Tamna Kingdom Ipchun Gut: A Celebration of Spring’s Arrival on Jeju Island

🗓️ February 2 – 4, 2025

The Tamna Kingdom Ipchun Gut is a vibrant festival held on Jeju Island, heralding the arrival of spring, known as Ipchun in Korea. This unique celebration, deeply rooted in the traditions of the ancient Tamna Kingdom, offers a captivating glimpse into Jeju’s rich cultural heritage. Unlike typical spring festivals, the Tamna Kingdom Ipchun Gut is characterized by a series of rituals and performances that have been passed down through generations, making it a truly distinctive event.

A Festival Steeped in Tradition

The festival’s core revolves around the concept of Ipchun, a day marking the beginning of spring according to the traditional East Asian lunisolar calendar. Jeju Island has a long history of celebrating Ipchun in its own unique way, inheriting customs from the Tamna Kingdom, an ancient state that once ruled the island. The Tamna Kingdom Ipchun Gut serves as a conduit for these age-old traditions, bringing them to life for contemporary audiences.

A Diverse Array of Programs

The festival boasts a diverse program, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The main programs include:

1. Segyeongje: A ritual welcoming the gods of agriculture.
2. Nangswae Kosa: A rite involving a wooden cow, symbolizing prosperity.
3. Chilseongbinyeom: Prayers to the Seven Stars for good fortune.
4. Chogamje: A shamanistic ritual inviting the gods.
5. Nangswaemori Ipchundeokdam: A parade featuring the wooden cow, accompanied by blessings for the new year.

In addition to these central events, a variety of sub-programs enrich the festival experience:

1. Chungyeongmungut: A ritual performed at the entrance of villages to ward off misfortune.
2. New Spring Welcoming Village Street Gut: A street procession celebrating the arrival of spring.
3. Ipchun Calligraphy: The art of writing auspicious phrases for the new year.
4. Sarisal Seong: A ritual involving arrows, symbolizing protection.
5. Ipchun Fortress Tour: A guided tour of a historic fortress, providing insights into Jeju’s past.
6. Jujengi Heomeungi Demonstration and Experience: An opportunity to learn about and participate in traditional Jeju games.
7. ‘Spring, It Has Burst Forth’ Performance: A theatrical presentation celebrating the vibrancy of spring.
8. Keundaeseugi, Jacheonbi Nori, Malnori Segyeongnori, Ipchungut Mask Dance, Heomeungi Dapdori, Manurabaesong, Makpudasi, Jebissaljeom, Dojin, Ipchundaedong: Various traditional performances and rituals, each with its own unique significance.

Engaging Activities for All

Beyond the performances and rituals, the festival offers a range of interactive experiences:

1. Food Court: Savor the flavors of Jeju cuisine.
2. Ipchun Market: Browse and purchase local crafts and products.
3. Experience Zone: Participate in hands-on activities, including writing wishes and 16 other engaging options.

Notably, those who participate in the Nangswae Horn Making experience will have the unique opportunity to join the 2025 Nangswaemori Parade, becoming an integral part of this vibrant procession.

Practical Information

• Location: 19 Gwandeok-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Samdo 2(i)-dong)
• Accommodation: For convenient lodging options near the event, consider exploring options through 🛏️ Accommodation near the event.
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 064-758-0331
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2025springgood
• Website: https://jepaf.kr/

The Tamna Kingdom Ipchun Gut is more than just a festival; it’s a journey into the heart of Jeju’s cultural identity – a chance to witness ancient traditions come alive and to partake in the collective joy of welcoming a new spring.

What is a Gut Ritual?

A Gut ritual is a Korean shamanistic ceremony that connects the human and spiritual realms. Conducted by shamans, known as "mudang" or "mansin," these rituals aim to seek blessings, ward off evil, and address communal or personal concerns.

During a Gut, the shaman performs rites involving singing, dancing, and playing traditional instruments like drums and gongs. The ritual is vibrant, with the shaman wearing colorful costumes and using symbolic props. Each Gut is tailored to its purpose, whether for healing, prosperity, or seasonal celebrations such as Ipchun, marking the start of spring.

The Gut ritual is an integral part of Korean cultural heritage, reflecting the community’s spiritual beliefs and values. It is a communal event, often involving local residents who gather to participate, reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity.