▲ Photo by Global Jeju Times Team

[This article is written by a JDC Junior Journalist. The JDC Junior Journalist program is an educational project sponsored by Jeju Free International City Development Corporation (JDC). JDC Junior Journalist articles are only briefly edited by mentors before publishing.]

On October 5th, Junior Journalist from JDC went to the Tamna Cultural Festival. The festival was held at Tapdong Square, Jeju city. This was the 52nd time the festival was held, and many people came to watch and also participate in the festival. The festival is organized to help preserve traditional Jeju culture and express it through art, culture and performances. Over the 5 days, over 40 events was and will be on stage.

The Cultural Street Parade was held on the first day, and many people were charmed and entertained. Departing from Samseonghyeol to Tapdong, around 5 thousand people joined the parade playing traditional instruments and dancing.

When JDC’s Junior Journalists went to the festival, the peoples faces looked excited to be at one of the most historic festivals of Jeju.

The Junior Journalists met a child boy. He preformed on stage playing an instrument called a janggu. He said, “I’ve been learning to play the janggu for a long time, and I like playing it alot. Playing in the festival was fun.” He also mentioned that he wanted to see other preformances done by middle school seniors including the alumni and alumnae.

The junior journalists also interviewed Nikolas, who was working at the Creta booth. He said, “Jeju and Crete have many things in common. They are both home to many myths and legends. Also, Jeju is a island south of Korea, and Crete is a island south of Greece.” He told the journalists about how Jeju and Crete were common in other ways as well.

The Tamna Festival will carry on Jeju’s legacy for years to come, and it will bring joy and happiness to the watchers and preformers alike.