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Buan’s Sacred Myth Goes National: ‘The Broad Embrace of Gaeyang Halmi’ Featured at the 36th Korea Madang-geuk Festival

GWANGMYEONG, South Korea — A traditional Korean performing arts piece rooted in the coastal folklore of Buan-gun is set to captivate capital area audiences. "The Broad Embrace of Suseongdang Gaeyang Halmi," selected as a 2026 Regional Brand Performance Project by the Jeonbuk State Culture & Tourism Foundation, has been officially invited to the 36th Korea Madang-geuk Festival.

The performance will take place on September 13 at 5:50 PM on the Circular Special Stage at Gwangmyeong Civic Stadium. Produced by the Traditional Arts Troupe TAMU with backing from Buan County and Jeonbuk State, the production transforms the myth of Gaeyang Halmi—the revered grandmother sea goddess of Suseongdang Shrine in Gyeokpo-ri—into a contemporary outdoor theatrical experience.

According to local legend, Gaeyang Halmi walked through the Yellow Sea opening up waterways, protecting fishermen, and calming fierce storms. Rather than a simple historical reenactment, the performance presents this ancient myth as an artistic journey using Gamuakhee—a traditional composite art form blending music, song, dance, and dramatic play. Through the quest of the goddess's youngest daughter, the show delivers a poignant message of healing, hope, and reconciliation between humanity and nature.

Following a successful appearance at the Mokpo World Yard Festival in August, this invitation to the nation's largest traditional outdoor theater festival marks a major milestone. It highlights how local cultural heritage, supported by regional branding initiatives across cities like Buan, Jeonju, Gimje, Namwon, and Imsil, can expand into nationwide cultural tourism content.

The event is free and open to all visitors in an open-air format, inviting residents and festival-goers into a shared community celebration. Executive Director Lee Gyeong-yun of the Jeonbuk State Culture & Tourism Foundation stated, "We hope this performance will widely introduce Buan's rich cultural heritage to capital area audiences and continue to foster sustainable growth for regional brand performances."

For further inquiries regarding the event, contact the Traditional Arts Troupe TAMU at +82-63-582-3175.

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