Illuminating Jeju's Nights with Culture and Charms

▲Shinsan Dochaebi Festival Character 'Chaebi' Air Balloon image
▲Shinsan Dochaebi Festival Character 'Chaebi' Air Balloon image

The Jeju Tourism Organization is holding the "Sinsan Dochaebi Light Festival" from 18:00 to 22:00 every day from October 21st to November 19th. Road lighting continues from the Jeju Literature Center Intersection to the Folk Natural History Museum. In addition, various performances and game events will be held at the main square in the north of Sinsan Park, including night contents under the theme of Dochaebi, preparation of large 5M air balloons, and Chaebi character shows. In 2022, a similar event was held under the name of "Sinsan Light Street."

"Dochaebi" is the Jeju language term for Dokkaebi. Dokkaebi is a different concept from the Japanese monster "Oni" that is commonly known. "Oni" has a difficult personality and annoys people. On the other hand, Dokkaebi is mischievous and like to punish bad people, help good people, and mix with humans. It has horns that have spread throughout Korean society, and its fierce shape is rather similar to that of ‘Oni’ that came in during the Japanese colonial period.

The ghost character "Chaebi," which can be seen in the "Sinsan Dochaebi Light Festival," shows the characteristics of Korean ghosts. The story of Chaebi, the foundation of the festival concept, shows that he is a Korean-style demon who wants to hang out with people. The festival’s content can be enjoyed free of charge by visiting men and women of all ages. Every Saturday at 7 p.m., a concert in the forest is held. Various performances such as classical music, chorus, and bubble art will be held on the stage. To revitalize the local economy, an event will be held to present participants who use commercial districts around the venue to participate in playing games and to receive prize application coins.

A visitor to this festival said that the event was held based on a rich story and that he was more excited than last year's “Sinsan Light Street”, and that the lighting ceremony with cute characters was very beautiful, and that he loved children and looked forward to next year's festival. In addition, it is said that it was beneficial to know about the Korean Dokkaebi by knowing that Dokkaebi is a Jeju language term.

The "Sinsan Dochaebi Light Festival" has developed into a festival where you can understand not only Jeju culture but also Korean culture. This year, if the idea of children or ghosts they have had has changed from fear to familiarity, it is hoped that people can return to the festival concept that contains Jeju's unique characteristics and that it will be firmly established as one of Jeju's major festivals.

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