Gombaengi Teotta
Apr 4 – Nov 29, 2026 · Happening now · Gyeonggi
Why go
See Namsadang Nori, a UNESCO-listed performing art, staged at its historic home ground every weekend. The six-chapter show — puppetry, drumming, plate-spinning, ground acrobatics, tightrope walking, and mask play — centers on Baudeogi, the legendary teenage leader of this itinerant troupe, making it a rare chance to catch intangible heritage on a regular schedule rather than a one-off festival date.
Getting there from Seoul
Anseong has no direct subway or KTX/SRT line, so the practical route is an express or intercity bus from Seoul's Nambu Bus Terminal to Anseong Bus Terminal, roughly 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The Namsadang Performance Site is further out in rural Bogae-myeon, so plan on a taxi from the terminal since public transit doesn't reach the site directly.
Tips
- Performances are weekends only, so avoid a weekday trip.
- The venue sits outside central Anseong in Bogae-myeon; arrange a taxi both ways.
- Arrive early for seating, as the program covers six varied acts and can draw a crowd.
Best for: families, culture & heritage, photographers.
Program
Namsadang Nori is a traditional Korean performing art that has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Most of the members were men, and the dances and acrobatics with humor and satire brought laughter and emotion to the common people of the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, the troupe performs every weekend at the Namsadang Performance Site in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do.
The reason why the Namsadang Performance Site is located in Anseong is related to Baudeogi, a legendary figure of the Namsadang troupe that existed in the Joseon Dynasty. Baudeogi was a 15-year-old girl who rose to become the head of the majority-male group, which is a remarkable feat in itself.
Gombaengi Teotta is a Namsadang Nori featuring Baudeogi as the principal figure. Baudeogi and the Namsadang troupe of Anseong performed at the Gyeongbokgung Palace reconstruction to boost the morale of the workers, and the performance was a resounding success. In recognition of this accomplishment, Heungseon Daewongun* presented Baudeogi with okwanja, a symbol of high office, and the performance is based on this story. It is composed of six chapters, including deolmi (puppet show), pungmulnori, beona (plate spinning), salpan (ttangjaeju*), eoreum (tightrope walking), and deotboegi (mask play), presenting a variety of traditional arts.
*Heungseon Daewongun: The biological father of King Gojong
*Ttangjaeju (ground acrobatics): A traditional performance in which a performer shows various skills using his or her body to the music, accompanied by a clown.
Other festivals in Gyeonggi
Gyeonggi
Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival
Oct 2 – Oct 5, 2026
The Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival is centered on Namsadang Nori, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It preserves and builds on the artistic legacy of Baudeogi, the first female kkokdusoe (troupe leader) of the Joseon era, and the vibrant traditions of Anseong’s Namsadang troupe. The festival offers a rich mix of programs for all ages, from traditional cultural experiences and performances by Korean and international artists to folk performances from around the world. Visitors can also explore the Anseong Old Market, which recreates the lively atmosphere of one of the three major marketplaces in Korea during the Joseon period. Highlights include jultagi (tightrope walking) and Namsadang Nori, giving visitors a close-up look at some of Korea’s most dynamic traditional performing arts. Performances that blend traditional and contemporary elements make the festival an engaging way to experience the energy and appeal of Korean culture. Bringing together history, culture, performance, and tourism, the Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival has established itself as a cultural tourism festival enjoyed by visitors from Korea and abroad, and continues to grow as one of Korea’s leading festivals celebrating traditional culture.
Gyeonggi
Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale
Sep 18 – Nov 1, 2026
The Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale features a range of exhibitions and educational events. The event takes place at various locations in Korea famous for ceramics, including Icheon, Yeoju, and Gwangju.
Chungcheongnam-do
Cheonan World Dance Festival
Oct 1 – Oct 5, 2026
Since its debut in 2003, the Cheonan World Dance Festival has grown into one of Korea’s major dance festivals, with a history spanning more than two decades. It has been designated a Cultural Tourism Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism eight times and selected as a Regional Representative Performing Arts Festival for six consecutive years. Since 2020, it has also been recognized as an Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival. The festival has received the highest rating in Chungcheongnam-do’s “One Signature Festival per City/County” evaluation for two consecutive years. The Cheonan World Dance Festival 2026 will take place from October 1 to 5, 2026. Highlights include the National Dance Competition, International Dance Competition, and Street Dance Parade, along with a variety of other dance programs. Held at Cheonan Stadium and Cheonan Samgeori Park, the festival transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant celebration of dance, bringing together performers and audiences from Korea and around the world.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go.