Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival: A Celebration of Tradition and Community

🗓️ February 14 – February 16, 2025

The Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival, inaugurated in 1973, is a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in Korean tradition. Held annually during Jeongwol, the first month of the lunar calendar, this festival is a captivating blend of folk games, ritual ceremonies, and communal festivities. Participants and spectators alike gather to invoke blessings for good fortune, abundant harvests, and successful fishing endeavors, paying homage to the gods of heaven, earth, and sea.

At the heart of the festival lies Samcheok’s unique tug-of-war, a tradition so significant that it was designated as Gangwon Province’s Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 2 in 1976. This tug-of-war, traditionally performed during Jeongwol Daeboreum – the celebration of the first full moon of the lunar year – served as the cornerstone for the festival’s expansion. By 1978, the 6th iteration of the event had evolved into a nationwide celebration. Despite a temporary suspension from 2003 to 2006 due to the devastating typhoons Rusa and Maemi, the festival was reborn in 2007 under its current name, hosted by the Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival Committee and organized by the Samcheok Cultural Center.

The nationwide tug-of-war competition, a highlight since 2007, has garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying the festival’s status as a major national event. The upcoming year’s festivities are particularly noteworthy, as they will commemorate the 10th anniversary of Samcheok tug-of-war’s inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To mark this milestone, an array of events, including the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Tug-of-War Competition, are planned to engage both local residents and visitors.

A Glimpse into the Festival’s Diverse Offerings

The Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences, categorized for clarity:

1. Opening Ceremony

New Year’s Wish Parade
Pre-ceremony Performance
Opening Ceremony
Opening Celebration Performance (MBC Gayo Best)
Drone Light Show

2. Ritual Ceremonies

These ceremonies are integral to the festival’s spiritual core, invoking blessings and paying homage to deities:

Bringing the Sacred Tree
Mountain God Ritual
Earth God Ritual
Sky God Ritual
Sea God Ritual

3. Cultural Heritage Events

These events showcase the region’s unique traditions and intangible cultural heritage:

Sulbi Nori (Wine Ritual Play)
Aegi Sokdakgi Juldarigi (Children’s Whispering Tug-of-War)
Sokdakgi Juldarigi (Whispering Tug-of-War)
Junggi Juldarigi (Medium Tug-of-War)
Daegi Juldarigi 1, 2 (Large Tug-of-War)

4. Folk Game Events

A variety of traditional games provide entertainment and foster a sense of community:

Byeolsingutpan (Shamanistic Ritual)
Arm Wrestling Competition
Chicken Fight Competition
Yut Nori Competition
Mangwol Nori (Moon Viewing Play)
Daljip Taeugi (Burning of the Moon House)

5. Celebratory Events

These events highlight the festival’s celebratory spirit and competitive nature:

Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Singing Contest
Samcheok Jeongwol Daeboreum Tug-of-War Competition
Sangwon Mucheon (Martial Arts Performance)
Samcheok Tug-of-War UNESCO Inscription 10th Anniversary Commemorative Event (Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Tug-of-War Competition)

6. Experiential Events

Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture through hands-on activities:

Folk Games
Seasonal Customs
Hanbok and Traditional Costume Experience
Traditional Tea Tasting
Traditional Food Tasting
Family Wish Writing
Group Jump Rope Competition
Straw Rope Making
Retro Games
Night Torch Tug-of-War

7. Performances

A diverse range of performances will captivate audiences throughout the festival:

Local Singer Performances
Ssaul Abi Taekwondo Performance
Talbakum Nori Performance (Mask Transformation Play)
Daegi Nori Performance (Large Flag Play)
Spirit of Fire (Fire Show)

8. Side Events and Facilities

Additional attractions enhance the overall festival experience:

Flash Mob
Moon Lantern Street Lighting Ceremony
Smartphone Photo Contest
Daljip Landscape Lighting Installation
Local Seafood Consumption Promotion Event
Popular Character Parade and Playtime (Photo Zone)

Essential Information for Attendees

📍 Address: 45, Expo-ro, Samcheok-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Seongnam-dong)

🛏️ Accommodation near the event

💰 Fee: Free

📞 Contact: 033-573-2882, 9882

🖥️ Homepage: www.fullmoonfestival.or.kr

What is Jeongwol Daeboreum?

Jeongwol Daeboreum, or the Great Full Moon Festival, is a Korean celebration marking the first full moon of the lunar new year. This festival is a time for communities to engage in customs and rituals intended to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year. A notable tradition is the lighting of bonfires, which symbolizes the removal of bad luck and the start of new beginnings. Participants also crack nuts with their teeth, a practice thought to strengthen teeth and ward off evil spirits. The festival includes folk games, traditional music, and dance performances, contributing to a lively atmosphere. In recent years, Jeongwol Daeboreum has also served as an opportunity to highlight Korea’s cultural heritage, drawing interest from both locals and tourists who wish to experience its historical and celebratory aspects.