In order to disseminate the historical meaning and significance of the important intangible cultural property No.111 ‘Sajikdaeje Rite(the National Rite to the Deities of Earth and Grains)’ and ‘Sajikdan Altar(an altar to the State deities),’ theYéol Korean Heritage Preservation has organized the cultural event Life from the Land: To Begin, To Hope.

The eve festival of Sajikdaeje Rite, Life from the Land: To Begin, To Hopewas the first cultural performance taken place at the Sajikdan Altar. The inimitable Korean classical musician KANG Eun-il Haegeum Plus and the world music Group GongMyoung collaborated and presented a sophisticated performance with the greatest musicianship and well-organized programs. The performance received a very positive response with applause from the public who visited the Sajikdan Altar in the fine autumn evening. Also, the young singer KOWN Song Hee and all-around and crossover artist Hareem drew attention from the audience. In particular, KIM Seoljin, who was awarded the first prize in thedance competition ‘Dancing 9,’ attracted lots of attention, almost to the extent of a celebrity. Responding to his popularity, KIM showed his talent with delicate and concentrated dancing.

The performance was successfully carried out with dozens of domestic and international visitors and more than 800 citizens in attendance. As a performance that smoothly combined the relationship between humans —as derivatives of the land —and their life, life and summons from the land, as well as our hopes and prayers based on the land, the Sajikdaeje Rite finally created an event impressing many people that it is a story related to our lives rather than just a tradition.

Organized to circulate the historical meaning and significance of the important intangible cultural property No.111 ‘Sajikdaeje Rite’ and ‘Sajikdan Altar’ through cultural performances, the eve festival of Sajikdaeje Rite(hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration, sponsored by the Yéol Korean Heritage Preservation), Life from the Land: To Begin, To Hope brought together the origin of Sajikdaeje Rite and our wishes in contemporary life. Approaching from the form of storytelling through ‘performance,’ the performance played a significant role in forming an understanding of the origin and meaning of the ‘Sajikdan Altar’ and the ‘Sajikdaeje Rite,’ and furthered the historicity and value of the Sajikdaeje Rite.’