At the 1st National Heritage day ceremony held at the Daejeon Government Complex on December 9, the Andong Chajeon Game Preservation Society received the 2024 Presidential award as an organization for contributions to national heritage protection.
The Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association is an organization that has been working to preserve and transmit traditional culture since Andong Chajeon Nori was designated as National intangible Heritage No. 24 on January 7, 1969. They are carrying out various activities to promote the value of Andong Chajeon Nori, a traditional men’s Daedong nori, and to continue the tradition.
This Presidential Citation is a result of the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association being recognized for its contribution to promoting the tradition of Andong Chajeon Nori at home and abroad and to the preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
Regarding this award, Kwon Seok-hwan, Chairman of the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Committee, said, “We were able to receive this award thanks to the passion and dedication of everyone who has worked hard to preserve the tradition of Andong Chajeon Nori.” He added, “We will continue to inherit the tradition and make andong Chajeon Nori “I will do my best to be loved by more people,” he said.
Receiving this Presidential Citation from the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association will serve as an prospect to publicize the value of local cultural heritage and emphasize the importance of protecting intangible heritage.
Meanwhile, Andong City (Mayor Kwon Ki-chang) achieved the feat of winning the Excellence Award in the 『2024 Gyeongsangbuk-do City-County Agricultural policy Evaluation』 category implemented by Gyeongsangbuk-do, and also the Grand Prize in the 『2024 Orchard Industry Advancement Policy』.
The evaluation of the orchard industry development policy comprehensively evaluates efforts to secure national and provincial budgets in the fruit tree production field, adequacy of budget execution, and efforts to foster the orchard industry (promotion of city/county projects, annual evaluation results of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) for 22 cities and counties in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Andong City was finally selected this year for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ 『2025 Fruit Specialty Production Complex Infrastructure Development Project』 contest, securing a total project cost of 3.7 billion won (3 billion won in national funds) for two districts,Imha Gogok,Gilan Cheonji and Maneum,and Jukjeon,which was selected in 2023. District, Sinjeon/Woljeon District (2nd year) and Gocheon District selected in 2024, A budget of 7.4 billion won was implemented for Nokrae District (first year). In addition, a budget of 980 million won was executed for the fruit tree production facility modernization support project, which is an FTA fund project. As for the city’s own projects, it promoted various projects such as upgrading the quality of Andong apples, providing agricultural materials to improve competitiveness, and supporting equipment for fruit tree energy efficiency.
In particular, in this policy evaluation, active policies were implemented, such as creating a cultivation complex for option crops in response to climate change, supporting heatwave mitigation agents, purchasing low-quality apples, and inviting overseas apple cultivation experts to host the National Apple Growers Association member conference held at the Andong international Convention Center. As a result, it received a high score.
An official from Andong City said, “although the fruit industry is experiencing difficulties due to abnormal weather conditions and an increase in pests and diseases, we will continue to do our best to ensure that Andong City maintains its status as a major apple producing area and fruit industry.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Andong City
What is the significance of the 2024 Presidential Award for the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association?
Time.news Interview wiht Dr. Lee Min-jung, Director of the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association
Editor-in-Chief (EIC): Welcome, Dr. Lee! We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the recent recognition your institution received at the national Heritage Day ceremony. Can you share with us what this Presidential award means for the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association?
Dr. Lee Min-jung (Dr. Lee): Thank you for having me! Receiving the 2024 Presidential Award is a tremendous honor for our organization. It not only acknowledges our efforts in preserving Andong Chajeon Nori—designated as National Intangible Heritage No. 24—but also sheds light on the importance of safeguarding our customary cultures. It motivates us to continue our mission with even more dedication.
EIC: that’s fantastic to hear. For those who might not be familiar, can you explain what andong Chajeon Nori is and why it holds such significance in Korean culture?
Dr. Lee: Certainly! Andong Chajeon Nori is a traditional men’s performance art that combines elements of dance, music, and theater.It originates from the Andong region and is performed during village festivals to celebrate community and agricultural abundance.This art form reflects the harmony between nature and humanity, emphasizing values like cooperation and joy, making it an essential part of our cultural heritage.
EIC: It sounds deeply rooted in communal values. your organization has been pivotal in promoting this tradition since its designation in 1969. Can you share some of the initiatives you have undertaken to keep this art alive?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! We’ve engaged in a variety of activities, including workshops for both children and adults, performances at cultural festivals, and collaborations with schools to incorporate Andong Chajeon Nori into their curriculum.Additionally, we document and archive performances to ensure that the techniques and stories behind this art form are passed down to future generations.
EIC: That sounds incredibly impactful.with modern entertainment options rapidly evolving, what challenges do you face in keeping Andong chajeon Nori relevant to younger audiences?
Dr. Lee: One of the main challenges is competing for attention in a society that is heavily influenced by modern media and entertainment. To address this, we’re working on innovative approaches, such as integrating contemporary elements into our performances and utilizing social media platforms to reach a broader audience. It’s crucial to make Andong Chajeon Nori accessible and engaging without losing its authenticity.
EIC: That approach sounds promising! As you look ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Andong Chajeon Nori and the preservation of Korean heritage as a whole?
Dr. Lee: My hope is that Andong Chajeon Nori will not only survive but thrive in the global arena, inspiring both locals and international audiences. We aim to foster a deeper appreciation of our intangible heritages, encouraging communities across Korea to engage with their own traditions. This Presidential award is a stepping stone,and we aspire to build a larger network of heritage preservation efforts that connect different cultures and generations.
EIC: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights and the vital work that the Andong Chajeon Nori Preservation Association does.The preservation of cultural heritage is so crucial,and we wish you continued success in your endeavors.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the chance to speak about our work! I appreciate your support in raising awareness about the importance of preserving our cultural identities.