Curtain Rises on the Last Curtain Call: Dongchoon Circus's 100-Year Tale

Dongchoon Circus, South Korea's last circus, combats modern challenges as it celebrates 100 years. From golden ages filled with various acts, its journey reflects a cultural legacy. Facing dwindling popularity and societal changes, it works to revive interest and preserve its rich history and cultural significance.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Ansan | Updated: 19-06-2025 09:10 IST | Created: 19-06-2025 09:10 IST
Curtain Rises on the Last Curtain Call: Dongchoon Circus's 100-Year Tale
This image is AI-generated and does not depict any real-life event or location. It is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only.
  • Country:
  • South Korea

No more animal acts. No more death-defying stunts. Yet, the Dongchoon Circus Troupe, South Korea's century-old circus, continues to dazzle hundreds with acrobatics, evident during a recent performance.

Founded in 1925, Dongchoon Circus once enchanted audiences countrywide, especially during the 1960s when televisions were scarce. However, television, internet, and professional sports have since diminished circus popularity. Today, Dongchoon fights for survival alone, its cultural value acknowledged by heritage experts.

Despite difficult times, including near closure in 2009, Dongchoon has found new life at its seaside venue in Ansan. The circus, now staffed by Chinese acrobats, draws crowds eager to reminisce or discover something new, keeping alive a rich legacy of South Korean performing arts.

(With inputs from agencies.)

Give Feedback