Commemorating centuries of merchant tradition, community solidarity, and local history at the historic Manse Market

BUYEO — The historic town of Imcheon-myeon in Buyeo County recently celebrated a major cultural milestone with the successful hosting of the 150th Imcheon Peddler Official Document Memorial, known locally as the Gongmunje.

Drawing a crowd of over 500 local residents, cultural preservationists, and traditional peddler association members, the event took place at the Imcheon-myeon Manse Market. Organized by the Imcheon-myeon Peddler Preservation Association and led by Chairman Kim Yong-kwan, the festival is designed to keep alive the rich heritage of Korea’s historical traveling merchants (bobusang).

The centerpiece of the festival is the Gongmunje, a ceremonial rite that honors the official administrative documents issued by Sangmu-sa, the official merchant regulatory body established during the Joseon Dynasty. These rituals pay tribute to the communal spirit, economic contributions, and structured organization of historical peddlers.

This year's gathering carried extra prestige as delegations from multiple historic peddler preservation groups—including Josan-Palku Sangmu-Usa, Yedeok Sangmu-Sa, and Wonhongju-deung Yukkun Sangmu-Sa—joined forces. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant parade featuring traditional banners and glowing cheongsachorong lanterns. Performers and participants then reenacted traditional ceremonies, including folk chants (Gaehwaja Taryeong) and ancestral wine offerings (Choheonrye, Aheonrye, and Jongheonrye). A symbolic leadership handover ceremony (Jeonjang-sik), which transfers official administrative seals and documents to incoming association executives, concluded the formal proceedings.

The choice of venue added profound historical weight to the celebration. The event was held at Imcheon-myeon Manse Market, revered as the site where the very first March First independence movement in South Chungcheong Province erupted on March 6, 1919. By hosting the festival here, organizers bridged the gap between Korea's commercial grassroots history and its fierce fight for national independence.

Buyeo County Deputy Mayor Lee Dong-yu praised the local preservation association for its unwavering dedication. "I extend my deepest appreciation to the members of the Imcheon-myeon Peddler Preservation Association for safeguarding this precious legacy," Lee noted. "We remain committed to ensuring that this unique tradition endures as an invaluable cultural asset for generations to come."

Chairman Kim echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the community and attendees. "Reaching our 150th memorial is a tremendous honor," Kim said. "We pledge to continue honoring the path paved by our ancestors and keeping our local heritage vibrant and alive."

For further information regarding the event, inquiries can be directed to the Imcheon-myeon General Affairs Team at Buyeo County Office.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]