Fire Festival

On Saturday we went to the Fire Festival with our Kook Sul master, and several other foreigners who practice with us. We had heard lots of good things about the festival, and it did not disappoint.

We got there around 4:15pm, but unfortunately it was too late to climb the small hill that was later lit on fire. So we had a look around, and then went to a tent for diner. Master Oh explained that the fire festival stems from farming culture. Farmers used to light their fields on fire in the late winter to fertilize, and kill any bugs before spring planting.

This tradition is honored by song, dance, fireworks, and lighting a hill on fire. First in the video you see woman wearing traditional dress called hambok. I assume they are singing traditional songs. Every time I see a woman wearing hambok and singing it is captivating. Unfortunately my camera doesn't convey the magic as well.

After hay stacks were burned and things appeared to calm down the hill suddenly blew up. Fireworks laying on the side of the mountain caused explosions, accompanied by more aerials. I didn't catch that initial explosion, but the whole thing made me think about war instantly.

After you see Mike, you see some of our friends dancing. At the end is a short clip of traditional circle dancing.

Enjoy!