A "daljib" is ignited during a Jeongwol Daeboreum festival in Ulsan, Feb. 24, 2024. Courtesy of Jason Teale

As winter loosens its grip on the Korean Peninsula, a centuries-old tradition ignites the night sky this coming Wednesday. Jeongwol Daeboreum, the First Full Moon Festival of the Lunar New Year, is more than just a fire festival — it is a bridge between generations, a celebration of hope and renewal. Rooted in Korea's agrarian past, this vibrant event offers a glimpse into the country's deep traditions, blending ancient customs with modern festivities.

Before modernization, farmers lived by the rhythms of nature, and Jeongwol Daeboreum marked a pivotal moment in their calendar. It was a time to express gratitude for past harvests while seeking fortune for the year ahead. Families began the day with a meal of "ogokbap," a five-grain rice dish believed to bring health and prosperity. They then observed time-honored customs: cracking nuts to ward off ailments, drinking chilled cheongju rice wine to sharpen hearing and setting ablaze towering "daljip" — straw heaps symbolizing the moon — to drive away misfortune.

Today, the festival remains a beloved tradition, evolving alongside Korea's modern landscape while preserving its deep cultural roots. From Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul to the scenic shores of Haeundae Beach in Busan, communities gather to light fires, share stories and bask in the glow of a moon that has shone upon generations.

People bring torches to set fire to a "daljib" at a Jeongwol Daeboreum festival in Ulsan, Feb. 5, 2023. Courtesy of Jason Teale

In most cities, the festival highlights Korea's cultural heritage through traditional music, games and time-honored customs. One of the most anticipated events is the daljip burning, where participants send their wishes for the coming year into the flames as a gesture of good fortune. The daljib, which translates to "moon house," is a bonfire shaped like a house and is burned to symbolically ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune under the full moon; this act of burning the daljib is called "daljiptaeugi."

If you'd like to write your wishes and place them on the daljib, check with an event official and arrive early to the festival. This will ensure that you are there at the right time to place your wishes.

A "daljib" is ignited during a Jeongwol Daeboreum festival in Ulsan, Feb. 24, 2024. Courtesy of Jason Teale

For those eager to immerse themselves further, traditional games offer a lively connection to the past. "Jwibulnori," where people would swing metal cans filled with burning embers to create streaks of light in the darkness, is less common today due to safety concerns. However, there are still plenty of engaging activities. In Ulsan, for example, visitors can take part in environmental initiatives such as restocking fish in the Taehwa River, a way to blend tradition with ecological awareness. Releasing fish into the river is not only a symbolic act of renewal but also a meaningful way to contribute to local conservation efforts.

For those seeking a larger-scale celebration, Haeundae Beach hosts one of the largest Jeongwol Daeboreum festivals, drawing thousands of participants each year. The festivities include traditional performances and music showcasing Korea's vibrant cultural heritage. Throughout the day, visitors can immerse themselves in these lively experiences before gathering in the evening to witness the spectacular lighting of the daljip as dusk gives way to night.

No Korean festival is complete without its culinary delights, and Jeongwol Daeboreum is no exception. Food plays a vital role in the celebration, offering both nourishment and symbolic significance. While ogokbap remains the holiday's centerpiece, it is often accompanied by seasoned vegetables and an assortment of nuts — chestnuts, walnuts and pine nuts — cracked open to dispel bad energy. Whether indulging in these traditional dishes at a bustling market or enjoying a specially prepared Jeongwol Daeboreum meal at a local restaurant, the festival is a feast for the senses.

For those craving something beyond tradition, many festivals have embraced the modern food truck trend, offering an array of diverse culinary options. While Jeongwol Daeboreum remains deeply rooted in tradition, many celebrations now incorporate contemporary elements to keep visitors engaged and well-fed.

Beyond the public spectacles and age-old customs, Jeongwol Daeboreum is also a time for personal reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead. In a society that often moves at an unrelenting pace, this festival provides a rare moment to pause, gaze at the full moon and make a wish. Whether seeking prosperity, health or the courage to embrace the unknown, there is something undeniably powerful about standing beneath that luminous orb, knowing that millions of others are doing the same.

Flames reach to the sky during a Jeongwol Daeboreum celebration on Ulsan's Ilsan Beach. Courtesy of Jason Teale

For foreigners, participating in Jeongwol Daeboreum is more than just witnessing a festival — it is an invitation to step into the heartbeat of Korean life and experience customs that are both mesmerizing and meaningful. Whether gathered around a blazing fire, engaging in spirited games or sharing a quiet moment under the moon, this holiday welcomes everyone to partake in a tradition that has withstood the test of time. As the flames rise and the moon casts its watchful glow, one cannot help but feel part of something vast, timeless and unmistakably Korean.

Jason Teale is a photographer and educator based in Ulsan. With over 20 years of experience, his landscape and travel photos have been featured in National Geographic and Travel+Leisure. Jason hosts The Sajin Photography Podcast, teaches photography at the Ulsan Support Center for Foreign Residents and runs Ulsan Online, the largest online community for foreign residents of Ulsan. Follow @jtealephoto on Instagram to see his work.