The Yeongsan Samil Cultural Festival commemorates the brave stand of Samil peasants who rose up against the Japanese occupation forces on 1 March 1919 (the uprising is commemorated all over the country) and stars wooden bull fights - a more animal friendly version of the traditional live fight.
A highlight of the festival is a phenomenon known as the 'Battle of the Bulls' (Yongsan Soemori-daegi), derived from the days when real bulls used to be put to fight to the bitter end.
Nowadays, two teams line up opposite each other carrying wooden bulls' heads in a mock-fight, to the accompaniment of traditional folk music. There is also a tug-of-war alongside other fun games and events. Yeongsan Samil Cultural Festival is always lots of fun, as everyone relaxes, gets drunk and dances the night away.
Event details can change. Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
