Auraji Ferry Dock

Auraji Ferry Dock is an old ferry landing located in Yeryang-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. The name Auraji, which means 'to come together,' comes from the confluence of Songcheon Stream, which originates in Doam-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, and Golji Stream, which originates in Hajang-myeon, Samcheok-gun. Auraji is also the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang, a Gangwon-do intangible cultural heritage. Auraji was the starting point for raft transportation, where timber was carried along the thousand-li waterway of the South Han River, and the sound of Arari songs from raftsmen who gathered from all over the country never ceased. The lyrics of today's Jeongseon Arirang were written to express the longing hearts of those waiting for their loved ones who left for distant lands on rafts or for trade, and the sorrowful feelings of men and women who could not fulfill their love across the river due to floods.

Every year between July and August, the Auraji Raft Festival is held in this area, centered around Auraji Ferry Dock. The Auraji Raft Festival, which began in 1993, was temporarily canceled due to COVID-19 and resumed in 2022, and the festival runs for 2-3 days. Along with rich cultural events such as traditional raft-making demonstrations, visitors can also enjoy experience programs such as raft rituals, crossing the stone bridge, and riding a ferry boat, as well as performances of Jeongseon Arirang and samulnori.