Jeongwol Daeboreum - A Traditional Korean Holiday

A Traditional Korean Holiday Marking the First Full Moon of the Lunar New Year

Jeongwol Daeboreum is a traditional Korean holiday that takes place on the 15th day after the Lunar New Year’s Day. It is a celebration of the first full moon of the year and holds a significant place in Korean culture and tradition.

The significance of the first full moon of the year is deeply rooted in Korean culture. In ancient times, the first full moon was considered to be a symbol of hope and happiness for the coming year. 

People would come together on this day to perform traditional customs and rituals to welcome good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Jeongwol Daeboreum is celebrated in various ways across the country. People crack and eat nuts as a symbol of breaking and overcoming hardships. 

They also eat five-grain rice and red bean porridge, which is believed to bring good health and good fortune for the year ahead. The Korean folk game, jwibullori, is played, which involves trying to catch a ball made of rice straws. Lastly, sheaf burning, a traditional activity in which sheafs of rice straw are burned, is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck and happiness.

In recent times, Jeongwol Daeboreum has become an important cultural and touristic event in South Korea. To commemorate the occasion, the “O” in VISITKOREA has been turned into a black rabbit, symbolizing the year of the black rabbit, the fourth animal of the twelve sibijisin (twelve zodiac signs).

Jeongwol Daeboreum is not just a celebration of the first full moon of the year, but a symbol of hope, happiness, and good fortune for the coming year. 

It is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate their culture and to perform traditional customs that have been passed down for generations. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Jeongwol Daeboreum is an event not to be missed.

In conclusion, Jeongwol Daeboreum is a traditional Korean holiday that holds a significant place in Korean culture and tradition. 

It is a celebration of the first full moon of the year and a symbol of hope, happiness, and good fortune for the coming year. Join the celebration of this amazing event and experience the rich cultural heritage of South Korea.

More Info

Bureom(부럼): Eating the number of your age of shelled nuts including peanuts and walnuts to bring luck and peace.

Five-grain rice(오곡밥): Five grains include sweet rice, hog millet, Sorghum, green kernel black bean, and red beans. They are eaten to hope for a year of good crops.

Red bean porridge(팥죽): It is said to drive evil spirits away.

Jwibullori(쥐불놀이): A folk game that burns weeds out of rice paddies and farm fields to keep animals and insects away.

Sheaf burning(짚태우기): A ceremony of burning “daljip,” a pile of pine and tree twigs, in hopes of spending a good year and keeping bad lucks away.

12 animal deities(12지신): 12 animal deities that protect the land also portray 12 directions. The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Why korean love iced americano?

Korean culture has a long-standing tradition of embracing coffee culture. From street vendors to high-end coffee shops, the love for coffee can be seen in every corner of the country. 

Out of all the coffee drinks, one in particular stands out - the iced Americano. But why do Koreans have such a fascination with this particular drink?

To start with, the iced Americano offers a refreshing taste, perfect for the hot and humid Korean summers. It’s a simple yet delicious drink that can be enjoyed any time of day, and is often used as a pick-me-up during work or studying. 

The combination of ice and the strong, rich flavor of the coffee creates a unique taste that sets it apart from other coffee drinks.

Another reason for its popularity is the rise of the cafe culture in Korea. In recent years, the number of coffee shops has dramatically increased, providing a wide range of options for coffee lovers. 

The iced Americano has become a staple in many of these cafes, and is often a go-to drink for many customers. It’s a simple and easy-to-make drink, making it a popular choice for busy baristas and a fast option for customers on the go.

The iced Americano is also a versatile drink, allowing for customization to meet individual tastes. Some people prefer a sweeter taste, and add sugar or syrup, while others may add a splash of milk or cream. 

This adaptability has made it a popular drink for all ages and tastes, making it a universal favorite in Korea.

Lastly, the iced Americano represents a certain level of sophistication and trendiness. It’s seen as a trendy drink that’s hip and modern, appealing to the younger generation. 

As a result, it’s not just a drink, but a cultural icon that has become a symbol of Korean coffee culture.

In conclusion, the iced Americano has become a favorite in Korea due to its refreshing taste, the rise of the cafe culture, versatility, and trendiness. 

It’s a simple yet delicious drink that has become a staple in the Korean coffee scene, and will continue to be loved for years to come.

Hwaseong Fortress - UNESCO World Heritages

UNESCO World Heritages 

Hwaseong Fortress

(Designated 1997)

The Hwaseong Fortress of Suwon, Gyeonggi-do is a renowned monument of the Joseon dynasty of the 18th century. 

Commissioned by King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of Joseon, the fortress was constructed as a tribute to King Jeongjo's father, Crown Prince Jangheon, and to house his tomb.

The construction of Hwaseong Fortress was an innovative feat that combined Asian and Western elements, in addition to incorporating the natural surroundings into its design for strategic defense. 

As a result, the fortress became a symbol of the technological advancements and ingenuity of the time, and was added to the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage List in 1997.

Paldalmun Gate is the southern entrance to the fortress, and is regarded as one of its most significant treasures. 

The gate, detached from the rest of the walls for added protection, has retained its original structure and is particularly stunning at sunset.

The Northwestern Watchtower of Hwaseong Fortress is another treasure, designated for its brick construction and strategic importance. 

This watchtower is unique for its arrow-slots, which allowed soldiers to defend the fortress with firearms and canons.

The Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, which was used for military purposes and as a scenic viewpoint, is a two-story structure made of stone, wood, and brick. It is the only pavilion of its kind.

Hwaseomun Gate, the western entrance of the fortress, served as the major route connecting Suwon to the western coast and Namyangman Bay. 

Designated as a treasure, the gate features an ongseong (crescent-shaped wall) with a slight opening.