This study examines the significance of shin minyo dance, a modern dance heritage that was popular from the 1930s to the 1960s, with particular focus on the works of Bae Guja, who created dances based on the folk songs Cheonan Samgeori and Doraji Taryeong. Employing a practice-based research methodology, the study centers on the processes of re-enactment and restoration, while analyzing the reproduction of these works in a contemporary context. The findings reveal that the living transmission of cultural heritage lies not merely in reproduction or restoration, but more importantly in the modern succession and sustainability of dance that reflects both national identity and regional characteristics. Furthermore, this research proposes creative methodologies for integrating the cultural value of traditional dance into contemporary society and underscores the significance of modern succession of modern dance heritage.

The purpose of this research is to confirm the value of the New Folk Song Dance in the history of modern Korean dance. Based on literature review and video analysis, this research investigates the characteristics of the New Folk Song Dance by analyzing the dance movements of ‘Cheonan Samgeoli’, ‘Nillilia’, and ‘Cheonyo Chonggak’ in cultural films reproduced under the direction of the Society for Dance Documentation and History. Based on the dance analysis theory of Janet Adshead, the characteristics and values of New Folk Song Dance were explored by analyzing the components of dance (movement, dancer, visual and auditory environment) and the nature of dance (genre and style). The result of this research shows that the New Folk Song Dance has the characteristics of cultural expressions of modern dance through which we can enjoy occidental music as well as traditional one. The dance is composed of simple and repetitive movements as well as a variety of formation, which makes it very easy for the public to learn. This allows us to confirm the value of the New Folk Song Dance as another type of modern dance heritage, ultimately leading us to redefine the perspective of modern dance culture.