 500-year tradition of Gijisi Juldari.
The large rope was not always this size. The name Gijisi, meaning "pond market," indicates that it was a market town with a pond for storing the rope framework. The integration of agricultural and maritime cultures led to the unique development of Gijisi Juldari.
The Gijisi market thrived over 350 years ago, holding markets 12 times a month. As participation grew, the smaller ropes previously used began to break, prompting the creation of larger ropes, evolving into the current form of the tug-of-war.
After completing the large rope, the final steps include creating the main rope, side ropes, and auxiliary ropes that will be used in the Gijisi Juldari. On my return visit, I joined the artisans in making these final components.
Choi Eun-mo, the president of the Gijisi Juldari Preservation Association, stated that the rope-making is progressing as planned with the participation of many citizens. They aim to complete the ropes by the end of the month, hoping many tourists will visit during the festival to experience the charm of Gijisi Juldari.
The 2026 Gijisi Juldari Festival will be held from April 9 to 12 at the Gijisi Juldari Museum in Songak-eup, Dangjin City. The first day will feature rituals for disaster recovery and national peace, marking the official start of the festival.
On the second day, various events like tug-of-war competitions for children and culinary contests will take place. The evening will feature an opening ceremony with performances by popular artists and a drone show.
The final day will culminate in the highlight of the festival: the tug-of-war event, expected to draw significant participation from citizens.
Visitors will also find relaxation zones at the festival site, encouraging them to stay and enjoy the 500-year tradition of Gijisi Juldari.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224241032936
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