Ganggangsullae

Ganggangsullae is an ancient Korean harvest dance. It is performed at night by women only. There is no music accompanying the dancers. This dance is originally from the Jeollanam-do province located in the southwest of Korean peninsula. The Korean harvest festivals Chuseok (Hangawi) and Daeboreum ("Great Full Moon") often include the Ganggangsullae dance.

Ganggangsullae dance Ganggangsullae dance

During performance women stand in circle and hold each other's hand. They move in the clockwise direction. One woman sings. Other repeat the refrain “ganggangsullae”. The tempo of singing gets faster and faster. Songs performed during the dance tell stories about everyday life. Apart from dancing and singing the performers play simple games. The Ganggangsullae dance is one of Korean Important Intangible Cultural Properties.