Seasonal rituals which have been annually repeated are transmitted from generation to generation everywhere in Korea. Those are somewhat different depending on locations. They have been formed into a similar culture, related to farmers’ and fishermen’s life, and the thought and the life of low-class people have been well reflected. Nam-gu was under the influence of Jwasuyeong (the navy camp of the Left) of Gyeongsang-do Province; here, Nongcheong-play (traditional Korean play) and Eobang-play were organized and a masked dance has been developed.

Seasonal and calendar rituals

Major rituals include sacrificial rituals such as ancestor-memorial services on New Year’s Day, Yeongdong Halmije (Ritual to Yeongdong Grandmother), Baekjungje-ritual, ancestor-memorial services on Chuseok (Thanksgiving Day), Myosa, Yongwang Meokigi (Offering food to the Sea King) and Dangsanje-ritual; praying rituals such as sprinkling salt, hanging a lucky bag, hanging a Bokjori, drawing spring water, burning Daljip, praying to the full moon, drinking ear-quickening wine, treading on a bridge, biting nuts and attaching the celebrating paper on the Onset of Spring. Protecting customs such as attaching a tiger picture, hanging a branch of thorny ask tree, sprinkling yellow earth water, solving the baleful stars, sending Daemoksun, burning fingernails, flying a kite, sprinkling rice gruel with red-beans, burning a collar of a coat, throwing away an Alaska pollack, driving away ghosts, preventing scabs, driving away hot weather and wiping out noxious insects. Also other diverse fortune-telling and taboos are transmitted.

Dangsanje-ritual

Dangsanje is the ritual to worship Dangsan God in order for ancestors to maintain peace and order of each family and village while building a village. So far, the ritual can be found in Yongdang-dong, Yongho-dong, Mukhyeon-2dong and Uam-1don, and the ritual date is different according to the ritual involved.

Folk play

Diverse folk plays have gradually disappeared, but ancestors in this area enjoyed the plays such as Yut plan, flying a kite, teetertotter, trodding the Earth god, tug of war, Mask play, swing, wrestling and top spinning. Nationally, most common plays barely keep themselves in existence.

The typical sphere of life in Nam-gu is near Bugyeong University and Gyeongseong University where college students and young people are crowed all the time. Here, waves of young culture and spirit rise in restaurants, computer game hall, PC rooms or convenience stores. Six big and small universities/colleges stand close together here; thus, this area can be called a typical street of university culture in Busan. Also, neighboring Daeyeon crossroads are a traditional commercial area, where historic Motgol Market and close-by cultural facilities (Busan Museum, Busan Cultural Center etc.) are combined. Recently, District Office building and Education Office building were moved here, recovering the past fame. Due to a rapid influx of population into Yongho-dong crossroads, recently, this sphere of life has been promptly developed. In order to visit beautiful Oryukdo-islands, which symbolize Busan, Sinseondae, where it is believed that wizards used to enjoy themselves, and Igidae, you should visit this area.

Although no taste of Nam-gu is famous in nationwide, more and more extraordinary restaurants have recently came into being, stimulating local citizen’s taste. The name Gopchang (meaning “Chitterlings) street in Munhyeon-dong, which started from the period of Japanese Imperialism, still remains. Ssambap (meaning “rice wrapped with cabbage leaves) and Sundubu (meaning “uncurdled bean curd”) around Cultural Center and Museum; Yeoyeoje selling traditional food (sacrificial food) with antique ornament; Naengmyeon (meaning “iced vermicelli”) and Megitang (meaning “cat-fish soup”) in Uam-dong; Haemultang (meaning “seafood soup”) of Yongho-dong; sliced raw fish restaurants near Baekunpo and Seopjari increase Busan’s reputation

Because not many people used to live here in old days, specific famous products do not exist, but those products supplied by local small or medium enterprises are: knife (Yushin Industry), ceramic ware (Myeong Ceramic Art), socks (Chilseong Industry) and fishing materials (Daeyang). These small or medium enterprises lead the local economy with vivid manufacturing activities.

Several tens of furniture stores are formed along Suyeongro-street near Daeyeong-dong District Office building, and this area is famous for furniture shopping. Gopchang Street extending from Munhyeon Intersection to Munhyeon 4-dong has a long history. This street is very famous in Busan itself; it was introduced in the movie “Friends”, which was filmed in Busan.