Witness the Final Sunset of the Year at the Daejeong Dongil Sunset Festival
Ring in the New Year with a breathtaking spectacle on Jeju Island
🗓️ December 31st, 2024
Join us in Dongil-ri, a charming village nestled in Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, renowned for its frequent dolphin sightings and boasting both the latest sunrise and sunset in all of Jeju. This unique location offers an unparalleled view of the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues. On December 31st, we’ll gather to celebrate the close of the year and welcome the new one with the mesmerizing Daejeong Dongil Sunset Festival.
Unlike other sunset celebrations, this festival features a symbolic "Daljip Burning," where traditional moon houses are set ablaze against the backdrop of the setting sun. This captivating ritual offers a moment for reflection on the past year and sets intentions for the year to come. Share heartwarming food with locals and experience the magic of this unique tradition.
What awaits you:
- Main Event: Witness the awe-inspiring Sunset Daljip Burning ceremony, complete with heartfelt wishes and a dazzling fireworks display.
- Festive Activities: Enjoy a vibrant Sunset Concert and captivating performances, tap your feet to the rhythm of a Military Band Parade, capture memories at the Sunset Photo Zone, browse unique treasures at the Flea Market, and wander through the enchanting Wish Tunnel.
- Culinary Delights & Experiences: Indulge in a variety of delicious local cuisine and immerse yourself in engaging activities throughout the festival.
Event Details:
📍 Location: 88 Dongilhamoro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
💰 Admission: Free
📞 Contact: 064-711-1002
🛏️ Find Accommodation Near the Festival
What is Daljip burning?
Daljip burning, a traditional Korean ritual, is an integral part of the festivities marking the transition from the old year to the new. Typically associated with the celebration of Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the lunar year, this custom is particularly special during the Daejeong Dongil Sunset Festival. Participants construct large bonfires using branches, straw, and various wooden materials to create a "moon house" or "Daljip." Once the sunset paints the sky with vibrant hues, the Daljip is set ablaze.
This ritual is steeped in cultural significance, symbolizing the purging of misfortune and the welcoming of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. As the flames roar and sparks dance upwards, festival-goers express their hopes and wishes, casting away the hardships of the past. The ceremonial fire acts not only as a beacon of renewal but also as a gathering point, fostering community bonds and shared traditions. For those witnessing Daljip burning for the first time, it is a mesmerizing experience, blending the stunning natural beauty of Jeju’s coastline with age-old customs that continue to ignite the spirit of the New Year.
