Kim Ssatkgat Cultural Festival

The Kim Ssatkwat Cultural Festival is held in Yeongwol to honor the life and literary legacy of Nango Kim Byeong-yeon (Kim Ssatkwat), a wandering poet of the late Joseon Dynasty. Kim Ssatkgat was a figure who wandered the country wearing a thatched hat, satirizing the authority and hypocrisy of the society of his time and humorously depicting the lives and sorrows of the common people. Launched in 1998, the Kim Ssatkgat Cultural Festival is held every fall, centered around the historic sites in Kim Ssatkgat-myeon, Yeongwol County, where Kim Ssatkgat’s tomb, former residence, and the Nango Kim Ssatkgat Literature Museum are located. The main programs include a memorial rite honoring Kim Ssatkgat, the Kim Ssatkgat Literary Award ceremony, nationwide essay and calligraphy contests, a reenactment of the Joseon Dynasty civil service examinations, and academic events related to literature. In addition, the festival features performances, exhibitions, and hands-on programs centered on Kim Ssanggat’s wanderings, wit, and love of the arts. The festival aims to shed light on Kim Ssanggat’s life and literary legacy and to carry forward the satirical and humorous elements found in his poetry in a contemporary context.

1. Main Programs: Kim Ssanggat Memorial Ritual, Joseon Dynasty Civil Service Examination (Classical Chinese Poetry Contest), General and Student Poetry Contests, Kim Ssanggat Literary Award, Korean Literature Symposium, Academic Symposium, On-Site Cartoon Drawing Contest, National Calligraphy Contest, etc. 2. Performance Program: Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Rap Competition, etc. 3. Ongoing Programs: Literature Market, Sweet Table, Local Artists’ Exhibition, etc.