2025 "Jeongwol Daeboreum": Wishes under the first full moon of the year

Up next for those of us here in Korea we are poised to witness the first full moon of the new lunar new year tonight.

Our Lee Eun-hee covers this upcoming event and its symbolic implications.

People of all ages are enthusiastically writing down their wishes.

That's because it's "Jeongwol Daeboreum," or "The Great Full Moon Festival."

"I wrote a wish for the health and peace of my beloved family and for all their endeavors."

"I wished for my family to stay healthy and safe."

"Jeongwol Daeboreum" is a day celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year, celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and in the year 2025 it falls on February 12th.

"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.

"I didn't know about the holiday but it's very interesting to see and honestly it reminds me of some of the type of celebrations that we have back home in America."

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 this evening, the full moon is expected to rise in Seoul at 5:46 PM, with the perfect full moon occurring at 10:53 PM.

This map shows the timeline for other regions.

Why not take a moment to make a wish under the full moon and embrace the spirit of the season?

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.