Written by FUNDAY FRIENDS

Author: Kiran Fatima

Anseong, a city with historical significance, is where the magic happens. It’s the birthplace of the Namsadang troupes, those spirited entertainers from the Joseon era. And guess what? Anseong hosts the Namsadang Baudeogi Festival, a celebration that’ll transport you back in time and immerse you in traditional performances and events. This festival, held annually, showcases traditional Korean acrobatics, drumming, and masked dancing, a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing the true essence of Korean culture. 

Our Anseong tour combined the charm of this cultural festival with modern Korean activities, making it a day to remember! 

The day started bright and early at Yangjae Station, where we gathered and boarded the bus to Anseong. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by local officials and fellow supporters at the Global Supporters Appointment Ceremony.

We even received banners/towels, along with official supporter cards handed out by the mayor herself, who not only gave us our badges but also made sure to greet each of us personally, talk about a VIP welcome! It was a great way to kick off the day and feel like part of the community.

Next up was lunch, where the organizers made sure to cater to everyone's dietary preferences.

For the meat-lovers, there was a beef option, while vegetarians and vegans were treated to bibimbap, one of Korea’s most famous dishes. A colorful bowl of rice, vegetables, and spicy sauce, bibimbap never disappoints, especially when paired with a variety of tasty side dishes. 

Post-lunch, it was time to work off those carbs with a K-pop dance class! We were divided into groups with different instructors, and let’s just say, some of us were born to dance… and others, well, let’s just say we were born to watch people dance. I got lucky! My instructor had actually danced with J-Hope from BTS. He led us through the latest K-pop choreography, making us feel like we were ready for the big stage. But that wasn’t all, after we mastered the K-pop moves, we had a little fun by playing our own cultural music from different countries. And guess what? He nailed every single beat, proving that talent knows no borders! 

After working up a sweat, we headed to the Geumgang Lake Sky Observatory.

The observatory offered stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with the lake glistening in the sunlight. It was a peaceful and refreshing stop, giving us a chance to catch our breath and enjoy nature. 

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Namsadang Performance. This traditional performance is not only a spectacle of acrobatics, tightrope walking, and masked dance but also a piece of Korea’s cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. From the gracefulness of the dancers to the thrilling acrobatic stunts, the performance was captivating from start to finish. We were even treated to a special Afro-Korean fusion act, where performers from both cultures came together for an energetic and friendly showdown. 

The Anseong Experience wasn’t just about observing, it was about participating and engaging with Korea’s rich traditions. From K-pop dance to witnessing a centuries-old performance, the tour provided a perfect balance of modern and traditional Korean culture. 

But the excitement doesn’t stop here! Funday Korea is gearing up for the Namsadang Baudeogi Festival’s Main Event on October 3rd, 2024, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it! With larger performances, more cultural activities, and an electric festival atmosphere, this event will be the highlight of the season. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cultural adventure! 

A perfect mix of tradition, fun, and exploration! 

Anseong Baudeogi Festival One Day Tour 2024 

Main Event: October 3rd