The first full moon of the lunar year, called Jeongwol Daeboreum (정월 대보름), is celebrated across Korea. The celebration is a way for farmers to pray for a good crop in the coming farming season. It’s also a time for individuals to make wishes for their future.

Daljip with a large sign asking for a good crop

The central activity of this festival is the burning of large bonfires called daljip (달집) which literally means “moon house”. The base of the daljip is covered by wishes written on paper by attendees. Other activities included looking at the moon while making wishes (달맞이), and swinging cans full of fire in circles (쥐불놀이). I saw people carrying cans for swinging fire in circles, but didn’t actually see anyone really do it.

The festival I visited was held in Cheongdo. The reason I chose this one is because the festival website boasted the largest daljip in Korea at 20 meters high and 15 meters wide, however, looking back, I think that was a bit of an exaggeration.

Guards tying on wishes for attendees

The festival grounds were located along a riverbank, so it felt quite safe. There were many festival food vending tents to choose from, but the prices were outrageous compared to the proportions for everything except alcohol. I made the mistake of ordering food before asking the price. I ordered sundae and vegetable stir-fry and a bowl of dongdongju (동동주) alcohol and wound up paying 28,000 won. The stir-fry was 20,000 won but should have been 10,000 won at the most. Next time I’ll ask for the price first.

Wishes

The bonfire was scheduled to be lit at 18:30 and as the time grew closer, you could feel the excitement in the air. There was a traditional Korean music group playing loudly next to the daljip while people were hurriedly tying on their wishes.

A police officer helps out

Eventually, the police and security guards began blocking people’s access to the daljip. However, many people still had not tied their wishes to it, so people began to give their wishes to the police and security guards who would then tie them to the daljip. This, of course, added more excitement to the atmosphere.

Traditional music adds to the excitement

Once the fire was lit, the energy of the crowd that had been so fervent began to dissipate. Many onlookers shot Roman candle fireworks at the daljip while others tried to find some way to cope with the large amounts of smoke that were billowing out from the it.

The daljip burns during the festival's climax

By an hour after the bonfire had been lit, it seemed most of the people in attendance had left. I felt that because the fire would burn for a few more hours, there should have been more traditional music performances to keep the mood. So that may have been my biggest disappointment.

Police protection

The other Jeongwol Daeboreum festivals I’d like to visit in the future are located in Jeju-do, Samcheok, and Gangneung. Each of them seems to offer a slightly different set of customs to participate in such as a tug-of-war and the carrying of a large dragon.

Sitting at my desk and looking back, for anyone living in Korea, it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to participate in this important cultural celebration. I am already looking forward to the next few years so that I can visit the other Jeongwol Daeboreum festivals on my list.

Resources
Daeboreum (Wikipedia Page)

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