Korean Traditional Game : Ganggangsullae

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 8

Ganggangsullae

(강강술래 · Korean Circle Dance)

🕰️ 1. The Dance

Ganggangsullae is a traditional Korean circle dance and song, performed mainly by women under the bright full moon.
It is one of Korea’s most graceful and symbolic folk traditions, blending rhythm, movement, and community spirit.

This dance is most famously performed during Chuseok (the Harvest Moon Festival) or Jeongwol Daeboreum (the First Full Moon Festival).
Women and girls, dressed in colorful hanbok, join hands in a large circle and sing the refrain “Ganggangsullae” while moving rhythmically together.

 

🪄 2. Rules & How to Play

Participants form a large circle by holding hands under the moonlight.
As the leader begins singing the main verse, everyone repeats the refrain in unison.

The group moves slowly at first, circling counterclockwise, then gradually speeds up as the song continues.
Sometimes, participants add playful gestures or small group games—such as imitating animals, exchanging positions, or performing short dances—to keep the rhythm lively.

The dance usually ends with laughter, joy, and a deep sense of togetherness.

 

👀 3. Example from Life

In the past, Ganggangsullae was not only a joyful celebration but also a symbol of hope and unity.

During times of war, women would perform this dance to make enemy scouts believe the village had many soldiers, cleverly using song and movement as a form of resistance.
Over time, it became a treasured cultural tradition representing harmony and feminine strength.

 

🌏 4. Similar Traditions Around the World

• Europe: Folk circle dances such as Hora in the Balkans or Maypole dances in England.
• Africa: Communal dances celebrating harvest and unity.
• Native American cultures: Round dances performed during ceremonies of gratitude and community.

✨ Ganggangsullae demonstrates how music, movement, and unity can transcend hardship and create joy that connects people across generations.

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💌 Closing Words

Ganggangsullae is more than a dance—it is a living expression of Korean women’s creativity, resilience, and grace.
Through this moonlit circle, we see how joy and hope can turn even the darkest nights into moments of shared light.

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.