2026 Gangneung Danoje

2026 Gangneung Danoje Festival

Introduction to Gangneung Danoje Festival

Gangneung Danoje Fun & Experiences

Dano: Experiencing Tradition in Motion

Joining together in joy and competition at the site of the Gangneung Danoje Festival,
we introduce the representative folk games that carry on our heritage.

Geunetwigi (Swinging)

Traditionally a women's pastime, swinging on Dano Day allowed women to catch a glimpse of the world beyond their courtyard walls. This heritage is preserved today at the dedicated swing site within the Gangneung Danoje festival grounds. Since the 1960s, the competition was managed by the Gangneung Danoje Committee's swing department; currently, the Jaegang Rotary Club’s Standing Committee for Gangneung Danoje plans and operates the event. The competition is divided into group tournaments representing Gangneung’s 21 districts and individual competitions.

Group Tournament Individual Competition Jaegang Rotary Club

Ssireum

Ssireum is a representative Dano activity where men compete in a test of strength. Starting in the 1960s, the competition was managed by the Ssireum department of the Gangneung Danoje Committee; today, the Gangneung Junior Chamber (Gangneung JC) oversees the planning and operation of the entire event. The tournament is categorized into group and individual competitions for Gangneung’s 21 districts, a competition for military personnel stationed in Gangneung, and a children's competition. Winners are awarded a golden trophy in the shape of a bull.

Group Competition Military Competition Children's Competition

Tuho Nori (Arrow Throwing Game)

The Tuho Nori of the Gangneung Danoje Festival began in 1993. Imyeonghoe, an organization under the Gangneung Cultural Center, took charge of organizing and managing the event, launching a Tuho Nori competition that anyone—regardless of gender—can participate in, a tradition that continues to this day.
The competition is divided into individual matches and team events representing the 21 eup, myeon, and dong (townships and neighborhoods) of Gangneung City. The local residents selected as competitors show immense enthusiasm for the event, even holding nighttime practice sessions ahead of the competition.

Began in 1993 Open to All Genders Organized by Imyeonghoe

Juldarigi (Tug-of-War)

Since 1968, the tug-of-war department of the Gangneung Danoje Committee has managed this competition. Currently, Lions Clubs International establishes and operates a dedicated arena on Dano Island within the Namdaecheon Dano festival grounds. The tournament is organized through a bracket system representing Gangneung’s 21 districts to determine the final winner. Each participating team is composed of 30 members.

Started in 1968 Tournament Format 30 Members per Team

Yutnori (Traditional Board Game)

Launched in 2007, the Yutnori competition at the Gangneung Danoje was created not only to foster harmony among the residents of Gangneung’s 21 districts but also to provide a tailored program for the elderly. Because Yutnori requires little physical strain and has relatively simple rules, it was identified as an ideal activity for seniors with extensive experience in the game. It originally began as a competition between local senior centers. Today, the Jungang-dong Resident Autonomy Committee serves as the lead organizing body.

Started in 2007 Community Harmony Hosted by Jungang-dong Resident Autonomy Committee

Tasting Surichwi-tteok and Dano Sinju
(Sacred Liquor)

An experience to taste Sinju (sacred liquor) and Surichwi-tteok (marsh mallow rice cakes) made from rice sincerely donated by the citizens of Gangneung.

Changpo (Iris) Hair Washing

A traditional practice of washing one’s hair in water infused with Changpo (sweet flag/iris) to ward off misfortune and bad luck.

Painting Dano Fans

An experience to paint and decorate a traditional Dano fan, used to keep cool during the peak of summer.

Making Gwanno Mother-of-Pearl Keyrings

A creative activity where you can make a unique mother-of-pearl keyring featuring characters from the Gwanno Gamyeongeuk (Traditional Mask Dance).

Wearing Dano-bim
(Traditional Festival Attire)

Experience the festival to the fullest by dressing in Dano-bim, the elegant traditional Hanbok worn specifically for the Dano holiday.

Dressing Up for Dano

Since ancient times, a tradition has been handed down on Dano to wear a Jangmyeongru and dye one's fingernails with balsam to pray for health and longevity without illness. A Jangmyeongru is a bracelet made of five-colored threads meant to ward off misfortune and invite good energy, while the balsam dye symbolizes beauty and good luck. At the Gangneung Danoje Festival, you can experience these traditional Dano customs firsthand by making your own Jangmyeongru (bracelet) and dyeing your nails with balsam.

Making Dano Coloring Postcards

A relaxing activity to create your own souvenir by beautifully coloring in Dano-themed postcards.

Making Dano Badges

This hands-on activity allows you to create your very own Dano badge, capturing the diverse sights and memories of the Gangneung Danoje Festival. You can complete a unique, personalized badge using a photo of your choice, allowing citizens and tourists alike to cherish the joyful moments of Dano as a special souvenir.