ANSEONG — The 2026 Anseongmatchum Namsadang Baudeogi Festival completed its preparations on the 1st, a day before opening, as the city of Anseong held a memorial rite honoring the artistic spirit of Baudeogi and carried out a final review of safety management at the festival grounds.
The city held the memorial rite at the Baudeogi shrine on the morning of the 1st together with the Anseong Cultural Center, the Namsadang Preservation Society and Cheongnyongsa Temple. The event began with a ritual offering, followed by a street procession, a pangut percussion performance and a performance marking the troupe's departure on tour. The program re-enacted the historical ties with Cheongnyongsa, which once granted a token of recognition to the Namsadang troupe, underscoring the festival's roots and significance.
An eve celebration was scheduled for that evening to build momentum ahead of the opening. The program features "gombaengi teugi," a traditional rite that signals the start of Namsadang performances, along with a street procession parade. Performances and hands-on programs for residents and visitors are also planned.
The street procession is designed as a participatory stage incorporating fairy-tale elements. About 20 teams will perform, including the Namsadang percussion troupe, the Dongmi Bicycle Music Band and a CIOFF performance involving five countries.
Anseong has also focused on safety management to ensure the festival runs smoothly. A joint safety inspection with relevant agencies was conducted on the 30th of last month across the Anseongmatchum Land area. The inspection covered crowd management, fire, electricity, gas, facilities, traffic and emergency medical response.
Anticipating large crowds around the main stage and performance venues, the city installed safety fences and set up detour routes. Traffic control personnel will also be deployed on site to ensure pedestrian safety and keep traffic moving.
The city strengthened its emergency response system as well. It reorganized its emergency contact network around a central situation room and will operate on-site response bases including a fire safety command post and a medical support center. Daily inspections using a safety checklist will continue throughout the festival.
"The Baudeogi Festival begins in earnest with the memorial rite," Anseong Mayor Kim Bo-ra said. "We have prepared with great care so that Baudeogi's spirit and passion can come alive across Anseong, and we hope residents and visitors alike enjoy the festival in comfort."
The Anseongmatchum Baudeogi Festival opens on the 2nd and runs for four days through the 5th at Anseongmatchum Land and the Anseong Stream area.
