Yangyang Naksan Beach Moonlight Bonfire Festival
🗓️ 2025.02.14 ~ 2025.02.15
The 2025 Yangyang Naksan Beach Moonlight Bonfire Festival, held at Naksan Beach in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, offers a unique opportunity to experience the romance of the winter sea and the warmth of a communal gathering. This festival reimagines the traditional Jeongwol Daeboreum (first full moon) Daljip (moon house) burning with a modern sensibility, incorporating the popular "bulmeong" (fire-gazing) trend into a vibrant winter celebration.
At the heart of the festival lies the mesmerizing spectacle of a giant Daljip, a traditional structure made of straw and wood, set ablaze against the backdrop of the moonlit sea. Participants can write down their wishes and cast them into the flames, a symbolic act of releasing the old and embracing the new. Unlike the quiet campfires many are familiar with, this event offers a dynamic and engaging experience, allowing attendees to actively participate in building bonfires on-site. The warmth of the fire, coupled with the sharing of large skewers and roasted sweet potatoes, fosters a sense of community and shared experience.
The festival’s appeal extends beyond the bonfire itself. Traditional folk games and performances add to the festive atmosphere, creating an environment where everyone can participate and enjoy themselves. The torchlight procession and Daljip burning performance, set against the vast expanse of the sea, provide a visually stunning experience, transforming the winter night into a spectacle of light and warmth. This festival offers a departure from the mundane routines of daily life, inviting participants to reconnect with the primal pleasure that nature and fire provide.
The Yangyang Naksan Beach Moonlight Bonfire Festival is distinct from other winter festivals in its unique blend of tradition and modernity. It is not merely an observation of ancient customs, but a reinterpretation of them through a contemporary lens. The inclusion of "bulmeong," a popular activity among younger generations, demonstrates the festival’s commitment to engaging a diverse audience. This fusion of old and new makes the festival a unique cultural event, offering a winter night experience that is both familiar and novel.
Program Details
The festival features a variety of programs designed to engage visitors of all ages:
- Main Programs:
- Daljip Burning & Torch Performance
- Bonfire Bulmeong Experience
- Wish Writing & Burning
- Sub-programs:
- Traditional Folk Games Experience Zone
- Photo Zone & Sculpture Exhibition
- Tourist Participation Programs and Events:
- Bonfire Package Experience
- Torchlight Procession Participation Event
- Other Food and Convenience Facilities:
- Additional Skewer Sales Zone
- Rest Area Operation
Essential Information
- 📍 Address: 59 Haemat-gil, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- 🛏️ Accommodation near the event
- 💰 Fee: Paid (15,000 won per spot)
- 📞 Inquiries: 033-671-7888, 033-671-7802
What is Naksan Beach?
Naksan Beach is a coastal destination on South Korea’s eastern coast, in Gangwon Province. The beach spans over four kilometers of soft sand, bordered by the clear waters of the East Sea. It attracts both locals and tourists looking for a peaceful retreat from city life.
The beach is part of Naksan Provincial Park, known for its pine forests and the historic Naksansa Temple, a cultural site with views of the coastline. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and hiking on trails through the park’s landscapes.
Naksan Beach is noted for its sunrises, attracting those who come to see the first light over the horizon. Its calm atmosphere and natural beauty make it a fitting location for events such as the Yangyang Naksan Beach Moonlight Bonfire Festival, which celebrates Korean culture.
