Korean Traditional Game : Seopdari Geonneogi

🌉 Korean Traditional Game Series 45

Seopdari Geonneogi
(섶다리 건너기 · Korean Brushwood Bridge Crossing)

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🕰️ 1. Introduction

Seopdari Geonneogi (섶다리 건너기), or “crossing the brushwood bridge,” is a warm and symbolic Korean folk play that once marked the change of seasons — especially around the first full moon of the lunar year (Jeongwol Daeboreum).
The “seopdari,” a temporary bridge made of straw or brushwood, represented the connection between people, nature, and the new year’s hopes.

Villagers, young and old, gathered to cross the bridge together, believing that it would wash away misfortune and bring blessings, health, and harmony.
It was both a ritual and a communal celebration — a joyful expression of togetherness that reflected Korea’s deep respect for seasonal cycles and community spirit.

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🪄 2. How to Play and Celebrate

1. Making the bridge:
   Villagers build a bridge across a small stream or field path using bundles of straw, sticks, or brushwood.
   The bridge is often simple but sturdy enough for people to cross in single file.
2. Crossing ceremony:
   Participants cross the bridge one by one, singing or chanting blessings such as “Let the bad luck go away and good fortune come!”
   Some toss grains, salt, or paper charms into the water below to symbolize the casting away of evil spirits.
3. Community joy:
   After everyone crosses, villagers share food, rice wine (makgeolli), and laughter — a way of strengthening bonds and celebrating new beginnings together.

In many regions, Seopdari Geonneogi also served as a romantic folk custom — young men and women crossing the bridge at dusk, exchanging shy glances under the moonlight.

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👀 3. Example from Life

As twilight falls, villagers gather by the stream, holding small lanterns that flicker like fireflies.
Elders lead the way, their steps steady on the straw bridge, while children giggle as it creaks beneath them.
With every step, the sound of laughter, water, and wind blend into one — a melody of hope for the year ahead.

When everyone has crossed, the bridge is gently taken apart and set afloat, carrying away misfortune with the flowing water.
In that moment, the entire village feels lighter — as though they, too, have crossed into a brighter tomorrow.

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🌏 4. Similar Traditions Around the World

• Japan: Hashi watashi, ceremonial bridge crossings symbolizing renewal and purification.
• China: Lunar New Year rituals involving river or bridge crossings for good luck.
• Europe: May Day bridge games symbolizing passage into spring and rebirth.

Across cultures, bridge-crossing rituals remind people that transitions — from season to season or past to future — are best made together.

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💌 Closing Words

Seopdari Geonneogi is more than a village festival.
It’s a beautiful metaphor for life itself — that we must cross every bridge hand in hand, letting go of sorrow and walking toward light and renewal.
Through this gentle play, Koreans celebrated not just the turning of time but the strength of community that carries them across.

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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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