Jindo County's Sopho Village was filled with the lively sounds of traditional culture and the cheerful laughter of returning residents on November 8.
The 20th Sopho Black Rice Festival, held at the Sopho Traditional Folk Experience Center in Jisan-myeon, concluded successfully with participation from locals, returning residents, and tourists.
This year's festival, organized by the Sopho Village Association, aimed to promote the excellence of the region's specialty black rice and preserve the village's unique traditional culture.
Significantly, the festival marked its 20th anniversary, creating a meaningful gathering for residents, expatriates, and visitors to come together.
The event kicked off with traditional performances, including Gilsam songs and Sopho folk music. Following the opening ceremony, a variety of performances took place, including children's drum plays, Nanta performances, guest singer shows, and a singing contest for tourists, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the venue.
Visitors were particularly drawn to various experiential programs featuring the local specialty black rice.
Activities such as black rice cake making, rice wine production, and tastings of processed black rice products allowed tourists to experience rural life while learning about the taste and value of Jindo black rice.
A photo exhibition showcasing the village's past also attracted attention. Residents reminisced about the history and memories captured in the photographs, providing a nostalgic moment for returning expatriates.
Expatriates from across the country, including Seoul and Busan, visited the festival. Those returning to their hometowns shared greetings with locals and participated in festival activities, fostering a sense of community.
As the festival drew to a close, performances of Sopho Ganggangsullae, a singing contest, and folk music reached a peak, culminating in a celebration that blended traditional culture and community spirit.
Lee Jae-gak, the mayor of Jindo County, stated, “This year’s 20th Sopho Black Rice Festival was a meaningful event that shared the value of our local traditional culture and specialty products. We will continue to promote festivals that utilize our unique cultural and agricultural products to invigorate the village community and boost local tourism and economy.”
Meanwhile, Sopho Village continues to preserve its unique folk culture, including Gilsam songs and Sopho folk music. The Sopho Black Rice Festival has established itself as a community event where residents actively participate in showcasing traditional culture and promoting local agricultural products. There is growing interest in whether this 20th festival can evolve into a sustainable village festival that connects the preservation of traditional culture with the revitalization of local tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.