The Sole Woman Enshrined in a Joseon Dynasty Shrine: A Remarkable Legacy
Nonge was a gisaeng (female entertainer) affiliated with the Jinju government office.
During the Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasions of Korea), the Japanese army launched an attack on Jinju Castle, which was crucial for their advance into the Jeolla-do region.
Our soldiers, together with the townspeople and militia, valiantly resisted the Japanese army's fierce attacks, but in the end, the city fell.
The Japanese commanders held a banquet at the Chots Seokru pavilion to celebrate their victory.
Nongae, dressed up beautifully, stood on a steep rock below Chuseokru.
As a Japanese general approached her with open arms, Nongae embraced him and threw herself into the Namgang River.
Later, the rock was named Uiam(means Rock of Righteousness), and a shrine was built to enshrine her spirit and honor her bravery.
Nongae was born in Jangsu County, Jeollabuk-do Province, and it was revealed through Yu Mong-in's book "Eou Yadam" that she was a gisaeng.
Yu Mong-in, moved by the injustice of Nongae's righteous sacrifice being unrecorded and unrewarded due to her social status, decided to document her story.
Uiambyeolje, a ceremony to honor Nongae's righteous sacrifice
In 1868 (King Gojong 5th year, Joseon Dynasty), Jeong Hyeon-seok, the governor of Jinju, rebuilt Nongae's shrine and instituted sacrificial rites for her. This is the origin of Uiambyeolje.
Uiambyeolje was a grand ritual held annually on an auspicious day in June, exclusively performed by gisaeng.
A unique ceremony where women preside over all rituals except for the performance of musical instruments by male entertainers.
During the first ceremony, 300 gisaeng performed for three days, and the spectacle of the solemn ceremonial rituals and Uiambyeolje dances is said to have been truly magnificent
Even the governor of Jinju was moved, saying, "In the 6th month of the year Mujin, a sacrificial altar was set up and incense was burned, and 300 gisaeng performed the ceremony with sincerity. It seemed as if the righteous spirit of Nongae had descended."
The Jinju Nongae Festival, where citizens come together to honor the loyalty of Jinju.
Driven by a sense of patriotism, Jinju's esteemed cultural figures sought to commemorate the unwavering loyalty of the city's 70,000 civilians, officials, and soldiers during the Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasions of Korea) through the honorable figure of Nongae.
With the aim of creating a traditional festival where citizens could actively participate, the was established.
The takes place annually over three days during the fourth week of May at Jinjuseong Fortress, a sacred site of national loyalty.
Commencing with the Uiambyeolje ritual, the festival showcases a rich tapestry of traditional culture, including the Jinju Oguangdae (Traditional Korean masked dance performance), folk arts, and the beauty of Gyobang culture as embodied by Jinju gisaeng. The festival also features a strong focus on women.
Gyobeop was an institution in Goryeo and Joseon dynasties that oversaw dance and music, primarily performed by gisaeng (female entertainers). Gyobeop culture refers to not only the traditional dances and songs passed down from Gyobeop but also the encompassing term for food, etiquette, play, and customs.
Anchored in traditional arts, the spring-held Nongae Festival, with its focus on pure artistry, paves the way for the autumnal Gaechon Arts Festival and Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, collectively transforming Jinju into a city of vibrant festivals.
