PHOTOS: Jeongwol Daeboreum, first full moon of lunar calendar
By Cho Bo-heePosted : February 10, 2025, 18:04Updated : February 10, 2025, 18:07
SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - On Feb. 12, South Korea will celebrate "Jeongwol Daeboreum," the first full moon of the lunar calendar. This day is steeped in tradition, with families gathering to eat "ogokbap," a nourishing five-grain rice dish, and partake in "bureom," the custom of cracking walnuts, peanuts, and other hard-shelled nuts to ensure good health in the year ahead.
Across the country, time-honored rituals mark the occasion. In rural areas, children and adults alike take part in "jwibulnori," swinging cans filled with burning embers to cleanse the fields of pests.
Bonfires blaze in the form of "daljip," or "moon houses," symbolically sending away misfortune. And in some regions, the centuries-old "gossaum" — a spirited, tug-of-war-style contest — unfolds in a test of strength and community pride.
Together, these customs usher in the lunar year with hopes of prosperity and well-being.
A "daljip" burning ceremony is held to pray for a bountiful year and well-being at the Gossaum Theme Park in Gwangju on Feb. 8, 2025. Courtesy of Gwangju Nam-gu Office
People enjoy "jwibulnori" during an event to celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum in Nowon-gu, Seoul, Feb. 9, 2025. Yonhap
People enjoy "nakhwa nori (sparkling fire play)" during an event to celebrate Jeongwol Daeboreum in Nowon-gu, Seoul, Feb. 9, 2025. Yonhap
The "gossaum," a tug-of-war style contest of strength and community pride, is held at the Gossaum Theme Park in Gwangju on Feb. 8, 2025. Courtesy of Gwangju Nam-gu Office
People purchase "bureom (hard-shelled nuts eaten for Jeongwol Daeboreum)" at Seoul's Gyeongdong Market. Yonhap