Dongchoon Circus Marks Century as South Korea's Last Remaining Circus

ANASAN, South Korea — Dongchoon Circus Troupe, the last surviving circus in South Korea, celebrated its centennial on June 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s performing arts history. Founded in 1925, Dongchoon has weathered numerous challenges over the decades, transitioning from grand animal acts to its current focus on acrobatic performances, reflecting broader societal changes and industry trends.

Park Sae-hwan, the head of Dongchoon Circus, expressed a heavy sense of responsibility during an interview with the Associated Press. He stated, "If Dongchoon stops, our country’s circus, one genre in our performing arts, will disappear. That’s the problem." The circus, which once featured exotic animals and large-scale productions, now relies solely on acrobats and aerial performances, adapting to contemporary audience preferences and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

Historically, Dongchoon thrived during the 1960s, a golden era for circuses in South Korea when television had not yet become ubiquitous. According to Park, the circus employed over 200 artists at its peak, captivating audiences nationwide. However, as television and later, the internet, began to dominate entertainment options, Dongchoon faced a steady decline. Animal acts, once a staple of circuses, were phased out in response to growing animal rights advocacy.

As the only remaining circus in the country, Dongchoon has become a symbol of cultural heritage. Heo Jeong Joo, an expert from the All That Heritage Research Institute, emphasized the importance of preserving Dongchoon, advocating for its designation as an intangible cultural asset due to its historical significance. "Its foundation exceeds 100 years, which is invaluable for understanding our cultural identity and history," Heo stated.

Despite a near closure in 2009, when audience numbers dwindled significantly during a flu outbreak, Dongchoon has seen a resurgence in attendance. Local media coverage helped to draw crowds, with current weekend shows attracting up to 2,000 spectators, according to the circus officials. Sharon Ham, a city official in Ansan, noted that the circus has bolstered local tourism, appealing to both older audiences reminiscing about their childhood and younger generations seeking new experiences.

The current troupe consists entirely of 35 Chinese acrobats, as the profession has become less appealing to South Koreans, who often view it as perilous and low-paying. Performance director Xing Jiangtao, who has been with Dongchoon since 2002, remarked on the challenges faced by the circus, stating, "We hope to create good circus performances to ensure Dongchoon exists for another 100 years."

Looking ahead, Park Sae-hwan dreams of establishing a circus school in Ansan to nurture future South Korean circus artists. This initiative reflects a commitment not only to the survival of Dongchoon but to the revitalization of circus arts in South Korea. As the last bastion of a fading art form, Dongchoon Circus stands as a testament to resilience and cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of circuses in South Korea will not be forgotten.