Geochang County to Hold Public Event for Intangible Heritage "Geochang Sambe Gilsam" at Changpo Garden on Nov. 14

Demonstration of Geochang Sambe Gilsam, a South Gyeongsang intangible cultural heritage, highlighting preservation and transmission of traditional techniques
Showcasing key stages, including samsamgi, spinning, bemagi, and weaving
Traditional games program "Nolmaru" offers hands-on activities, including tuho and Gongginori

Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, is organizing a public event to showcase the region's traditional hemp-making techniques and raise awareness of the preservation and transmission of intangible heritage.

The county said it will hold a public event for “Geochang Sambe Gilsam,” an intangible cultural heritage of South Gyeongsang Province, at the cultural plaza of Geochang Changpo Garden from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 14.

The event, organized by the Association for the Preservation of Local Folk Customs, will feature demonstrations of traditional hemp-making processes and hands-on activities for visitors.

[Photo provided by Geochang County] Inheritors of Geochang Sambe Gilsam demonstrate how to weave hemp cloth using traditional methods. Geochang County will hold a public demonstration of “Geochang Sambe Gilsam,” a Gyeongsangnam-do Intangible Cultural Heritage, at Geochang Changpo Garden on the 14th.

Geochang Sambe Gilsam is a traditional weaving technique in which hemp fibers are made into thread and woven into cloth. It is a living cultural heritage closely connected to the clothing and daily lives of local residents in the past.

The event will showcase the main stages of hemp weaving in sequence, including samsamgi, spinning, warping, bemagi, and weaving.

Samsamgi is the process of joining hemp fibers to make thread, while spinning involves winding and organizing the thread. The traditional method of making hemp cloth on a loom will also be introduced, following preparatory steps such as warping and bemagi.

Visitors will be able to see the process of turning hemp into thread and completing a full length of hemp cloth.

Demonstrations and hands-on activities will give visitors a chance to see traditional techniques firsthand and learn about the methods and heritage value of Geochang Sambe Gilsam.

A traditional games program called “Nolmaru” will also be available for families visiting the event.

Activities will include tuho (arrow throwing), Gongginori, Sangaijinori, and making thread tops, with activities designed for children and adults to enjoy together.

The county plans to combine demonstrations of Geochang Sambe Gilsam with traditional games, introducing visitors to the region's intangible heritage and offering an opportunity to deepen understanding of traditional culture across generations.

A Geochang County official said, “We hope visitors will be able to see firsthand how Geochang Sambe Gilsam is made and appreciate the value of traditional culture through this public event,” adding, “We will continue to support efforts to preserve and pass on the region's intangible heritage.”

Geochang Sambe Gilsam was designated an intangible cultural heritage of South Gyeongsang Province in 2013.

The Geochang Sambe Gilsam Preservation Association has continued its efforts to preserve traditional hemp-making techniques and pass them on to future generations through transmission activities, including training and public events.

To ensure the continued transmission of Geochang Sambe Gilsam, efforts are needed to expand training, cultivate future practitioners, and connect the tradition with local cultural tourism resources, alongside holding public events.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.