Raftman

Raftman is a theatrical performance staged in Jeongseon, the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang, Korea's oldest regional version of the famous folk song. It dramatises the hard life of raftmen who floated timber down the river to Seoul during the Japanese occupation, weaving in a subplot about smuggling gold for the independence movement, with Arirang sung live on stage. Seeing it in Jeongseon itself, rather than a city theatre, adds historical weight that the setting alone can't replicate elsewhere.

Jeongseon has no KTX station, so the two main options are an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (roughly 3 hours) or a train from Cheongnyangni Station toward Jeongseon Station, followed by a short local bus or taxi ride into Jeongseon-eup. Arirang Hall at the Jeongseon Arirang Center is within the town centre once you arrive, so onward transport is minimal.

Arirang is a folk song that represents Korea, with various regional versions, the oldest being Jeongseon Arirang. During the Japanese occupation, it was particularly poignant, expressing the deep sorrow of those who lost their homeland.

Raftman tells the story of people who rely on rafts to cross rivers and transport goods. Young-gil,a veteran raftman, transport high-quality lumber (hwangjangmok) from Jeongseon to Gyeongseong during the Japanese occupation. He and Dong-shik, a novice raftman, are entrusted to carry gold bars for the independence army. As the raft begins its journey toward Mapo, a port in Gyeongseong, the haunting melody of Jeongseon Arirang flows from the mouths of Young-gil’s and Dong-shik, reverberating poignantly across the stage.

Jeongseon Arirang has historically been a labor song for raftmen. The arduous lives of the raftmen reflect the struggles of the people of that time, allowing Arirang to resonate deeply with the audience. The performance is even more meaningful as it takes place in Jeongseon, the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang.