Mid-Autumn Festival at the Center of Korea

🗓️ February 12, 2025

The National Center of the Land Full Moon Festival, held in Yanggu-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is a celebration of the first full moon of the lunar year. This event is designed to continue traditional culture, pray for peace and a good harvest, and foster a sense of unity among residents. It offers a safe and enjoyable traditional experience for all attendees.

Event Schedule

The festival features a variety of events, categorized for clarity and ease of planning.

Resident Prayer Event

This segment includes a prayer ceremony for the well-being of residents and a bountiful harvest. A Nongak (farmers’ music) performance will accompany the ceremony, adding a traditional musical element to the spiritual proceedings.

Full Moon Event

The Full Moon Event features several unique activities:

New Year’s Soji: Participants can write down their wishes and burn them in a symbolic gesture of hope for the new year.
Jwibulnori Demonstration: A demonstration of the traditional fire play, Jwibulnori, will be performed.
Daljip Performance and Burning: A Daljip (moon house) performance will be followed by the burning of the Daljip, a ritual symbolizing the warding off of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.

Folk Games Competition

The Folk Games Competition is divided into three categories:

Eup, Myeon (Town/Township) Competition

This category includes:

Elderly kite flying
Notdari (bridge game) competition
Nongak competition
Disabled person’s Tuho (arrow throwing) game
Tteokmechi (rice cake pounding)

Team Competition

Teams of four can participate in the Jungjungang Yutnori Tournament, a traditional board game competition open to Yanggu organizations, groups, and villages.

Individual Competition

Individuals can compete in:

Rubber shoe throwing
Jegichagi (kick shuttlecock)
Ttakjichigi (paper flipping game)

Ongoing and Experiential Events

These events will be available throughout the festival:

Operation of Experience Booths

Making LED Jwibulnori: Participants can create their own LED version of the traditional Jwibulnori.
Traditional Game Experience Booth: This booth offers a variety of traditional games, including Yutnori, Jegichagi, Tuho, Gorye (ring toss), Gulrungswae (hoop rolling), and Ttakjichigi.
Making Bokjori: Visitors can make their own Bokjori, a traditional lucky strainer.
Dalgona Making: Try your hand at making Dalgona, a popular honeycomb candy.
New Year Fortune Telling (Tarot): Get a glimpse into your future with a Tarot reading.

Operation of Local Food Restaurant

A local food restaurant will be operating, providing free meals (dinner only) to festival attendees.

Tasting Corner

The tasting corner will offer a variety of treats, including:

Bbungtwigi (puffed rice snack)
Grilled Garaetteok (rice cake)
Waffles
Popcorn

Celebration Event

The celebration event includes:

Pungmul Federation Celebratory Performance: The festival will open with a celebratory performance by the Pungmul (farmers’ band) Federation, in lieu of a traditional opening ceremony.
Resident Singing Contest and Invited Singer Performance: A resident singing contest will be held, followed by a performance by an invited singer. A prize drawing will also take place during this event.

Location and Contact Information

📍 The festival will be held at 366-33, Parksookeun-ro, Yanggu-eup, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.

🛏️ For accommodation options near the event, please visit Expedia.

💰 Admission to the festival is free.

📞 For inquiries, please contact the festival organizers at 033-481-2681.

⭐️ You can also follow the Yanggu Cultural Center on Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/yanggucultural_center

What is Yanggu?

Yanggu is a county in Gangwon Province, South Korea, known for its natural landscapes. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers a view into traditional Korean life. The Yanggu Full Moon Festival, held annually, highlights the area’s cultural heritage. This event attracts visitors interested in history, art, and community activities. Yanggu’s environment and local traditions make it a notable destination for those interested in Korean culture.