If you are looking for something to do in Jinju AND save some money that’d be otherwise spent traveling, there might be something for you here at the end of May. For a great chance to learn about some history and local culture, come to Jinjuseong (Jinju Fortress) for the Nongae Festival. Running from May 25th-27th, the Festival commemorates the great sacrifices made by Jinju locals and most importantly Nongae – the entertainer who bravely gave her own life to kill a prominent Japanese general during the Imjin War. Here’s one perspective on Nongae’s great actions:
“Capturing the enemy commander is the same as annihilating an enemy corps. Moreover, as a mere gwangi (traditional dancing & singing woman belonged to government), she showed her loyalty and patriotism to us. This laudable story will be remembered forever.”
– Poet Jeong Ji-yong(1902~?)
While the festival is centered around Nongae, it is also a celebration of local art throughout Jinju’s history. Thanks to the great wealth of resources found on Jinju’s Nongae Cyber Museum, there’s a little of something for everyone. With information posted in English, Korean, and Japanese, Jinju is certainly interested in attracting as many people from as many walks of life as possible to this festival. The website hosts sections on history, literature, a collection of songs dedicated to Nongae, and even a cleverly put-together cartoon about her.
There will certainly be some great sights and fun activities going on in and around Jinjuseong! .
Although the English website hasn’t been updated since 2010, here’s the latest schedule translated by our dear friend Yejin here in Jinju:
May, 25. Friday
17:00 – 17:50 Heondare (tea offering ceremony and procession) at Jinju Castle
17:50-18:40 Uiam Byeolje (Ritual) at the Open Theater in front of the museum in Jinju Castle
20:00 – 20:50 Opening ceremony and the reenactment of Nongae’s sacrifice at Uiam
May 26. Saturday
18:00 – 19:00 The performances of Jinju intagible cultural assets at the Open Theater
19:30 – 20:30 Music concert at the Open Theater
21:00 – 21:40 The reenactment of Nongae’s sacrifice at Uiam
May 27. Sunday
18:00 – 20:30 Several performances at the Open Theater
21:00 – 21:40 The reenactment of Nongae’s sacrifice at Uiam
For more info, please visit these websites:
Korean: http://nongae.jinju.go.kr/main/
English: http://english.jinjunongae.com/main/
Japanese: http://japan.jinjunongae.com/main/
The Quote by Jeong Ji-yong can be found here: http://english.jinjunongae.com/02cyber/02_01.php
Yo Jinju! 