Seonnongdaeje Festival
🗓️ Dates: April 18, 2025 – April 19, 2025
The Seonnongdaeje Festival offers a unique window into Korea’s rich agricultural traditions. This annual event serves as a modern reinterpretation and reenactment of ‘Seonnongje’, a significant historical ceremony. During the original Seonnongje, prayers were offered to Sin Nong, the god of agriculture, to ensure a bountiful harvest, a ritual highlighted by the symbolic act of the king personally plowing the fields, known as ‘Chingyeong’. Now celebrating its 46th anniversary, the Seonnongdaeje Festival continues this legacy, adapting the ancient prayers for abundance into a contemporary wish for the prosperity and well-being of the Dongdaemun-gu district.
Event Schedule and Programs
The festival unfolds over two days with distinct activities planned for each:
Friday, April 18th: Spring Breeze Seolleongseolleong Gugak Concert
Location: Dongdaemun-gu Knowledge Flower Garden
- 5:30 PM: The evening commences with performances by talented artists from the Dongdaemun-gu area.
- 7:00 PM: The concert continues with featured performances by renowned Gugak (traditional Korean music) groups, Heesca and AkDan GwangChil.
Saturday, April 19th: Royal Procession, Ritual Ceremony & Side Events
1. Royal Procession & Ritual Ceremony
- 9:00 AM: Witness the grandeur of the Royal Procession as it proceeds from the Dongdaemun-gu Office to the Seonnongdan History Park, recreating the historical journey associated with the Seonnongje ritual.
- 10:30 AM: The solemn Ritual Ceremony takes place at the Seonnongdan History Park, reenacting the traditional rites offered for agricultural prosperity.
2. Side Events
Location: Jongam Elementary School (unless otherwise noted)
- 9:00 AM: A Children’s Art Contest provides a creative outlet for younger attendees.
- 10:30 AM: Experience a taste of Korean culinary tradition with the Seolleongtang Sharing event. A total of 2,500 servings of this nourishing soup will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 1:00 PM: Engage in hands-on cultural activities during the Traditional Play Experience, held at the Seonnongdan History Park.
Visitor Information
📍 Address: 38 Muhakro 44-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Jegi-dong) – Primarily around the Seonnongdan History Park area, with specific events at Dongdaemun-gu Knowledge Flower Garden and Jongam Elementary School.
💰 Fee: Admission to the festival events is free.
📞 Contact: For inquiries, please call 02-3295-5566.
🖥️ Homepage: https://ddmac.or.kr/sub09/sub02.php
🛏️ Accommodation near the event
What is Seonnongdaeje?
Seonnongdaeje is a traditional Korean agricultural ritual originating from the Joseon Dynasty. It involves a ceremony at Seonnongdan, an altar where the king historically offered prayers and sacrifices to ensure a successful harvest. This ritual highlights the historical significance of agriculture in Korea. Participants wear traditional clothing and perform rites that include offerings of rice, fruits, and other produce, accompanied by music and dance. The event serves as a means of preserving cultural practices and as a communal gathering that emphasizes gratitude and respect for nature. The Seonnongdaeje Festival in Seoul provides an opportunity for both locals and visitors to engage with Korea’s agricultural heritage.
