As the first full moon of the lunar year approaches, Seoul is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Jeongwol Daeboreum, one of Korea’s three major traditional holidays.
Marking the beginning of the year with customs meant to ward off misfortune and bring health and prosperity, various districts in the city are hosting exciting cultural events featuring time-honored rituals, folk games, and spectacular performances.
On February 12, 2025, Seoulites and visitors alike will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the age-old customs of Jeongwol Daeboreum.
Many districts have prepared large-scale celebrations, including Daljip Burning (a symbolic bonfire to drive away bad luck), Jwibulnori (a fire-spinning game), and fortune-telling events centered around the full moon.
According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the roundest and brightest full moon of the year will be visible at precisely 10:53 PM on the holiday evening, making it an ideal occasion for moon-related festivities.
Nowon-gu will host the ‘2025 Eulsanyeon Jeongwol Daeboreum Hanmadang’ on February 9 at the lower area of Danghyeoncheon from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
The festival features a variety of traditional foods such as five-grain rice, chestnuts, garaetteok (long rice cakes), and roasted sweet potatoes, in keeping with the season’s customs.
Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, including wish-making, jegichagi (Korean hacky sack), tuho (arrow-throwing game), and a team-based yutnori competition.
At 2:00 PM, the Nowon Astronomical Science Center will offer a moon observation experience.
Four large telescopes will be set up at the entrance of Danghyeon Bridge, allowing guests to explore the moon and celestial bodies in detail. The event is open to all without prior reservations.
The main festivities will commence at 5:30 PM with a street performance by a 50-member pungmul (traditional percussion) troupe, which will parade from Danghyeon Bridge through nearby apartment complexes, filling the air with rhythmic beats.
The evening program includes Nakhwa Nori (a traditional firework display over water), an exhilarating performance by the Kim Deok-Soo Samulnori troupe, and the grand Daljip Burning ceremony, where a towering structure made of straw and wood is set ablaze to drive away misfortune and usher in good luck for the year.
Yangcheon-gu will host its festival under the Shinjeong Bridge along the Anyangcheon stream.
The highlight of the event is the Bukcheong Saja Noreum, a traditional lion dance performance believed to bring peace and ward off evil spirits.
The festival also features LED-powered Jwibulnori, a modernized version of the fire-whirling game, ensuring safety while maintaining the spirit of the custom.
A variety of folk activities, including rice cake pounding, tuho, neolttwigi (seesaw jumping), and kite flying, will be available for all ages to enjoy.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular 12-meter-high Daljip Burning ritual.
Seongdong-gu’s festival will take place in front of the Sowol Art Hall and will begin with Jisinbalgi, a ritual meant to bring good fortune to the community.
The event will include traditional performances, a special guest concert, and an array of traditional foods such as Bureom (a mix of nuts eaten to ensure healthy teeth) and Gwi-balgisul (a traditional liquor believed to bless one with keen hearing for the year ahead).
Guests can participate in Go-Nu (a Korean board game), tuho, and various fortune-telling experiences, alongside a lucky draw event.
A large-scale yutnori competition between residents from 17 different neighborhoods will foster community spirit and friendly competition.
Yeongdeungpo-gu is extending its Jeongwol Daeboreum festivities over several days, from February 8 to 16, with various folk games and cultural events taking place across the district.
The highlight will be the large-scale festival at Anyangcheon Stream under the Omokgyo Bridge on February 9.
The event will feature pungmul performances, a community yutnori contest, and hands-on experiences such as making wish cards and hanging them for good fortune.
The evening will culminate in a massive Daljip Burning ceremony, with a 7-meter-high bonfire lighting up the night sky.
Dobong-gu is set to host its festival on the main day of Jeongwol Daeboreum, February 12.
The highlight will be a martial arts performance by the Mirme Taekwondo Demonstration Team, followed by a powerful drum show by ‘Good Friends.’
The celebration will reach its peak with a dazzling seven-minute fireworks display over Jungnangcheon Stream, painting the night sky with vibrant colors.
These Jeongwol Daeboreum festivities provide a meaningful way to connect with Korea’s rich cultural heritage while bringing communities together in celebration.
Whether participating in traditional rituals, enjoying folk performances, or simply gathering to watch the moon rise, these events promise to be a memorable experience for all.
As the first full moon of the lunar calendar illuminates the sky, people across Seoul will be uniting in the spirit of hope, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, don’t miss the chance to witness and take part in these lively, centuries-old traditions!
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