[Features-reporter] 2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

So, today Korea celebrates one of its most cherished traditional holidays, "Jeongwol Daeboreum."

To give us a glimpse of how "Jeongwol Daeboreum" festivities are being celebrated, we now go live to our News Features Reporter Lee Eun-hee. Eun-hee, tell us where you are, and what exciting activities are taking place there?

Hi Soa and Walter!

Today I'm here at the National Folk Museum in Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace.

I've been here since this morning, and I'm very excited to share this special event being held to celebrate "Jeongwol Daeboreum."

As you can see, a captivating music performance has just begun, filling the space with beautiful sound, and it aims to convey a message of happiness and good fortune.

To give you a bit of context, "Jeongwol Daeboreum" also known as "The Great Full Moon Festival," celebrates the first full moon of the lunar year.

It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in 2025, that special day is today.

On the night of the brightest full moon, the tradition of watching the moon rise and praying for prosperity and well-being held deep significance in Korea's agricultural society.

It was a day to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune, and was celebrated with food and folk games.

In light of this special day, the National Folk Museum of Korea hosted a special event that honored tradition while offering several hands-on activities.

These include making a full moon-shaped lamp to symbolize a peaceful night and coloring activities to explore traditional "Jeongwol Daeboreum" customs like the tug-of-war and crafting fish amulets to ward off bad luck.

Since the day is closely tied to the moon, are there any special traditions people still celebrate that are associated with the rising full moon?

Yes of course.

On the night of "Jeongwol Daeboreum", many people in South Korea gather under the bright moonlight and start a bonfire known as "daljip."

This "Daljip" is a pile of straw and firewood stacked together and set alight during the evening of "Jeongwol Daeboreum" to drive away negative energy.

It is one of the key traditions of the holiday, and is kept alive across the country.

For those looking to make a wish under the full moon this evening and embrace the spirit of the season, the full moon is expected to rise in Seoul at 5:46 PM, with the perfect full moon occurring at 10:53 PM.

For other regions, the moonrise times are expected as follows: Incheon city at 5:47 PM, Gangneung city at 5:38 PM, Gwangju city at 5:51 PM, Busan city at 5:42 PM and Jeju Island at 5:56 PM.

I'll make sure to check out the moon later on.

Thank you Eun-hee for sharing about this special day.

Thank you Eun-hee.

Hope we all make wishes and receive all the positive energy for the year ahead!

Thank you, it was my pleasure.