Culture 2023.9.29.

Pongsan County in North Hwanghae Province of the DPRK is well known to the Korean people for Pongsan mask dance from olden times.

Pongsan mask dance is a folk dance peculiar to Hwanghae Province.

This dance has been famous as it has the longest historical origin and sharply satirized the dissipated life of monks and the nobility in the feudal society with special dance movements.

The Pongsan mask dance has represented the Korean mask dances because it is progressive in the thematic idea and artistic aspect.

Pongsan mask dance is now widely disseminated and frequently performed in all parts of the province. In particular, Unjong-ri in Pongsan County has a special relationship with Pongsan mask dance.

Visiting Unjong-ri in June Juche 92 (2003), Chairman Kim Jong Il enjoyed the Pongsan mask dance performed by its farmers.

That day he said with great satisfaction that it is very good to actively encourage folk dances, stressing that to properly inherit and develop the excellent cultural wealth created by the Korean ancestors is of weighty significance in preserving the Juche character and national character.

The Pongsan mask dance is now being handed down to posterity as a precious treasure and heritage of the country and nation.

Rodong Sinmun