Jeongwol Daeboreum | 7 Places to Celebrate the Great Full Moon Festival in South Korea
Jeongwol Daeboreum is a centuries old tradition, dating way back to the Three Kingdoms Period in Korea. It celebrates the first full moon after Seollal with a number of ancient rituals designed to bring good luck and great health in the coming year.
A Moon House (daljip) is always set ablaze at Daeboreum events.
I went to a Daeboreum festival for the first time last year, and was incredibly moved by the experience. Listening to the beat of the janggu, and watching the flames lick the sky, I couldn’t help but feel like I was taking part in something ancient and uniquely Korean.
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In this guide
- 1 When is Daeboreum Celebrated?
- 2 What are the Daboreum Traditions?
- 3 Planning a trip to Korea?
- 4 Where to See the Great Full Moon Festival in Korea?
- 5 Jeongwol Daeboreum in Seoul
- 6 Top Day Tours from Seoul
- 7 Jeongwol Daeboreum Events in Busan
- 8 Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival | 삼척정월대보름제
- 9 Daegu Geumho River Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival
- 10 Jeju Fire Festival | 제주들불축제
- 11 Other Jeongwol Daeboreum Festivals in Korea
When is Daeboreum Celebrated?
Jeongwol Daeboreum is rooted in Korea’s agrarian history. As the first full moon of the new lunar new year shone above their crops, it was a time for farmers to wish for abundance in the coming year, with a number of meaningful rituals.
The burning of the daljip (moon house) is a much anticipated part of Jeongwol Daeboreum.
Daeboreum or the Great Full Moon is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar New Year. That’s why this event is sometimes referred to as Jeongwol Daeboreum – which would literally translate into “first month full moon” of the lunar year.
The date of Daeboreum is calculated anew every year, but it usually falls in either February or March. It takes place 15 days AFTER Seollal or Korea’s Lunar New Year.
Jeongwol Daeboreum celebrates the first full moon after Seollal.
If you’d like to start planning a trip to attend a Great Full Moon Festival in Korea, Jeongwol Daeboreum celebrations take place on the following dates over the next few years.
- Wednesday, February 12th, 2025
- Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
- Sunday, February 21st, 2027
What are the Daboreum Traditions?
There are a number of customs associated with the Great Full Moon Festival in Korea.
Jeongwol Daeboreum traditions are designed to bring good health, prosperity, and luck in the new year. It’s also common to eat and drink particular foods during this time, for the same reason.
Jwibilnori during Daeboreum © Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Jeongwol Daboreum rituals include:
- Daljib Taewugi | 달집태우기: a triangular shaped moon house (the daljib) made out of straw and twigs is set on fire to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck
- Jisinbalgi | 지신밟기: as the daljib starts to burn, stomping on the ground wards off evil spirits and brings good luck and abundance
- Ganggangsullae | 강강술래: an ancient Korean dance performed by women that was used to bring an abundant harvest
- Byeotgaritdae | 볏가릿대: usually carried out by farmers to bring a year of abundance, involves piling sheaves of rice into the shape of a cone
- Jwibulnori | 쥐불놀이: this is a traditional game that’s usually played by children, where charcoal fires are lit in cans and whirled around on strings to ward off evil spirits
- Dalmaji | 달맞이: a hike up to make powerful wishes on the the great full moon as it rises
- Daribabki | 다리바끼: crossing bridges on foot, this custom is an effort to strengthen the legs and prevent sickness for the year.
Gwibalgisul is commonly drunk at Daeboreum festivals.
Foods that are commonly eaten during Jeongwol Daeboreum:
- Bureum Kkaegi | 부름깨기: eating nuts by cracking the shells with your teeth to promote healthy teeth, prevent skin boils, and bring good luck
- Gwibalgisul | 귀발이술: an ear-sharpening wine that is drunk on Daeboreum to bring good news all year long
- Ogokbap | 오곡밥: a 5 grain rice that’s commonly eaten on the morning of the Great Full Moon
The cracking of nuts is thought to bring good health and good luck © Photo Korea, Toraii Republic
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Where to See the Great Full Moon Festival in Korea?
There are different Jeongwol Daeboreum festivities taking place all across Korea. I loved the Daeboreum festival I went to in Seoul, but I’d say that you’ll find bigger events outside of the capital area.
Daeboreum Fire Festivals are a unique cultural experience in Korea © hojusaram (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This is mostly due to their safety concerns and their venues on beaches or near riversides. Less populated locations generally means bigger bonfires.
Jeongwol Daeboreum in Seoul
The biggest Daeboreum celebration in Seoul is at Namsangol Hanok Village. This is a great one to attend if you’re staying near Myeongdong, since it’s walking distance from the area.
Namsangol Hanok Village is a popular venue for Korean holidays, like Seollal, Chuseok, or Daeboreum.
The other festival that I know of is at Seokchon Lake (this is the one I went to). If you’re already in Jamsil checking out Seoul Sky Observatory, or Lotte World Adventure, it’s definitely worth adding the Jeongwol Daeboreum event to your evening itinerary.
LOTTE WORLD ADVENTURE | Lotte World Adventure is Seoul’s biggest theme park, with both indoor and outdoor areas to explore. Discounted admission tickets and fast passes for rides make the day much more enjoyable. Check info here.
Namsangol Hanok Village | 남산골한옥마을
Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28
The Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival at Namsangol Hanok Village is likely one of the biggest great full moon festivals in Seoul.
Activities typically start around 2PM with Daeboreum traditions like bureom-kkaegi and gwibalgisul traditional liquor tasting to wish for good luck and health for the coming year.
Daeboreum at Namsangol Hanok Village © Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Make sure to stick around until nightfall to watch traditional Korean percussion performances, ancient rites, and the dramatic burning of the daljib.
Watch as wishes for the new year fly up into the sky, along with the fiery pine sheaves of the daljib. These symbolize the burning away of bad luck and optimism for the year to come.
Daeboreum celebrations at Namsangol Hanok Village © Photo Korea
This event is totally free to attend, with no reservations required, but could be cancelled based on weather conditions. Be sure to confirm the event is still running before heading to Namsagol Hanok Village for the Daeboreum festival.
JINHAE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL | The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is Korea’s biggest spring festival, full of pretty, pink blossoms, retro trains, and a traditional vibes. It’s cheaper to join a tour than go DIY! Check details here.
Seoul Norimadang | 서울놀이마당
Address: 136, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 잠실로 124 서울놀이마당
I personally attended the Jeongwol Daeboreum celebration at Seoul Norimadang in Jamsil area last year. Despite the fact that it was pouring rain, it went on as planned, and we had an amazing cultural experience.
This Great Full Moon Festival in Seoul started with traditional Korean performances and drumming at a stage next to Seokchon Lake, followed by a procession to the nearby Seoul Norimadang parking lot.
Daeboreum performances at Seokchon Lake.
There, we took part in a number of Jeongwol Daeboreum customs, including a walk over a bridge into the new year, cracking peanuts for bureum kkaegi, and watching the daljip burn.
While I didn’t truly understand the significance of everything we did, we just followed the crowd, and allowed ourselves to be swept up in all the excitement.
We had a great experience, despite the pouring rain.
The Daljib Taewugi was definitely the highlight for me, with a huge bonfire crackling and setting sparks up into the night sky.
Accompanied by the beat of Korea’s traditional drums, ancient rites, and a guy dancing around the fire dressed in drag hanbok (yeah really) – it was a totally unique experience I’ll never forget.
Drag hanbok is apparently a thing.
The main Daeboreum event near Seokchon Lake is on February 12th, from 18:00 to 21:00. It’s free to attend. See full details here.
Top Day Tours from Seoul
Parts of the DMZ are only accessible via guided tour © Sarah Mak
It’s incredibly easy to travel around Seoul independently, and it’s what I recommend doing for most destinations around the city. However, there are a few places where it’s not only more convenient and better value to join a day tour, it’s actually necessary.
What | Where | Cost | Why Join this Tour | Full Details |
DMZ Tour | Demilitiarized Zone / Paju / Imjingak | from 72,100 won | Parts of the DMZ MUST be visited on a guided tour, due to security clearances. Optional add-ons like suspension bridge, or DMZ gondola available. | |
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress + Korean Folk Village | Suwon and Yongin | 78,500 won | Hwaseong is a majestic UNESCO Fortress. The Korean Folk Village is a vast living museum of the Joseon Dynasty. | |
Nami Island + Surrounding Region | Gapyeong / Chuncheon | from 38,000 won | Most popular day tour near Seoul. Huge range of add on options to choose from, like Alpaca World to the Rail Bike to the Garden of Morning Calm. |
Jeongwol Daeboreum Events in Busan
FESTIVAL DATE: February 12th, 2025
There are several different spots to catch Full Moon celebrations in Busan. These include the burning of the Daljip, folk plays, ganggangsullae, other special rituals and traditional games as well.
A huge bonfire on the beach in Busan for Daeboreum © 히히히 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Haeundae Dalmaji Hot Springs Festival
Address: 264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264
This Daeboreum celebration takes place on Busan’s Haeundae Beach. Participate in Moon House Prayers, wish writing, and other events, before watching a massive Daljib Taeugi bonfire on the beach.
Festival events typically take place over 3 days, and culminate with the burning of the Moon House on the evening of Daeboreum.
Take a ride on the cute Sky Capsule when you’re at Haeundae Beach.
26th Suyeong Traditional Daljip Nori
Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동)
The Suyoung Traditional Daljip Burning welcomes the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, with traditional folk performances, and the burning of a massive moon house as night falls.
Have you seen Jutalgi (Korean tightrope walking) before?
Watch out for a special tightrope performance by Korean master Kwon Won-tae, and make sure to write your hopes for the new year on the Sowangpo wish paper, before they’re set aflame for Daeboreum.
BUSAN CITY TOUR | From the sky capsule to the Hadong Yonggungsa Temple to Gamcheon Culture Village, it’s easy to create your perfect day in Busan with this all-inclusive tour. Get details here.
Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival | 삼척정월대보름제
FESTIVAL DATES: February 12th, 2025 | February 14th – 16th, 2025
Address: 45 Expo-ro, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do | 강원특별자치도 삼척시 엑스포로 45 (성남동)
The city of Samcheok in Gangwondo throws one of the biggest Jeongwol Daeboreum festivals in Korea.
Its full moon festival started way back in 1973, and continues today with a 3 day celebration that’s absolutely packed with traditional activities, performances, parades, a drone show, and Daeboreum rituals. Make sure not to miss the gijuldarigi, Samcheok’s totally epic game of tug-of-war.
That is a damn, big rope for Korean tug of war! © Steve46814 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The burning of the iconic daljib at Samcheok’s Daeboreum festival is slated for February 15th at 20:00. Check their website for a full schedule of events.
Daegu Geumho River Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival
FESTIVAL DATE: February 12th, 2025
Address: Sangyeok Bridge Riverside, Geumho River (Sangyeok Camping Ground)
The Daeboreum Festival on Daegu’s Geumho River is the city’s biggest folk festival. Join tens of thousands of local residents experiencing Korean archery, flying a quite, jwibulnori (using LED lights), performances, prayer rituals, and much more.
Jeongwol Daeboreum in Daegu © Buk-gu, Daegu
As with any Great Full Moon Festival in Korea, the burning of the Moon House is the highlight. Watch as fiery flames burn paper wishes and take them up to the sky.
SEOUL TO DAEGU KTX TRAIN TICKETS | The KTX bullet train is the fastest, most comfortable way to get between Seoul and Daegu. Check info here.
Jeju Fire Festival | 제주들불축제
FESTIVAL DATES: March 14th – 16th, 2025
Address: San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | 제주 제주시 애월읍 봉성리 산59-8
The Jeju Fire Festival technically isn’t a Jeongwol Daeboreum event, but I’ve included it for those of you visiting Korea in March. It has many similarities. It’s held on the night of a full moon in March, features the burning of moon houses, and several ancient rites and traditions.
The dramatic Jeju Fire Festival lights up the night sky © Photo Korea, Jeong Sung-joo
Created to celebrate Jeju’s tradition of bangae, where fields were burned between late winter and early spring to renew the grass and exterminate pests, the highlight was the entire volcanic Saebyeol Oreum set ablaze!
After much debate and cancellations over the last few years (due to environmental concerns), the Jeju Fire Festival is FINALLY back on – although with some eco adaptations. This year, the Saebyeon Oreum will be set virtually ablaze using a combination of media art and digital technology.
Ancient rituals and bonfires.
GETTING AROUND JEJU ISLAND | Public transit on Jeju Island is not as efficient as in Seoul. Distances are long and it’s a lot slower, so most visitors either take day tours, hire a taxi, rent a car, or book a private car charter.
To rent a car as a traveller to Korea, you MUST have: a book type international driver’s permit (obtained in your home country), your passport, and your driver’s license from home. Check rental car options here.
Other Jeongwol Daeboreum Festivals in Korea
There are many more Great Full Moon Festivals taking place in Korea, than the ones I’ve listed here. Off the top of my head, I know of 2 more in Busan, 1 in Sokcho, 1 in Wonju, and 1 in Ulsan. There are, without a doubt, many more.
If you’re visiting at this auspicious time, make sure to do a bit of research and seek out an event near you. This is a meaningful window into Korea’s past that you definitely won’t regret going to.
You won’t regret going to a Great Full Moon Festival in Korea.
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Jeongwol Daeboreum: Essential Info and FAQs
What will you wish for upon the Great Full Moon in Korea?
