Moments Where the Daily Lives of Wonsando and Godaedo Residents Shine Through Dance

The Chungnam Culture & Tourism Foundation successfully wrapped up the resident-participatory arts education program, "Island: Dance of the Waves," which aims to awaken the artistic sensibilities of local residents across Wonsando and Godaedo—the host sites of the upcoming 2027 Island Biennale—through a total of six sessions held from August to September. 

Ahead of the 2027 Island Biennale, this program was collaboratively prepared by the Biennale Organizing Committee and the Resident Council to ensure that island residents become the main agents of the art festival. Its significance is further heightened by the direct participation of artists featured in the Biennale.

The program consists of three main courses spanning 16 total sessions: "Island Exploration Archive" by artist Yeo Sang-hee, "Island: Dance of the Waves" by artist Lee Yang-hee, and "Island Recipe: Nomad Pocha" by artist Hwang Ho-bin. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the program, Chungnam-based artists and educators Lee Jung-hoon and Jang Hyun-a also joined as collaborative regional artists. 

"Island: Dance of the Waves," led by artist Lee Yang-hee—who has consistently communicated with audiences in flexible ways unfettered by formal constraints based on traditional Korean dance movements—was designed to offer residents of Wonsando and Godaedo a moment where previously unexperienced senses are unlocked.

Touring each village across Wonsando (Wonsan 1-ri, 2-ri, and 3-ri), the program began with residents expressing gratitude to themselves and each other for safeguarding their lives as the true masters of the island. The fusion of the flowing lines of traditional Korean dance with trendy contemporary choreography filled the unfamiliar settings with laughter and vibrant energy.

In Godaedo, residents immersed themselves deeply in the creative process. Sharing their daily routines on the island and capturing movements shaped by living alongside the sea, participants reinterpreted moments of hard labor—such as "Myeolneol," the action of spreading and drying anchovies, and harvesting clams—into artistic expressions, creating a profound resonance.

Artist Lee Yang-hee shared her aspirations, saying, "I hope this special creative process built together with the residents does not remain a one-time event, but rather develops into a cultural arts tourism-linked program that showcases the 'Dance of the Island' to visitors."

Kim Dong-ok, the head of Godaedo village who participated in the program, shared his impressions: "It was astonishing to experience how everyday actions like drying anchovies and digging for clams turned into wonderful dances and art when working alongside artists. Gathering together to create our own dance and performing it ourselves brought an indescribable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction."

The resident-participatory arts education linked to the Island Biennale is scheduled to continue until the end of October. The Chungnam Culture & Tourism Foundation plans to sustain programs that promote the value of "culture and arts education accessible closer and deeper to all provincial residents" alongside the successful hosting of next year's Island Biennale.