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National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Namsadang Nori (Itinerant Troupe Performance)

남사당놀이 ( 男寺黨놀이 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Name of Cultural Properties Namsadang Nori (Itinerant Troupe Performance)
Quantity
Designated Date 1964.12.07
Age
Address Seoul

Namsadang Nori refers to traditional folk performances presented by an itinerant troupe of about forty male players called Namsadang. The troupe performed for the common people in farming and fishing villages from the late Joseon period up until the 1920s. The performance is known to have originated from the traditional folk festivals that developed in rural communities across Korea, and generally received unfavorable treatment from the nobility. Each performance is composed of performances by percussion players, dish spinners, tumblers, tightrope walkers, mask dance players, and various theatrical characters. Namsadang Nori also includes puppet plays called Kkokdugaksi Noreum, Bakcheomji Noreum and Hongdongji Noreum after the main characters, the first of which is still performed today. It originated from the traditional entertainment developed by members of lower-class communities who sought to satirize the immorality and absurdity of the life of the ruling class.