Dano Jojeonje (Morning Ritual) is held every morning at 10:00 AM from May 4th to May 8th of the lunar calendar, when the Danoje Festival takes place, at the Dano altar. As the Danoje Festival is a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest and peace throughout the Gangneung and Yeongdong regions, the heads of organizations and institutions in Gangneung serve as heongwan (ritual officials) to perform the sacrificial rites. Confucian-style ancestral rituals are male-centric rituals, mainly performed with men taking an interest in praying for the well-being of the entire local community and the prosperity of their livelihoods.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Chilseongshin (the Seven Stars Deity) is a deity overseeing the human lifespan and longevity. Rather than an indigenous shamanic deity, it is considered a faith that emerged due to the influence of Taoism. The shamanic song (muga) of Chilseonggut incorporates the concept of Obang (the five directional cardinal colors), embodying the content that "Dongdo-chilseong (Seven Stars of the East), Namdo-chilseong (Seven Stars of the South), Seodo-chilseong (Seven Stars of the West), and Bukdo-chilseong (Seven Stars of the North) take care of human fortune and longevity."

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Sonnimgut is a gut (shamanic ritual) that serves Sonnim (the Guest), who is known as the deity that brings smallpox (mama) and measles. It is performed with the meaning that treating Sonnim with great hospitality can prevent infectious diseases such as measles and smallpox. When performing Sonnimgut, the female shaman (munyeo) conducts the ritual while lifting a sondae (a ritual staff) to rest on her shoulder and wearing a gat (traditional Korean hat); at this time, she sings the narrative shamanic song Sonnimpuri. The content of the gut is a story where "Nogu-halmae" (Grandmother Nogu), who treated Sonnim with great hospitality, receives blessings, while "Kim Jangja," who mistreated the deity, loses his only son to smallpox.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Cheonwanggut is also referred to as "Wonnimgut," but the exact character of Cheonwang has not been clearly revealed. The shamanic song (muga) of Cheonwanggut begins by declaring that our country is a myeongdang (an auspicious site) and performing "Chigukjabi," which orally narrates the history of Korea from the Dangun era to the present day. Afterward, it performs the Buddhist-style "Cheonwangpuri" and concludes with the content of praying to Cheonwang for human good fortune.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Gunungjangsugut always starts as the first gut (shamanic ritual) on the day of Dano. It is performed during the hour of Osi (the hour of the Horse, 11 AM to 1 PM), when the yang energy is said to be at its strongest. Gunungjangsugut is also referred to as "Notdongugut," and the character of Gunung is quite complex. It is served as a trade deity, an agricultural deity, an envoy deity, or a deity of generals, and also appears as a deity that enters from the outside to ward off evil spirits; however, the Gunung of the Gangneung Danogut has a strong character as a deity of generals (warriors).

Performed as an after-ritual (Ditpuri) of the Cheonwang-gut, this satyrical sketch is enacted by male shamanic musicians (Yangjung) and is also referred to as Cheonwang-gonban or Doriganggoan Won-nori.

Cheonwang-gonban is a ritual drama (Gut-nori) designed to console the soul of the Wonnim (the local magistrate). The narrative unfolds around the Wonnim, the town magistrate, and is a shamanic play (Mugeuk) performed entirely by male shamans (Nammu). The plot portrays the sharp conflicts that arise among the newly appointed magistrate, the subordinate official Doriganggoan, other local officials (Isok), and a servant named Godigi upon the magistrate's arrival in the village.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Chukwongut is a gut (shamanic ritual) that offers prayers and blessings for the audience participating in the gut. It prays for the comfort and peace of households, the well-being of descendants, and abundance. When the Chukwongut is performed, one can see many elderly residents of Gangneung coming forward to burn sacred paper (soji) and make their wishes.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Chukwongut is a gut (shamanic ritual) that offers prayers and blessings for the audience participating in the gut. It prays for the comfort and peace of households, the well-being of descendants, and abundance. When the Chukwongut is performed, one can see many elderly residents of Gangneung coming forward to burn sacred paper (soji) and make their wishes.

Gangneung Danogut is the core traditional ritual of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a Daedonggut-style (grand communal ritual) gut that serves Guksa Seonghwangshin (the Guardian Deity of Daegwallyeong Pass) and invites various other deities.

The ritual begins with the Shinju Bitgi (brewing the sacred liquor) on the 5th day of the 4th lunar month, and the sacred tree of Daegwallyeong is escorted on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then, through the Yeongsin Haengcha (Welcoming the Deities Procession) on the 3rd day of the 5th lunar month, the sacred tree is enshrined at the Namdaecheon Stream Gutdang (ritual hall), after which various gut rituals are performed continuously from morning till evening until the day Dano ends.

A key feature of Gangneung Danogut is that it is performed by seseubmu (hereditary shamans) who have inherited the shamanic profession through generations within their families. Unlike those who undergo spiritual possession, these hereditary shamans are professional shamanic priests who perform rituals based on the shamanic knowledge and skills passed down to them since childhood by parents, siblings, or relatives, possessing outstanding artistic talent.

In Gangneung Danogut, about 20 gutgeori (ritual procedures) are performed, serving a wide variety of deities. These include the main deities—Guksa Seonghwangshin and Guksa Yeoseonghwangshin (the Female Guardian Deity)—as well as the Mountain Deity, the deity overseeing childbirth and production, the deity granting longevity, the deities protecting the village and household, the deity granting wealth, and the deity warding off diseases. To truly witness and understand the meaning of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, one must see the Danogut.

Chukwongut is a gut (shamanic ritual) that offers prayers and blessings for the audience participating in the gut. It prays for the comfort and peace of households, the well-being of descendants, and abundance. When the Chukwongut is performed, one can see many elderly residents of Gangneung coming forward to burn sacred paper (soji) and make their wishes.

[Solhyang Youth Symphony] is a youth orchestra operated by the Gangneung Youth Center. Since its inception in 2009, it has established itself as a representative regional youth cultural and arts group through annual regular concerts and a wide range of performance activities.

In this upcoming concert, the orchestra will showcase a diverse repertoire that beautifully blends the depth of classical music with the familiarity of popular music, filling the morning of Dano with a rich and abundant musical experience. The warm melodies of Dano, blossoming from the fingertips of these young musicians, will harmonize with the traditional space of the festival, creating a deeply moving stage that delivers a truly special and memorable experience to the audience.

“The brilliant passion of youth! Under the clear, blue sky of Dano, a special stage unfolds just for our youth!”

In celebration of Dano, one of our nation's greatest traditional festivals, the Gangneung Comprehensive Social Welfare Center has once again prepared a vibrant platform this year. This event is a special opportunity designed to help young people gain confidence on stage and freely express their unique, individual colors.

For any youth who loves music, this is a stage where anyone can become the main protagonist, regardless of the genre. From powerful band performances to sweet, melodic solos and ensembles—whether standing alone or holding hands with friends—every moment spent on this stage will become an irreplaceable, cherished memory.

The 〈Dano Youth Song Festival〉 is a competition that roots for a heart that sincerely enjoys the stage and the friendships that blossom along the way, rather than focusing solely on flashy skills. Serving as a true venue of harmony where the audience and youth communicate through the universal language of music, this festival will bring all generations together as one.

“A night of the thousand-year-old Dano, filled to the brim with the brilliant passion of our youth!”

Ten youth teams that have successfully passed the nationwide preliminary rounds gather in one place to showcase spectacular performances across a diverse range of genres, including K-POP, hip-hop, and street dance. On the Dano grounds, where a millennium of tradition breathes alive, this dynamic and vibrant stage crafted by young people will deliver a truly unforgettable, special night to festival visitors.

Come and experience the ultimate, exhilarating dance fever of youth at the Dano 〈Youth Dance Festival〉

In 2013, the 〈National Folk Song Competition: Solhyang Arirang Festival〉 took its very first step, dedicated to inheriting the sinmyeong (exuberant joy) and han (deep-seated sorrow) embedded in the traditional melodies of our nation. Today, it proudly celebrates its 12th anniversary. Staying true to its mission year after year without a single interruption, this competition has now firmly established itself as a genuinely nationwide folk song festival.

Held in celebration of Dano, this competition opens its doors wide to anyone who loves our traditional folk songs. From elementary school students infusing their dreams into their voices to adults weaving the profound depth of life into their melodies, this festival breaks down all age barriers to become a harmonious stage united solely by the power of "song."

You are the true protagonist of this meaningful stage—a stage that honors our traditional roots while discovering the next generation of master vocalists.

This mask play was traditionally performed during the Gangneung Danoje Festival, which is inscribed on both the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and South Korea's National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is a mask drama that was originally performed by Gwanno—slaves belonging to government offices during the Joseon Dynasty—who conveyed stories through humor and satire despite their strict social limitations. As South Korea's only traditional non-verbal mask drama, the narrative is expressed entirely through dance and gestures without any dialogue.

The main characters include the Yangban Gwangdae (Aristocrat Clown), Somae Gaksi (Young Lady), two Sisi Ttakttaki (Interfering Demons), and two Jangjamari (Fertility Spirits), accompanied by the musicians who lead the rhythm of the drama.

The performance consists of a total of five acts (Gwajang):
Act 1: The Jangjamari appear to liven up the atmosphere and prepare the stage.
Act 2: The romantic courtship between the Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi unfolds.
Act 3: The Sisi Ttakttaki disrupt and interfere with their romance.
Act 4: A major commotion erupts following a suicide attempt by Somae Gaksi to prove her innocence.
Act 5: The drama concludes with a reconciliation between the Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi, where all characters and the audience come together to dance, celebrate, and harmonize.

In Gangneung-si, various organizations learn and preserve the lineage of the Gwanno Mask Drama, and an annual stage is provided during the Danoje Festival for them to showcase their skills. Let’s fully immerse ourselves in and enjoy the performance by the Samgaesa Gwanno Mask Drama Team!

Nongyo (farming songs) is a category of traditional folk songs sung either individually or collectively. These songs are performed while working in the fields, returning home after finishing farming tasks, or even while crafting agricultural tools such as hoes and sickles. The types of songs, lyrical content, and singing styles vary significantly depending on the region.

〈Andong Jeojeon-dong Nongyo〉 refers to the native oral folk songs that the farmers of Jeojeon-dong have sung for generations. These unique melodies were traditionally sung to alleviate the fatigue of grueling farmwork and to boost labor efficiency. The performance is highly regarded for the distinctiveness and originality of both its thematic content and rhythmic melodies.
In 1973, the group represented Gyeongsangbuk-do at the National Folk Arts Contest, where they achieved nationwide recognition by winning the prestigious Minister of Culture and Information Award. Notably, the late master Jo Cha-gi, who led the call-and-response as the lead vocalist (Seonsori), was highly praised for his extraordinarily unique singing technique, earning an individual award alongside the group's collective honor.

〈Andong Jeojeon-dong Nongyo〉 was officially designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 2 in December 1980, and master Jo Cha-gi was recognized as its official skill holder. In 1990, the village residents officially established the [Andong Jeojeon-dong Nongyo Preservation Association]. Since then, the association has been actively preserving the tradition through regular public showcases and folk festivals, while frequently being invited to perform at various major events both within Andong-si and across neighboring regions.

Located to the south of Gangneung and embracing a millennium of history from the Gulsansa Temple Site, Haksan Village is a land so abundant and sacred that an old saying goes, "In life, one wishes to live in Mosan and Haksan (生居茅鶴山)." This historic and cultural village is not only the sacred birthplace of Beomil Guksa (State Preceptor Beomil), the principal deity of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, but also a place that has faithfully preserved 〈Gangneung Haksan Odokttegi〉, a noble traditional farming song of the Korean people.

Odokttegi is an agricultural folk song imbued with both the refined artistic spirit (Pungryu) of the Silla Dynasty's Hwarang (elite youth warriors) and a philosophy of mutual coexistence achieved through reclaiming noble fields. Its historical value is so profound that King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty, deeply amazed by the performers' immense skill, had them accompany the royal procession with the formal courtesies reserved for royal musicians. Transcending a simple melody, this song sublimates grueling farmwork into fine art, symbolizing the resilient vitality and community spirit of the Gangneung people.

Passed down through generations by the residents of Haksan Village, 〈Haksan Odokttegi〉 reenacts the entire year-long process of farming—from rice planting to threshing—reviving a thousand-year-old resonance into today's sinmyeong (exuberant joy). At the Gangneung Danoje Festival performance, visitors can truly experience the essence of Odokttegi, rich with the earthy scent of the Haksan fields, ranging from the lively Paraesori (weed-pulling song) and the cheerful Jajin Arari to the festive excitement of Madaengisori (threshing song).

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 altogether enjoy this special performance by "JOM-Ara," a youth group dedicated to passing down the tradition of Gwanno Gamenguk under the Gangneung Danoje Preservation Association.

“Traditional Performance (Yeonhui): Transcending its indigenous domain into a new genre of performing arts.”

[Gugak Percussion Group: Beoseumsae] is a performing arts troupe dedicated to inheriting and preserving Yeonhui (traditional performing arts), which embodies Korea’s unique rhythms, theatrical play, satire, and humor. Based on creative rhythms reinterpreted from traditional shamanic beats, non-verbal performances inspired by Nongak (farmers' music), and body percussion driven by Korea's distinctive rhythmic structures, the group actively produces and performs its own highly innovative percussion repertoires.

Their featured Dano performance is an original creative Yeonhui drama titled 〈Soe-go-rang (Golden Gongs and Drums)〉, which tells the story of the "Metal Gong Village" and the "Drum Village." Every year on the day of Dano, the two villages collaborate to host a grand communal festival. The absolute highlight of this festival is a fierce competition where the performing teams from both villages showcase the skills and techniques they have meticulously honed over the past year. In their pursuit of victory, each village fully unleashes their prepared talents, introduces groundbreaking new techniques, and engages in intense psychological warfare. This fierce rivalry, in turn, treats the audience to an even more thrilling and spectacular sight. Come and fully immerse yourself in the exhilarating fun of this creative Yeonhui drama!

This mask play was traditionally performed during the period of the "Gangneung Danoje Festival," which is inscribed on both the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and South Korea's National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is a mask drama that was originally performed by Gwanno—slaves belonging to government offices during the Joseon Dynasty—who conveyed stories through humor and satire despite their strict social limitations. As South Korea's only traditional non-verbal mask drama, the narrative is expressed entirely through dance and gestures without any dialogue.

The main characters include the Yangban Gwangdae (Aristocrat Clown), Somae Gaksi (Young Lady), two Sisi Ttakttaki (Interfering Demons), and two Jangjamari (Fertility Spirits), accompanied by the musicians who lead the rhythm of the drama.

The performance consists of a total of five acts (Gwajang):
Act 1: The Jangjamari appear to liven up the atmosphere and prepare the stage.
Act 2: The romantic courtship between the Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi unfolds.
Act 3: The Sisi Ttakttaki disrupt and interfere with their romance.
Act 4: A major commotion erupts following a suicide attempt by Somae Gaksi to prove her innocence.
Act 5: The drama concludes with a reconciliation between the Yangban Gwangdae and Somae Gaksi, where all characters and the audience come together to dance, celebrate, and harmonize.

In Gangneung-si, various organizations learn and preserve the lineage of the Gwanno Mask Drama, and an annual stage is provided during the Danoje Festival for them to showcase their skills. Among them, the Gwanno Mask Drama performed by the Gangneung Danoje Preservation Association is considered the closest to the authentic origin, representing the true history and tradition of the Gangneung Danoje Festival.

Gangneung Dano-gut (Shamanic Ritual) plays a pivotal role in leading both the ritualistic aspects and the overarching festival atmosphere of the Gangneung Danoje Festival.

〈Eosija Osija (Come One, Come All)〉 is a stage performance that creatively reorganizes and adapts the various theatrical and performative elements of the Gangneung Dano-gut. The title, Eosija Osija, refers to the traditional mouth-sounds (Gueum, or vocal music) chanted by the shamanic musicians during the ritual. It carries the profound meaning of "inviting heaven, earth, and all living beings," symbolizing an "open ritual space" where gods, humans, and the audience all actively participate together.

The performance of 〈Eosija Osija〉 begins with a Binari—a prayer for personal longevity and household peace—and progresses through a captivating sequence: the Seojongut (Ritual for the Buddha/Deity of Childbirth), Puneori (Dynamic Rhythmic Pattern), Deureonggaengi (Complex Shamanic Beats), and the Chorongdeungchum (Silk Lantern Dance). Ultimately, it unfolds as an interactive, participatory ritual performance where the audience and performers mingle as one.

Held in conjunction with the 2026 Gangneung Danoje Festival, the 〈Gangwon Youth Activity Festival D.Y.F (Dano Youth Festival)〉 is a youth-led program organized under the theme, “Pulrini, Danoda (Dano Unfolds) – The Talk of the Town, DYF.” This year's festival is structured around four distinct programmatic streams:

Unleash Your Talent, Performance Yard: Youth performance teams take center stage to showcase their diverse talents and passion.
Unleash the Fun, Experience Yard: A variety of interactive experience booths offer engaging and enjoyable activities for all visitors.
Connect the Millennia, Theme Yard: A dedicated space designed to help everyone understand and enjoy the millennium-old Dano traditions in an easy and entertaining way.
Connect the Relationships, Harmony Yard: A vibrant platform for networking and exchange, bringing all participants together as one.

Let’s create our own unforgettable Dano memories at this festival, where youth directly create and celebrate together, naturally embracing the core values of sustainable youth activities!

Gangneung is a city with deeply rooted football traditions and infrastructure, so much so that it is widely referred to as the “Capital of Football (Gudo) and the Home of Korean Football.” The backdrop to why Gangneung earned this reputation lies in the 〈Dano Regular Football Match〉 between Gangneung Jeil High School and Gangneung Jungang High School—a historic rivalry known as the "Eternal Friendship, Beautiful Rivals." As the Gangneung Danoje Festival approaches, this annual regular match between South Korea's oldest high school football rivals takes center stage, a clash affectionately dubbed the "Dano Derby."

The players, schools, students, and alumni associations of both sides have always been profoundly passionate about football, to the point where matches were once temporarily suspended due to overly heated cheering in the past. Even today, the Dano Derby radiates a level of passionate cheering rarely seen in any other football match. The alumni associations of the two schools take turns hosting the event, and this year, it is Gangneung Jeil High School's turn to host. Alumni, students, families, and citizens enter their respective sides of the stadium two to three hours before kickoff, filling the air with enthusiastic chants and kicking off a fierce battle of support.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place during this year's Danoje Festival, the football fever is expected to be hotter than ever before. Come and experience the ultimate football passion at the Dano Derby, right here in Gangneung, the true city of football!