Celebrating the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival
As summer begins, June always brings a wonderful feeling when walking outside.
Although it was quite hot during the day, on June 20, 2026, the second day of the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival, the breeze was refreshing, perhaps thanks to the rain that fell the day before.
This weekend, the wind felt particularly special because the long-awaited Taehwa River Maduhui Festival was finally taking place.
As a blogger for Ulsan Metropolitan City, I pondered for a long time about what title to give my post. Now, with the festival's excitement still lingering, one phrase kept echoing in my mind.
"What we pulled was not just a simple rope, but romance itself."
On June 20, 2026, I invite you to feel the heat and romance of the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival and to join in next time.
On my way to the festival, I anxiously watched the sky all morning, wondering, 'What if the festival doesn't go as planned due to yesterday's rain?' Fortunately, the rain stopped, and the sky cleared up.
Arriving at Seongnam-dong, the festival site, I found that all nearby parking lots were already full, as it seemed everyone shared my excitement. I parked a bit farther away, and the walk to the festival felt different. The music and the bustling crowd naturally quickened my steps.
However, I came across some disappointing news while walking. Due to the rain in the morning, the highlight of the festival, the big rope pulling event, was moved to the Taehwa River Sports Park instead of its original location.
The Ulsan Big Rope Pulling, with a 330-year tradition, is a tug-of-war that has been passed down around the military base where Ulsan's town and Gyeongsang Left Army were located.
The name 'Maduhui' comes from geomantic beliefs, and it was recorded in the 25th year of King Yeongjo (1749) that the terrain of Ulsan resembles a horse's head, leading the locals to play tug-of-war to express their dislike for the flowing water.
Because of this, it was believed that if the western side won, there would be a good harvest, and if the eastern side won, the town would be safe.
In 1974, efforts to preserve this tradition began, and it was reenacted as a town event in 1985. Since then, it has continued through various cultural festivals.
Starting in 2012, thanks to the efforts of local residents, the Maduhui has been fully restored and held annually, establishing itself as a part of Ulsan's traditional folk culture.
This year's festival was uniquely enriched by a collaboration with a chicken and beer festival, offering a wealth of sights, experiences, and food. Although I regretted missing out on the chicken and beer festival, I hope to enjoy it by the riverside next year.
Despite missing the chicken and beer, I had no time to feel disappointed. The entire area from Taehwa River Sports Park to Seongnam-dong was transformed into a massive festival site, filled with diverse programs that made time fly.
The Taehwa River Maduhui Festival is not just a festival to watch but one to participate in, which is its greatest charm. It is especially a great place to bring children. Traditional games like throwing arrows and swinging were set up around the area, and it was heartwarming to see kids, usually glued to their smartphones, playing joyfully.
The cheerful sports event stamp tour was held from June 19 to 21, 2026, where participants could earn stamps by engaging in various activities. The children's playground also offered diverse experiences, including traditional games.
The swing event for the Dano celebration immediately caught my attention. The timing of the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival coincided with Dano, allowing for delightful traditional games.
This festival showcased the charm of Ulsan's Jung-gu. The special stamp tour encouraged participants to explore the festival and discover more experiences.
As I followed the stamp tour, I found myself at the historical Dongheon, where the 13th National Sound Contest was taking place, enriching the festival atmosphere.
The traditional sounds resonating under the clear early summer sky were a beautiful art form, providing a healing moment amidst the vibrant activities.
On my way back, I enjoyed various programs like making egg bundles and dyeing with bougainvillea, making for a rich festival experience.
The Taehwa River Maduhui Festival is not just a local event but a grand celebration that breathes life into our weary daily routines.
As our ancestors pulled the rope wishing for a good harvest, we too pulled together, wishing for peace and well-being in 2026. It was a heartwarming escape into the romance of the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival.
To all the citizens of Ulsan and everyone who attended this festival, I hope the romance we shared at the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival lingers as a new source of motivation in our daily lives.
If you haven't experienced the Taehwa River Maduhui Festival yet, I encourage you to join your neighbors and pull this warm rope of romance next year.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224323367753
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