Fan Dance (Buchaechum)

The fan dance is a modern creative form that uses vibrant fans as its central motif, yet it has come to symbolize the elegance and grace of traditional Korean dance. Although developed in contemporary times, its spirited movements and lighthearted rhythm—often set to cheerful folk melodies—blend harmoniously with Korea’s traditional aesthetic.

Dancers, clad in hanbok or ceremonial garments (dangui), hold colorful fans adorned with floral patterns or feathers in both hands. Through graceful choreography, they create a variety of striking shapes—flowers blooming, waves crashing, butterflies fluttering—transforming the stage into a living painting. The dance also gained popularity in large-scale ensemble forms, reminiscent of mass performances or military-style group displays.

The fan dance is typically accompanied by instrumental arrangements of folk songs such as “Changbu Taryeong” or “Hangangsu Taryeong,” which enhance its festive and dynamic mood.

This art form was first choreographed in 1954 by master dancer Kim Baek-bong, who envisioned it as a new martial-style dance utilizing fans in both hands to form elegant and expressive shapes. Since then, it has evolved into a brilliant showcase of coordinated motion and traditional beauty.

The allure of the fan dance lies in its visual poetry: the sweeping arc as the fans open and close, the fluid curves of the costumes in motion, the long, stretched lines of the dancer’s arms, and the rhythmic slicing of air as fans twirl and spiral. Vivid costumes and the spirited folk music bring the fan dance to life, making it a radiant expression of Korea’s artistic spirit.

In 2014, the fan dance was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 3 of South Pyongan Province, honoring its artistic and cultural significance.

Traditional Hanji Lantern Inspired by a Korean Folktale - Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger

This Hanji lantern, created by Geurimtory Hanji Workshop , is inspired by a beloved traditional Korean folktale. The story chosen for this piece is “The Red Bean Porridge Granny and the Tiger” —a favorite among children. Long ago, deep in the mountains,there live d an old woman who cultivated a red bean field. She was so skilled at making delicious red bean porridge that people called her Red Bean Porridge Granny . One peaceful day, a massive tiger appeared and threatened to eat her. The granny calmly pleaded, “It’s okay if you eat me, but if I die, who will make this delicious porridge for you?” She managed to persuade the tiger to return in the winter, when the first snow falls, so he could enjoy the porridge before eating her. With no one to turn to, the granny wept in despair. But to her surprise, the objects around her— a wooden frame for carrying loads, a straw mat, an awl, some dung, an egg, and even a soft-shelled turtle —came to life, listened to her story, and...

Sungnyemun

Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun, was the main gate of the fortress wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Construction began in the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign (1395) and was completed in 1398, the 7th year of his reign. Designated as National Treasure No. 1, it was the oldest wooden building remaining in Seoul. However, it was destroyed by fire in 2008 and was later restored on July 3, 2013. In 2009, it was recreated as a Hanji lantern and exhibited at the Seoul Lantern Festival . It is unlikely that Sungnyemun ever existed as a real architectural structure. Although many ancient documents reference Sungnyemun, the architecture of the lantern version of Sungnyemun defies construction logic. The structure is built with massive stones, each seemingly carved and stacked with ruler-like precision, leaving no room for even a sesame leaf between the joints. Such precision surpasses even today’s scientific capabilities. Because of this, some speculate that Sungnyemun w...

Traditional Hanji Lantern Inspired by a Korean Folktale - Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger

This year’s lantern is a traditional Hanji lantern inspired by one of the most beloved Korean folktales among children: Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger . Once upon a time, deep in the mountains, there lived an old woman who cultivated red beans. She was so skilled at making red bean porridge that people called her “Granny Red Bean Porridge.” One peaceful day, a tiger the size of a house suddenly appeared and threatened to eat her. Granny pleaded, “I don’t mind dying, but if I do, who will make this delicious porridge? Come back in the snowy winter. You can enjoy the porridge then—and eat me if you still want to.” She barely managed to persuade the tiger to leave. Left with no one to turn to, the old woman wept alone. Just then, the items in her home—her carrying frame, a straw mat, an awl, some dung, an egg, and even a softshell turtle—gathered around and told her not to worry. When winter came and the tiger returned on the day of the winter solstice, Granny and her loyal “fri...

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