Seollal Small Culture Festival: A Celebration of Korean Tradition

🗓️ 2025.01.28 ~ 2025.01.30

The Jeonju National Museum is set to host its 29th Small Culture Festival, a vibrant celebration coinciding with Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, in the year of Eulsa. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Korean culture through a variety of engaging activities and performances. The festival will run from January 28th to January 30th, 2025, providing ample time to explore the rich heritage of the region.

Experiencing Tradition Firsthand

The festival’s program is designed to offer a hands-on experience of traditional Korean folk culture. Visitors can participate in a range of activities, including:

• Blacksmith Experience: Witness the fascinating craft of blacksmithing alongside a skilled artisan, gaining insight into this age-old profession.
• Traditional Folk Games: Engage in a variety of traditional folk games, providing a glimpse into the recreational activities enjoyed by Koreans in the past.
• Folk Painting: Delve into the world of Korean folk painting through a guided experience. Due to limited capacity, reservations are required for this activity.
• Pottery Experience: Discover the art of pottery making, a craft deeply rooted in Korean history. Similar to the folk painting experience, reservations are essential to secure a spot.
• Jisinbapgi Nongak Hanmadang (Earth-treading Nongak Festival): Enjoy the energetic performance of Jisinbapgi, a traditional Korean folk ritual performed to appease the earth god and ensure a bountiful harvest. This vibrant display of music and dance is a highlight of the festival.

Important Details

The museum will be closed on Seollal Day itself, January 29th, 2025, so plan your visit accordingly.

The festival is located at the Jeonju National Museum, situated at 249, Sukgogae-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province.

Admission to the festival is completely free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all.

For any inquiries, you can contact the museum directly at 063-223-5651.

Planning Your Visit

For those traveling from afar, finding suitable accommodation is essential. You can explore a range of lodging options near the event through this link: 🛏️ Accommodation near the event.

The Seollal Small Culture Festival at the Jeonju National Museum offers a unique and immersive experience of Korean tradition, providing a memorable way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Understanding Seollal

Seollal, or Korean Lunar New Year, is a major traditional holiday in Korea, marking the start of the lunar calendar. It is a time for families to gather, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the new year. The holiday spans three days, allowing people to visit their hometowns and spend time with family.

Several customs and traditions are observed during Seollal. A key ritual is "charye," a ceremony to honor ancestors by preparing and offering traditional foods. Families also practice "sebae," where younger members bow to their elders, showing respect and wishing for good fortune. In return, elders often give "sebaetdon," or New Year’s money, as a blessing.

Traditional games like "yutnori," a board game with wooden sticks, and "jegichagi," similar to hacky sack, are popular during this time. People also wear "hanbok," traditional Korean clothing, enhancing the cultural experience. Seollal is a period of joy and reflection, deeply embedded in Korean heritage and family values.

Yangpyeong Smelt Ice Festival

🗓️ January 17, 2025 – February 9, 2025

The Yangpyeong Smelt Festival takes place at the Baektong Reservoir, nestled deep in the mountains of Yangpyeong. Since 1992, smelt resources have been steadily cultivated at this location, establishing it as a renowned spot for smelt fishing, in addition to its beautiful scenery. The festival offers not only the opportunity to enjoy smelt fishing but also a variety of winter activities suitable for the whole family, all set against the backdrop of a vast, frozen landscape.

Activities

The festival provides a range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The main attraction is, of course, the smelt fishing. Visitors can try their hand at ice fishing for smelt, or opt for the easier method of catching them with a dip net.

Beyond fishing, the festival grounds offer a plethora of traditional winter games and activities. These include ice sledding, ice biking, and ice karting, providing ample entertainment for those who prefer to stay active on the ice.

Culinary Delights

No festival is complete without a selection of food to enjoy, and the Yangpyeong Smelt Festival is no exception. Attendees can savor the taste of freshly caught smelt, prepared in various ways. Options include fried smelt and spicy seasoned smelt salad. Additionally, traditional Korean winter fare such as Oden (fish cake stew) is available to warm visitors from the inside out.

Location and Accommodation

The festival is held at the Baektong Reservoir, with the precise address being 269-19, Baekdong-gil, Danwol-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do.

For those planning to extend their visit and explore the surrounding area, a variety of accommodation options are available nearby. You can find and book accommodations through this link: 🛏️ Accommodation near the event.

Admission Fees

The festival’s admission fees are structured to accommodate different age groups. For general admission, the fee is 15,000 won. Preschool children can enter for a reduced fee of 10,000 won.

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the festival, you can reach out to the organizers at 031-771-7750.

Additional information, including updates and detailed schedules, can be found on the official festival website: www.lakefestival.co.kr.

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What is Smelt Fishing?

Smelt fishing is a winter activity focused on catching smelt, a small fish found in cold freshwater and coastal areas. In regions where lakes and rivers freeze, anglers drill holes in the ice and use small rods and light lines to catch these fish. Common bait includes maggots, worms, or small jigs, which attract smelt due to their schooling nature, allowing for potentially large catches. Beyond the fishing itself, the activity offers an opportunity to enjoy the winter landscape, making it suitable for families. Smelt are valued for their delicate flavor and are often cooked fresh, providing a satisfying conclusion to a day spent outdoors.

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.

Jeongwol Daeboreum Folk Festival

The Jeongwol Daeboreum Folk Festival, hosted by the Yangcheon Cultural Center and sponsored by Yangcheon-gu, is a local festival held annually at the Anyangcheon Riverside Baseball Field in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Scheduled for a single day, February 8, 2025, this event offers a deep dive into traditional Korean culture while fostering a sense of community among residents. 🗓️

A Celebration of Tradition and Community

The festival’s primary goal is to preserve and showcase traditional Korean culture. Attendees can expect a rich program filled with activities and performances that highlight the nation’s heritage. The event begins at 6:00 PM and continues into the evening, culminating in a symbolic burning of a "moon house" (Daljip Taeugi), where papers containing the wishes of residents are set ablaze, signifying hopes for health and happiness in the new year.

Experiencing Korean Folk Culture

The festival offers a wide array of traditional folk games and activities. Visitors can participate in:

• Tteok pounding: Experience the traditional method of making rice cakes.
• Kite flying: Enjoy the simple pleasure of flying kites, a popular pastime in Korea.
• Neolttwigi: Test your balance and agility on a traditional Korean seesaw.
• Yutnori: Engage in a friendly competition with this traditional board game.
• Bureom kkaegi: Partake in the custom of cracking nuts with your teeth, believed to bring good health.
• Paengichigi: Try your hand at top spinning, a classic Korean game.
• Tuho: Test your aim in this traditional arrow-throwing game.
• Jwibool nori: Observe or participate in this fire play with cans, a traditional way to ward off bad luck.
• Writing wishes: Pen down your hopes and dreams for the new year.
• Drinking gwibalgi-sul: Sample this "ear-brightening wine," traditionally consumed during Jeongwol Daeboreum.

Performances That Captivate

The festival is not just about participation; it’s also about witnessing the beauty and artistry of Korean performing arts. The schedule includes:

• Opening Ceremony and Performance: A grand opening to set the tone for the festivities.
• Local Cultural Arts Group Performances: A diverse lineup featuring tightrope walking, street parades, pansori (Korean narrative singing), folk songs, Korean dance, pungmulnori (farmers’ music and dance), Bukcheong Saja Noreum (lion mask dance), and other traditional Korean dances.

A Feast for the Senses

No Korean festival would be complete without a food market, and the Jeongwol Daeboreum Folk Festival is no exception. Attendees can savor a variety of traditional Korean foods, adding a flavorful dimension to the cultural experience.

Moon Greeting Events

As the evening progresses, the festival transitions into its "Moon Greeting" phase, featuring:

• Daljip Taeugi: The aforementioned burning of the moon house, a central event of the festival.
• Ganggangsullae: A traditional Korean circle dance performed under the full moon.
• Jisinbalgi: A house blessing ritual to ensure prosperity and good fortune.
• Fireworks: A spectacular display to illuminate the night sky and conclude the festivities.

Event Details

• Date: February 8, 2025 🗓️
• Time: 6:00 PM onwards
• Location: Anyangcheon Riverside Baseball Field, 788 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Sinjeong-dong) 📍
• Admission: Free 💰
• Inquiries: 02-2651-5300 (Yangcheon Cultural Center) 📞
• Website: 정월대보름 민속축제 🖥️
• Accommodation: 🛏️ Accommodation near the event

The Jeongwol Daeboreum Folk Festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Korean culture, participate in traditional activities, and witness captivating performances. It’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the hopes for a prosperous new year – an event that promises to be both meaningful and memorable.

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. Key activities include lighting bonfires, known as "daljip taeugi," to ward off evil spirits and bring luck. Participants also crack and eat nuts, a practice called "bureom," believed to promote dental health and general well-being. The festival is also characterized by folk games, traditional music, and dance performances, providing an insight into Korea’s cultural heritage. Celebrating Jeongwol Daeboreum allows people to connect with longstanding traditions and enjoy the communal spirit of the event.

2025 Son Na-eun First Fan Meeting: Better SonDay

Event Information

This event marks the very first fan meeting with Son Na-eun, a unique opportunity for fans to engage with the artist in a more intimate setting than ever before. Scheduled for a single day, this event promises an evening filled with exclusive content and interaction, tailored specifically for attendees.

• 🗓️ Date: February 2, 2025
• 📍 Location: Sowol Art Hall
• 🛏️ Accommodation near the concert
• 💡 Light stick
• Address: 281 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
• Age Limit: 6 years old and above

Schedule

The fan meeting is set to take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The event will commence at 6 PM, offering an evening of engagement and entertainment. Attendees are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry into the venue.

Lineup

The spotlight of the evening will shine solely on:

• Son Na-eun (손나은)

This solo lineup ensures that all activities and performances are centered around Son Na-eun, providing a focused and immersive experience for her fans.

Ticket Price

Tickets for this exclusive event are uniformly priced, ensuring equal access to all fans.

• All Seats (General): 88,000 KRW

This pricing strategy reflects the event’s aim to make the fan meeting accessible to as many of Son Na-eun’s supporters as possible.

Festival

The fan meeting will be held at Sowol Art Hall, located in the heart of Seoul. Known for its excellent acoustics and intimate setting, the venue is expected to enhance the overall experience, allowing for a closer connection between Son Na-eun and her audience. The hall’s location in Seongdong-gu, a district known for its vibrant atmosphere and accessibility, adds to the convenience for attendees traveling from various parts of the city or even from outside Seoul.

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This event is a must-attend for fans of Son Na-eun, offering a rare chance to celebrate her work and connect with her on a personal level. With limited seating and a single-day schedule, securing a ticket early is highly recommended for those wishing to partake in this inaugural fan meeting.

A bit about Son Na-eun (손나은)

Son Na-eun, widely recognized as a multifaceted talent in the South Korean entertainment industry, first rose to prominence as a member of the popular girl group Apink. Debuting in 2011 under IST Entertainment (formerly A Cube Entertainment), Apink quickly captured the hearts of fans with their fresh and innocent image, and Son Na-eun stood out with her captivating visuals and graceful presence. Beyond her musical endeavors, Na-eun has successfully ventured into acting, showcasing her versatility in various television dramas and films. Her performances in series like "Cinderella and Four Knights" and "The Most Beautiful Goodbye" have been well-received, further cementing her status as a talented actress. Known for her elegance and charm, Son Na-eun continues to be a beloved figure in the K-pop and acting scenes, admired for her dedication and ability to connect with audiences across different platforms.

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