Mansŏk chung nori

Mans\u014fk chung nori is a Korean puppet play that, along with Kkoktukaksi nori, represents the extant texts of this traditional art form. While the exact origins of these puppet plays are not definitively known, they are believed to have developed from early communal ceremonies. Like Korean mask plays, the plots of puppet plays often feature social criticism, satirizing the ruling classes through the actions of characters such as governors, Buddhist monks, and other figures. These performances, which involve singing and dancing puppets, were popular among the common people and continue to be a part of Korean folk traditions.1