Andong Chajeon Nori (Chariot Battle of Andong)

Andong Chajeon Nori is a folk game once performed in the Andong region around Daeboreum, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, also called Dongchae Ssaum (chariot battle). There is no precise record of its origin, but it is said to derive from the battle between Gyeon Hwon of Later Baekje and King Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo. For this game, at the end of the year a suitable tree is chosen in advance near Andong, a ritual is offered to the mountain spirit, and the tree is then felled and brought in. Because the size and sturdiness of the dongchae (chariot frame) affect the outcome of the contest, the gate is kept locked while it is being built so that no one can see it. The village is divided into east and west teams, with people assigned according to their birthplace rather than their current residence, so that even husband and wife may sometimes belong to different teams. When Daeboreum arrives, the east and west teams face each other, rousing spirits with nongak (farmers' band music) and lifting and lowering the dongchae to build momentum. A team leader rides atop the dongchae, holding a rope with the left hand to keep from falling and directing with the right hand the men carrying the frame. In front of the dongchae, strong young men link arms in a group and clash with the opposing side, pushing shoulder to shoulder to force a path open; the dongchae then pushes forward and presses the opposing dongchae down until it touches the ground, at which point that side wins. However, if during the battle the head-team leader of the opposing side falls into danger even at a moment favourable to one's own side, that side immediately retreats to rescue him before the contest resumes. Andong Chajeon Nori is a mock battle that refined men's group games to a more sophisticated level, offering a glimpse of the martial spirit particular to the Andong region. It was also believed that if the east side won, the east would enjoy a good harvest, and if the west side won, the west would enjoy a good harvest, making it an agricultural ritual game rooted in farmers' prayers for a bountiful harvest.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Intangible Heritage · 국가무형유산