By Charles Audouin
Video = Gangneung Danoje Festival's official website

The Gangneung Danoje Festival, a traditional event originating from ancient harvest and agricultural rites passed on in its traditional form and designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and National Intangible Cultural Heritage, runs through June 22 around Namdaecheon Stream in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province.

Dano, one of the nation's three major holidays along with Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), falls on the fifth day of the fifth month under the lunar calendar, which is June 19 this year. As the day when the positive force yang is considered at its strongest level, this occasion carries the meaning of overcoming the summer heat in good health.

The theme this year, "Unfolding the Spirit of Dano," reflects the value of Dano as participants relieve their sorrow through lively shamanic rituals and wash away misfortune with iris water, finding peace in mind and relationships.

The some 70 events over the festival period include ancestral and shamanistic rituals, traditional performing arts, folk games and experiential activities. Visitors can see shamanistic rituals from the eastern and southern coasts and Jindo-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, to ponder the meaning of comfort and healing inherent in Korean shamanistic culture.

Performing arts troupes from the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, China and Mongolia will also take part.

The event's English-language website (https://www.danojefestival.or.kr/eng/) has been revamped and guided tours in foreign languages have been greatly expanded to enhance convenience for international visitors.

The dress code for this year's festival is Hanbok (traditional clothes). Visitors who wear Hanbok to the event get a 10% discount at the food court and a "Danoje experience village" souvenir badge.

caudouin@korea.kr