Songpa Sandae Noli

Songpa Sandae Noli is a type of "sandae noli", Korean traditional mask play which has been handed down in the neighborhoods of Songpa-dong and Garak-dong in modern-day Seoul, South Korea. "Sandae Noli" is a mask dance that developed in Seoul and the mid of metropolitan region.
History.
"Songpa Sandae Noli" began with a cheerful parade called "georigut" (거리굿) or "gilnori" (길놀이) as circling around the Songpa Market and nearby town in order to attract people to their performance. The two terms literally mean "street shamanistic ritual" and "street performanace" respectively. When parading, they wore masks and costumes, and played a type of marching music, "gilgunak" (길군악). With a decorative small flag used by farmers or "yeonggi" (영기, 令旗) at the head, the performers followed the musicians in procession. After the parade, they used an amulet to ward off misfortune and to wish everyone in the market to have good health and fortune.
Preparation.
The performers hold a "seomakgosa" (서막고사), a kind of "jesa", sacrificial rite before the "sandaenoli" begins. Masks used for the coming performance are placed on a table setting for the "jesa" along with several varieties of food, and performers pour alcoholic beverages into a bowl and bow toward the table. This rite is to honor the dead and wish them to rest in peace, as well as to expect to have a good performance.
Story.
It consists of 12 acts called "gwajang" (과장, 科場) or "madang" (마당) in Korean. "Songpa sandaenoli" candidly depicts conflicts between classes and human nature.
Cultural significance.
"Songpa Sandae Noli" was designated as the 49th item on the list of Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea by the South Korean Cultural Heritage Administration in 1973.
External links.
[[Category:Korean dance]]
[[Category:Important Intangible Cultural Properties of South Korea]]