Eumseong Pumba Festival

The Eumseong Pumba Festival is rooted in the life of the late Choi Gwi-dong, often remembered as a saint of compassion and love. Although he lived with a disability himself, Choi traveled throughout Mugeuk-ri in Geumwang-eup collecting food—not for himself, but for beggars who were too weak even to beg. His life later inspired Father Oh Woong-jin to establish Kkottongnae, and his example of selfless service continues to inspire many today. Various explanations have been passed down regarding the origin of the word pumba. Traditionally, it refers to an onomatopoeic refrain used in gakseori taryeong, the songs associated with wandering performers and itinerant peddlers. The Eumseong Pumba Festival combines this traditional image of pumba with Choi Gwi-dong’s spirit of philanthropy and compassion. Although modern society enjoys greater material prosperity, spiritual emptiness and social inequality still remain. The festival was created around the idea that society can find catharsis through satire and humor and be healed through love and sharing. For this reason, the Eumseong Pumba Festival has become a unique cultural festival dedicated to putting the values of love, compassion, and sharing into practice.