[1][2] It is often associated with the Chuseok holiday and Daeboreum and is performed when the full moon rose above the mountains [1][3] They dance all night and continue to play folk games in circles.

[6] The etymology of Ganggangsullae is not clear, however the term's origins can be guessed by interpreting the name in either indigenous Korean or Hanja characters.

This meaning was derived from the history of the naval commander Yi Sun-sin utilizing ganggangsullae in military strategy, but there is little evidence to support this theory.

Newly founded dynasty Joseon needed to rebuild the country in a different manner, which called for another national policy - Confucianism.

Under the strict Confucian influence expansion, the female status started to degrade sharply, resulting in more difficulties and obstacles for even noble women.

[8][9][10][11] Nowadays, Ganggangsullae is passed down to younger generations in music class at local schools and students can learn how to perform folk dance, including the origin of the artistic movement, exercising melody skills.

[11] Jangdan, meaning “long and short,” is a foundational rhythmic pattern in Korean dance and music that distinguishes it from Western traditions.

This unique rhythmic framework features a repetitive pattern integral to the music’s structure and is inspired by the natural pulse of breathing, mirroring the body's internal rhythms.

This adaptability is crucial, as it affects the dance’s tempo, enabling movements to accelerate or decelerate in response to the changing rhythm.

As the performance evolves, the tempo gradually increases to a moderate speed, referred to as jungmori or jungjungmori, introducing a more dynamic rhythm that enhances participant engagement.

[3] The performance culminates with a fast tempo called jajinmori, where the rhythm becomes rapid and energetic, reflecting the heightened excitement of the dance’s finale.

This progression through tempos enriches the Ganggangsullae experience, mirroring the performance's evolving nature and concluding in an exhilarating celebration.

The dance routine is typically short and repetitive and choreographed to reflect and convey cultural values, social beliefs, and various aspects of life in traditional Korean society.

Historically, the phases of the moon were integral to agricultural practices in ancient Korea, guiding the timing of planting and harvesting.