GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

- Sharing well wishes at the Wichon Traditional Culture Transmission Center on February 11 (Sun.) -

     In Wichon-ri, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, there is a traditional ceremony called Dobaerye, which is held every year on Seollal (Lunar New Year) to honor the elderly and promote the virtue of filial piety.

     ​The 2024 Wichon-ri Dobaerye Ceremony, organized by Wichon-ri Daedonggye (President Lee Seok-bong), was held at the Wichon Traditional Culture Transmission Center in Wichon-ri at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, and this year, Kim Jeong-gi (born in 1930) was elected as the 21stvillagechief.

     ​The ceremony kicked off with a parade led by the village chief in a palanquin, followed by pre-ceremony performances, presentation of scholarships, and joint sebae (bowing to elders) ceremony. Visitors also got to enjoy playing traditional games such as yut-nori.

     ​ Wichon-ri Dobaerye is a beautiful traditional custom that has been passed down in Wichon-ri since the Joseon Dynasty. It is held on January 2 according to the lunar calendar, and about 100 people, including descendants who have moved out of town, dressed in traditional clothing such as dopo and black durumagi, bow to the village chief and other village elders to wish them well in the new year.

     ​On the day of Dobaerye, people eat tteokguk (rice cake soup) and other foods prepared by the village women’s association, share well wishes, and enjoy their time at the Daedong Hanmadang Festival.

     ​Old records show that the organization, Daedonggye, was formed by the residents of Wichon-ri during the Joseon Dynasty, and it has played a major role in passing down traditional culture and customs through the joint sebae ceremony, bring people across generations together with a sense of community.

     ​An official from Gangneung City said, “We hope that Dobaerye, the oldest sebae ceremony, will continue to be passed on as a meaningful intangible cultural heritage of Gangneung and provide an opportunity for people to honor their elders and practice filial piety, for the preservation of our beautiful traditional customs that are fading away.”

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