As winter’s chill begins to wane, Korea prepares to celebrate one of its most cherished traditional holidays—Jeongwol Daeboreum (정월대보름), the Great Full Moon Festival. Observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival marks the year’s first full moon and is a time for communities to come together, wishing for health, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.

If you find yourself in Ulsan this February, the Jeongwol Daeboreum celebration at Taehwagang offers an immersive experience into Korea’s rich cultural tapestry, featuring traditional games, performances, and the mesmerizing Daljip Nori (달집놀이) bonfire ceremony.

You will also find similar festivals all across Ulsan as well. Usually, areas like Ilsan Beach, Eongyang, Guyeongli will also have similar festivals. Just look for the piles of pine or spruce branches long the river or open fields.

Historical Significance of Jeongwol Daeboreum

Dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period, Jeongwol Daeboreum has been integral to Korean culture for centuries. The festival was established to promote unity and solidarity among communities, starting from Seollal (Lunar New Year) and culminating in various rituals 15 days later.

Traditionally, farmers would burn dry grass on field ridges the night before Daeboreum to eliminate pests and ensure a fruitful harvest. This practice evolved into the Daljip Nori bonfire ritual, symbolizing the burning away of misfortune and the welcoming of good luck.

Culinary Traditions

Food plays a pivotal role in Jeongwol Daeboreum celebrations, with each dish carrying symbolic meanings:

• Ogokbap (오곡밥): A nutritious mix of five grains, symbolizing hopes for a bountiful harvest.
• Bureom (부럼): Assorted nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and chestnuts are consumed to promote strong teeth and ward off bad luck.
• Namul (나물): Dried vegetables harvested during the summer and stored over winter are eaten to protect against heat-related illnesses in the coming year.

Jeongwol Daeboreum at Taehwagang, Ulsan

Ulsan’s Taehwagang Full Moon Festival offers a blend of traditional customs and modern festivities:

Event Details:

• Date: February 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Time: 14:00 – 19:00 (Opening Ceremony at 16:50)
• Daljip (Bonfire) Ignition: 17:46
• Location: Taehwagang 1st Levee (the parking lot below the rotary and next to the bridge)

Festival Highlights:

• Traditional Experiences: Engage in activities like kite making, wooden top spinning, traditional painting, calligraphy, and writing wishes for the new year.
• Daljip Nori (Bonfire Ceremony): Witness the lighting of the “moon house,” a large bonfire believed to chase away bad luck and usher in good fortune.
• Performances: Enjoy traditional Korean music, dance, and storytelling that encapsulate the festival’s spirit.
• Special Giveaway: The first 200 visitors donning Hanbok (한복), traditional Korean attire, will receive a special gift.

Why Attend?

Participating in the Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival at Taehwagang offers:

• Cultural Immersion: Experience age-old Korean traditions in a vibrant, communal setting.
• Visual Spectacle: Capture breathtaking moments of the bonfire against the backdrop of the full moon.
• Interactive Activities: Engage in hands-on experiences that bring Korean history and culture to life.

Mark your calendars, dress warmly, and join the festivities to celebrate the first full moon of 2025 in Ulsan! 🌕🔥

Hosted by: Ulsan Metropolitan City Nam-gu Cultural Center