Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori

On a quiet, tranquil night, Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori offers a glimpse into the refined cultural sensibilities of the high-ranking yangban aristocrats. It was a pastime that the scholar-gentry enjoyed on the river in front of Buyongdae Cliff. It showcases the brilliant ingenuity of the scholars, who made excellent use of the outstanding natural heritage of Hahoe Village. The stage for Seonyu Julbul Nori is the stretch of the Nakdonggang River that flows in front of the village. Several ropes are strung between Mansongjeong, a pine forest, and the cliff of Buyongdae. Pouches of charcoal powder are hung on the ropes, lit one by one, and slowly sent up toward Buyongdae. As the charcoal powder burns, countless sparks scatter over the river. A ceaseless rain of sparks falls between Hahoe Village and Buyongdae in the night. Before long, small eggshell lanterns drift calmly along the current of winding river. Then comes the highlight of Seonyu Julbu Nlori: at the cry of “Nakhwa!” (“Falling fire!”), large balls of fire drop one after another from the top of Buyongdae. As this nighttime fire show unfolded, the yangban of Hahoe Village would float small boats beneath the spectacle of sparks. Seated in them, they exchanged poems and drinks, savoring the elegant pleasures of the night.