Sadangphae is a civil art organization in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty (1392–1910) which specialized in singing and dancing with urban and rural communities as its arena of activity. The word sadangphae originated from the meaning “group of kwangdae .” In olden times there was no word paeu (actor in English) in Korea, so the entertainers were called kwangdae . Hence, sadangpae was an organization of those entertainers, and the dance performed by them was called sadang dance.
It can be said that sadangpae was formed between 15th and 16th century when the feudal culture was developing.
Its heyday was between 17th and 18th century, and the sphere of its activity covered the rural villages and towns in Phyongan, Hwanghae, Kyonggi, Chungchon, Kyongsang and Jolla provinces.
Entering the 19th century the activities of new famous phansori (a long epic song) singers emerged, and the Japanese imperialists, who occupied the country militarily in the early 20th century, started to crack down the folk events and group gatherings. This made sadangpae wander around rural areas and live on penny donated by peasants. Most of its members were artistes of farmer origin or their descendants who had gathered to seek a way to make a living amid poverty and hardships. So they suffered all sorts and humiliation and maltreatment from the feudal rulers.
As men and women lived together in one group, its internal regulation jungbop was so strict that the one who violated it was forced to be driven out of the organization. Songs and dances performed by sadangpae mainly dealt ideological feelings and aspiration of the working farmers and revealed the corruption and incompetence of the feudal rulers and the vulnerability of the feudal society.
The group made contribution to developing song and dance into one of the theatrical art based on popular songs and dances, and played some positive roles in the development of the country’s national culture and traditional virtue and excellent custom.
More From Naenara (En)
A groundbreaking ceremony for the fifth-stage construction project in the Hwasong area of the capital city of Pyongyang took place
March 22, 2026
A groundbreaking ceremony for the fifth-stage construction project in the Hwasong area of the capital city of Pyongyang took place
The Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory in Phyongchon District, Pyongyang, is the maker of the Unhasu -brand cosmetics with an
March 22, 2026
The Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory in Phyongchon District, Pyongyang, is the maker of the Unhasu -brand cosmetics with an
The Onpho hot spring in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK, has been well known for its marvellous effect on
March 22, 2026
The Onpho hot spring in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK, has been well known for its marvellous effect on
Kaesong Municipality was once the capital of Koryo (918-1392), one of the feudal states in Korea. In the city there are many tombs
March 22, 2026
Kaesong Municipality was once the capital of Koryo (918-1392), one of the feudal states in Korea. In the city there are many tombs
The area of Mt Paektu, 2 750 metres above sea level, is noted as a global geopark. Recently it is better known as an iconic
March 21, 2026
The area of Mt Paektu, 2 750 metres above sea level, is noted as a global geopark. Recently it is better known as an iconic
Koguryo lasted from 277 BC to AD 668. The tombs of the first feudal state of Korea have paintings on walls and ceilings. The
March 21, 2026
Koguryo lasted from 277 BC to AD 668. The tombs of the first feudal state of Korea have paintings on walls and ceilings. The
The militarist entity of Japan, which has completely cast off its veil of "exclusive defence", is openly manifesting itself.
March 21, 2026
The militarist entity of Japan, which has completely cast off its veil of "exclusive defence", is openly manifesting itself.
Wihwa Island located in the northwestern part of the DPRK is now better known across the country. Rescued Flood Victims In late
March 21, 2026
Wihwa Island located in the northwestern part of the DPRK is now better known across the country. Rescued Flood Victims In late
The Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held last February set it as an important task to qualitatively consolidate
March 21, 2026
The Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held last February set it as an important task to qualitatively consolidate
The National Inter-provincial Games-2026 began in the DPRK as part of the 2026 Spring National Sports Festival. The games will
March 21, 2026
The National Inter-provincial Games-2026 began in the DPRK as part of the 2026 Spring National Sports Festival. The games will
The Sangwon Cement Complex, one of the country’s cement giants, is now gearing up for a production upsurge. On March 1, the
March 20, 2026
The Sangwon Cement Complex, one of the country’s cement giants, is now gearing up for a production upsurge. On March 1, the
The State Stamp Bureau of the DPRK has produced new stamps (two sheets and six individuals) in commemoration of the Ninth Congress
March 20, 2026
The State Stamp Bureau of the DPRK has produced new stamps (two sheets and six individuals) in commemoration of the Ninth Congress
The 2026 Spring National Sports Festival opened in the DPRK. The festival will be held, divided into professional sports field and
March 19, 2026
The 2026 Spring National Sports Festival opened in the DPRK. The festival will be held, divided into professional sports field and
Thanks to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un ’s grand plan for the capital city construction and energetic leadership, the
March 19, 2026
Thanks to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un ’s grand plan for the capital city construction and energetic leadership, the
Tamjing (579-631) was a monk and an artist of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668). In 610 he was invited to Japan to draw paintings on the
March 18, 2026
Tamjing (579-631) was a monk and an artist of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668). In 610 he was invited to Japan to draw paintings on the
Thanks to the wise leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea to provide the people with a happier life and more cultured living
March 18, 2026
Thanks to the wise leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea to provide the people with a happier life and more cultured living
The election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly took place in the DPRK. All the people and service personnel of
March 17, 2026
The election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly took place in the DPRK. All the people and service personnel of
The First Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on March 22, 2026. The SPA
March 17, 2026
The First Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on March 22, 2026. The SPA
Senior Party and government officials went over to sub-constituencies in different parts of the DPRK to take part in the election
March 17, 2026
Senior Party and government officials went over to sub-constituencies in different parts of the DPRK to take part in the election
The First Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on March 22, 2026. The session
March 17, 2026
The First Session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK will be convened in Pyongyang on March 22, 2026. The session
More Articles
