Haslla Rhapsody: A Modern Symphony of Tradition and Identity
Named after "Haslla," the ancient name of Gangneung, this comprehensive performing arts stage offers a profound reinterpretation of the region’s history and identity through a contemporary lens.

The performance is presented in a "rhapsody" style, a dynamic format that breaks conventional boundaries by blending music, dance, traditional Korean Gugak, and modern performance art. This creative fusion brings a fresh, artistic vitality to the festival, showcasing a side of Gangneung’s cultural heritage that is both deeply rooted and strikingly modern.

The Opening Stage: June 15
A total of nine teams will participate in this year’s showcase. On June 15, the opening day of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, four premier groups will take the stage to ignite the festivities:

The program features the powerful rhythms of Performance Duurenanta, followed by the soulful melodies of Haslla Accordion. The energy continues with a graceful display from the Gangneung Pine Dance Company and culminates in a sophisticated performance by the Varie Ensemble. Together, these artists translate the vibrant spirit of Dano into a seamless flow of music and movement.

An Invitation to a Thousand-Year Heritage
We invite you to immerse yourself in the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a celebration that has endured for a millennium. Haslla Rhapsody is more than just a performance; it is an interactive experience where the audience and performers breathe as one. Come and enjoy the richness of our tradition, reimagined for the modern world, as we celebrate the enduring legacy of this historic festival.

The Gangneung Resident Autonomy Hanmadang held at the Gangneung Danoje Festival is a celebration created for and by the citizens. It brings together a diverse array of performances prepared by community centers across the various towns, townships, and neighborhoods (Eup, Myeon, and Dong) of Gangneung City all in one place.

Serving as a platform to share the fruits of cultural activities that residents have learned and enjoyed in their daily lives, the event spans a wide range of genres, from the powerful rhythms of Nanta and Pungmul to modern dance and traditional performances. On these stages where ordinary citizens become the main characters, there is a level of sincerity and passion that goes far beyond mere technical perfection, drawing the audience into perfect harmony with the performers.

Furthermore, as participants cheer and encourage one another, the local affection and community bonds grow even deeper. Through this, the Gangneung Danoje Festival transcends a simple event to become a true community festival where every citizen takes center stage. Let us join in the celebration and cheer them on with all our hearts!

This is a traditional mask dance drama that has been performed during the Gangneung Danoje Festival, which is designated as both a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originally performed by Gwanno (government-owned slaves belonging to government offices during the Joseon Dynasty), this masked play conveyed stories through humor and satire despite the performers' restrictive social status. It stands as South Korea’s only traditional non-verbal masked play, uniquely expressed entirely through dance and gestures without any spoken dialogue.

The main characters include the Yangban Gwangdae (Nobleman), Somae Gaksi (Young Lady), two Sisi Ttakttaki (Interfering Spirits), and two Jangjamari (Fertility/Gluttonous Spirits), accompanied by musicians who lead the masked drama.

The performance consists of five gwajang (acts):
Act 1: The Jangjamari appear to liven up the atmosphere of the performance.
Act 2: The romantic courtship between Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi unfolds.
Act 3: The Sisi Ttakttaki disrupt and interfere with their love.
Act 4: A grand commotion arises due to Somae Gaksi’s suicide attempt (to prove her innocence).
Act 5: The final act brings the reconciliation of Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi, where all characters and the audience come together to dance and celebrate in total harmony.

In Gangneung, various organizations learn and preserve the tradition of Gwanno Gamenguk, and every year at the Danoje Festival, a stage is set for them to showcase their exceptional skills. This particular stage features students from the Gangneung Lifelong Learning Center, who have spent their time diligently mastering the intricate movements, rhythm, and spirit of this historic mask dance.

Gangneung Nongak: The Fastest and Most Spirited Rhythms of Korea
Designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 1985 and recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Gangneung Nongak is celebrated as one of South Korea’s eight most prestigious regional farmers’ music styles. It is a living testament to the communal spirit and rhythmic heritage of the nation.

The ensemble is a grand tapestry of sound and color, featuring the nonggi (village flag), the piercing suenap (double-reed wind instrument), and a powerful percussion core of gongs and drums (kkwaenggwari, jing, buk, and janggu). Performers wear traditional white robes adorned with vibrant red, blue, and yellow sashes, while the mudong (child dancers) appear in multi-colored costumes, creating a vivid visual spectacle.

What truly sets Gangneung Nongak apart from other regional styles is its technical structure and sheer velocity. It is unique in its clear distinction between the beopgo and sogo dancers and its incorporation of a large number of mudong. Known as the fastest nongak in Korea, its rhythms are simple yet incredibly rapid. The choreography is famously vigorous; performers often dance as if they are running, exuding a spirited and masculine energy that is both powerful and infectious.

During the Gangneung Danoje Festival, the Ari-madang stage at Namdaecheon Stream becomes the beating heart of the festivities. Every day, eight different village bands from the Gangneung area take turns performing, preserving the authentic original form of this thousand-year-old tradition. Performed by the local residents themselves, the dynamic beopgo plays and sogo dances provide visitors with a direct experience of the cheerful, explosive energy that is characteristic of the Yeongdong region.

This is a traditional mask dance drama that has been performed during the Gangneung Danoje Festival, which is designated as both a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originally performed by Gwanno (government-owned slaves belonging to government offices during the Joseon Dynasty), this masked play conveyed stories through humor and satire despite the performers' restrictive social status. It stands as South Korea’s only traditional non-verbal masked play, uniquely expressed entirely through dance and gestures without any spoken dialogue.

The main characters include the Yangban Gwangdae (Nobleman), Somae Gaksi (Young Lady), two Sisi Ttakttaki (Interfering Spirits), and two Jangjamari (Fertility/Gluttonous Spirits), accompanied by musicians who lead the masked drama.

The performance consists of five gwajang (acts):
Act 1: The Jangjamari appear to liven up the atmosphere of the performance.
Act 2: The romantic courtship between Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi unfolds.
Act 3: The Sisi Ttakttaki disrupt and interfere with their love.
Act 4: A grand commotion arises due to Somae Gaksi’s suicide attempt (to prove her innocence).
Act 5: The final act brings the reconciliation of Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi, where all characters and the audience come together to dance and celebrate in total harmony.

In Gangneung, various organizations learn and preserve the tradition of Gwanno Gamenguk, and every year at the Danoje Festival, a stage is set for them to showcase their exceptional skills. Let us together enjoy the Gwanno Gamenguk stage presented by the students who have spent their time diligently learning in the courses opened at the Jumunjin Education and Culture Center.

Dano Class is a stage dedicated to local youth, the future leaders of the Dano Festival.

The event focuses on providing a platform for recitals and showcases to youth currently attending local arts, music, and sports academies. There are no restrictions on the performance format, embracing various genres including music and dance. This initiative serves as a "Dano DNA Awakening Project," rooted in the belief that the experience of performing on the Dano Class stage will inspire local youth to embrace the identity of the Gangneung Danoje Festival and foster deep-rooted pride as citizens of Gangneung.

On June 15, an exciting and dynamic lineup of performances will be presented by the Gangneung Solhyang Youth Traditional Korean Music Arts Troupe, Dance Plus, Choom Mubon, and SPT Tiger Taekwondo & National Representative Tiger Taekwondo School.

Gangneung Nongak: The Fastest and Most Spirited Rhythms of Korea
Designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 1985 and recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Gangneung Nongak is celebrated as one of South Korea’s eight most prestigious regional farmers’ music styles. It is a living testament to the communal spirit and rhythmic heritage of the nation.

The ensemble is a grand tapestry of sound and color, featuring the nonggi (village flag), the piercing suenap (double-reed wind instrument), and a powerful percussion core of gongs and drums (kkwaenggwari, jing, buk, and janggu). Performers wear traditional white robes adorned with vibrant red, blue, and yellow sashes, while the mudong (child dancers) appear in multi-colored costumes, creating a vivid visual spectacle.

What truly sets Gangneung Nongak apart from other regional styles is its technical structure and sheer velocity. It is unique in its clear distinction between the beopgo and sogo dancers and its incorporation of a large number of mudong. Known as the fastest nongak in Korea, its rhythms are simple yet incredibly rapid. The choreography is famously vigorous; performers often dance as if they are running, exuding a spirited and masculine energy that is both powerful and infectious.

During the Gangneung Danoje Festival, the Ari-madang stage at Namdaecheon Stream becomes the beating heart of the festivities. Every day, eight different village bands from the Gangneung area take turns performing, preserving the authentic original form of this thousand-year-old tradition. Performed by the local residents themselves, the dynamic beopgo plays and sogo dances provide visitors with a direct experience of the cheerful, explosive energy that is characteristic of the Yeongdong region.

This is the moment when the wishes of Gangneung citizens, who have kept this millennium-old festival alive, reach the night sky. As a signature celebratory event of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, it splendidly illuminates the Namdaecheon festival grounds—celebrating the successful opening of the festival while praying for the peace, well-being, and prosperity of the local community.