Jukseoru Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Jukseoru Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Jukseoru Traditional Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Introduce

Purpose

To allow young people to experience various events and processes involved in traditional Korean coming-of-age ceremony, help them understand that internal maturity and responsibilities as an adult are as important as physical maturity in becoming an adult and lastly, to cerebrate their coming of age.

Overview

  • When: Every year on the third Monday in May
  • Where: Jukseoru Pavilion
  • Organized by: Samcheok Culture Center
  • Who: High school students in the area

Order of Events

  • Gwanja (young men) and Gyeja (young women) enter
  • Formal bow towards Gwanjabin (officiant of the young men) and Gyejabin (officiant of the young women)
  • Samgarye (clothing young men and women as adults)
    • Chogarye (A hair band is put on the young men and the hair of the young women is fixed before putting “binyeo” which is a traditional Korean hairpin)
    • Jaegarye (A black hemp hat called “chipogwan” is put on the young men and binyeo is put on the hair of the young women)
    • Samgarye (A Confucius students’ hat called “yugeon” is put on the young men and a women’s coronet called “hwagwan” is put on the young women)
  • Chorye – The right of adults to drink alcohol and proper drinking manners are explained to the young men and women and, the young men are given a drink and the young women are given a cup of tea.
  • Myeongjarye – The young men are given a new name referred to as a ‘ja,’ a token of acknowledging his initiation as an adult finding his place in society.
  • Announcement of the Coming of Age
  • Oath for the Coming of Age – Both young men and women

Origin of the Coming of Age Ceremony in Korea

The coming of age ceremony dates as far as the ancient Samhan Period (75 B.C. - 100 A.D.) in Korea.
According to old historical records, in a kingdom called Mahan, young men had to drag around a heavy log and build the house they will live in as adults.

During the Silla Dynasty Period, there was a youth training system called Hwarang where young men had to learn the rules of adults and strengthen their body and soul by touring around the country. During the Goryeo Dynasty Period, children and adults had different costumes and ceremonies about when and how to wear those costumes. The so-called traditional coming-of-age ceremony we reenact today comes from the Joseon Dynasty Period which placed great importance on Confucius rules, discipline and manners.

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