VISIT JEONJU

‘Jeonju Daesaseupnori’ has been continuing the legacy of Korean sounds for over 200 years since 1784, the 8th year of King Jeongjo’s reign in the Joseon period. ‘Jeonju Daesaseupnori’ is the gateway to select the most distinguished Korean traditional music master and singer as well as seeing beautiful cultural heritage in harmony with tradition that is filled with elegance and excitement. Moreover, the festival aims to find promising Korean traditional musicians for the effective inheritance of cultural heritage.

‘Saseupnori’ means the folk martial arts competition, During the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon dynasty the festival featured an archery match on horseback and playing water. Kign Yeongjo added Pansori and writing contest. The association of entertainers (new association) and Daesaseupcheong for singers and dancers were established in 1732 (the 8th year of King Yeongjo’s reign). Then, four associations (Gunsajeong, Uibangjeong, Dagijeong, Jinbukjeong) were operated in Jeonju. The Daesaseup Competition has been held every year. The King granted the official ranks, including a medical officer, Tonggwan, Geomchal, Owijang, Chambong, and Seondal to 15 entertainers, including Gwon Sam-deuk, Shin Jae-ho, and Song Man-gap selected in the Daesaseup Competition.

The official ranks were granted until the reign of King Jeongjo and King Sunjo, but stopped due to the Japanese invasion. Those who wanted to save the traditional arts in Jeonju organized a promotion committee and restarted Daesaseupnori in 1974. The promotion committee held the competitions in five categories: ‘Pansori, farmers’ performance, dance, Sijo, and archery’, in 1975.

After registering the establishment of the Jeonju Daesaseupnori Conservation Association in 1977, the competition has been continued. In 1983, competition was held in 9 categories: ‘Pansori master, farmers performance, dance, musical instrument, Sijo, folk song, singing with the Gayageum, and archery’. In 2010, the ‘drum master’ category was added.