Korean Traditional Game : Oejultagi

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 20

Oejultagi

(외줄타기 · Korean Tightrope Walking)

🕰️ 1. Introduction

Oejultagi (외줄타기), or Korean tightrope walking, is a traditional performance art that combines acrobatics, rhythm, and storytelling.
It was often performed during village festivals and major holidays, captivating audiences with its elegance, humor, and thrilling balance.

The word oejul means “single rope,” and tagi means “riding” or “walking.”
Performers, called jultagi gwangdae, balanced skillfully on a rope stretched high above the ground, entertaining spectators with graceful movements and witty dialogue.

 

🪄 2. How to Perform

• A single rope is tied tightly between two tall poles, usually several meters above the ground.
• The performer holds a long balancing pole and walks, bounces, or jumps along the rope in rhythm.
• Throughout the act, the jultagi gwangdae exchanges playful banter and jokes with a clown-like partner on the ground called the eoritkkun.
• Music accompanies the act — traditional instruments like janggu (drum), buk (barrel drum), and piri (flute) set the lively rhythm.
• Skilled performers may kneel, sit, or even lie down on the rope, demonstrating both artistry and daring control.

👀 3. Example from Life

In traditional markets and festival grounds, crowds would gather around the tightrope, their eyes fixed on the performer above.
Children gasped, elders clapped in rhythm, and laughter echoed as jokes and music filled the air.

Oejultagi was not just a performance — it was a moment of unity where the entire village shared amazement, humor, and joy.

🌏 4. Similar Traditions Around the World

• China: Ancient rope-walking acrobatics performed during imperial festivals.
• Western countries: Tightrope and slackline performances in circuses and street fairs.
• Japan: Kawadoko Asobi, folk balancing acts performed during summer festivals.

✨ Oejultagi embodies the artistry of balance — where courage meets grace, and laughter meets awe, creating a living bridge between performer and audience.

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💌 Closing Words

Oejultagi is more than a traditional show; it is a symbol of Korean creativity and the harmony of art, humor, and courage.
Each step on the rope represents resilience, beauty, and the timeless joy of sharing wonder with others.

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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.
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