 The
Bukchung Lion Mask Dance has been handed down from generation
to generation in Bukchung, Hamkyungnamdo. Various Lion
Mask Dances are found nationwide.
The Lion Mask Dances are not found in the Far-east Asia
area and it is believed that the lion mask dance originated
from the western part of China. Every village in the Bukchung
used to perform the dance starting from new year's day
until the first full moon day of the year.
It begins with a street play. The performers circle
around on the stage walking and dancing to a flute.
A servant, then, leads his lord on the stage talking
to the spectators and another man walks on the stage.
 At
the nobleman's order, singers perform a minor tune and
the lead singer, wearing a white hat and cloth, dances
to the song. The noble man, then, orders them to perform
a different dance. Upon his order, a group of women
with white skirts and scarfs dance performing beautiful
hand movements.
A hunchback performs a comic dance with a pillow on
his back. It is followed by a couple of dancers, a boy
and a girl who perform because of the nobleman's order.
The nobleman, later, orders two couples to dance together.
One couple dances their ways on the stage followed by
another couple and the noble man enjoys this immensely.
The lion dance is introduced after the sword dance.
The lion dances but later falls down on the ground.
After eating a rabbit, the lion regains strength and
dances with the other lion. As the mask dance ends,
the spectators are encouraged to join and dance on the
stage.
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