The Culture and Arts Subcommittee of the Bupyeong 2-dong Residents’ Autonomy Committee is developing cultural performances to promote local history and strengthen its identity as a “cultural village.” Among these initiatives is “The Samneung Story,” a puppet play based on the history of the “Mitsubishi Row Houses,” prepared directly by residents since September.

Reporter: Roh Bong-ae

Seniors in their 70s and 80s are participating as actors in the puppet play, while residents gather every Monday and Wednesday to make the puppets themselves and even handle the voice-dubbing duties, all while showing great enthusiasm.

Instructor Kim Ji-hye said, “At first, I doubted whether we could pull this off, but the elders actively participated, created puppets suited to their roles, and delivered excellent voice recordings, as well. Their sewing and machine-stitching skills are impressive and, above all, many of them know the village’s history well, which creates a strong sense of shared understanding.”

Eighty-year-old participant Lee Jin-soon said with pride, “I encouraged a friend who is in the early stages of dementia to join. Making puppets and sewing have improved her health, and she’s very happy now.” Based on true stories and portraying life in the row houses during the 1950s–60s in an engaging way, the puppet play “The Samneung Story” will premiere on November 29 with the village orchestra. It will also appear as a celebratory performance on December 4, alongside a historical musical at Dongsu Middle School.
Moreover, the play is set to be performed at senior centers and local educational institutions. Performance schedules and audience information can be found on the Bupyeong 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center website, community band pages, and posters.

The “Mitsubishi Row Houses,” so called because the homes were tightly attached to one another, were used as dormitories for workers mobilized to a weapons factory during the Japanese colonial period. Recognized for their historical significance, these row houses were formally given the status of National Registered Cultural Heritage Site in August 2024.