Now a part of Seoul, Songp'a was a thriving commercial center in the 18th Century, when it developed its own variation of the Sandae-dogam tradition of satirical mask dance. Though related in theme and satiric intent to the such early forms as the Hahae Pyolsin-kut, the Sandae-dogam plays developed along regional lines after troupes of palace entertainers housed at Seoul were disbanded in 1634 and the performers returned back to their native places in the provinces. The masks tend to be more abstract and, often, more grotesque than earlier masks in Korea. Performances by the farmers and low ranked officials of Songpa date back at least 200 years and are traditionally performed as part of the celebration of Buddha's birthday, the May festival, the Autumn festival, and during droughts. These events are supported by the town at large and performed amidst feasting and drinking. The plays are characterized by boadly satiric protrayals of rich landloards, apostate Buddhist monks, lustful old men, and wayward women. They have served as a vehicle of protest against figures of authority and official morality. Though less ritually centered than earlier forms, connections with the agricultural cycles and with excorcism persist, with red faced masks representing the summer and black faced masks the winter. Many of the scenes celebrate fertility while ridiculing figures in authority associated with winter. There are 26 masks in a set, some of which are now used for more than one character.
Though there are historical instances of Sandae-dogam masks being made of wood, the ones used in Songp'a now are made of decorated gourds. Previously, these were burnt at the end of performances. These linden wood copies have been hand made for public sale in the workshop of Chin Chung Sup of Seoul.