This week on Jeju: A to Z, we’re gearing up for the upcoming annual Jeju Fire Festival. Todd Thacker will explain more about the one of the Lunar New Year observances associated with it.




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There are a great many traditions which are celebrated all across Korea. Given the nation’s long history, it’s not surprising that many localities have developed their own versions of these traditions.

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‘Great Full Moon Day’ is first full moon on lunar calendar

Jeongwol Daeboreum (정월대보름), or Great Full Moon Day, is the first full moon in the lunar calendar. This year that was February 11th on the solar calendar.

It has traditionally had a number of important associations for farmers and villagers, particularly in predicting good fortune and abundant crops for the New Year. Locally the day has traditionally been connected with the very popular Jeju Fire Festival held at Saebyeol Oreum southwest of Jeju City.

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Farmers burned pastures to rid them of pests, old grass

During the festival are reenactments of the very important seasonal tradition where farmers would burn their pastures to rid the land of pests and old grass in advance of spring.

More generally, Jeongwol Daeboreum was a time to celebrate community. The people would come together to enjoy good food, listen to music performed by the farmers themselves, and compete in folk games like village tug-of-wars.

In advance of the tough farming season ahead, building a sense of unity was essential for the well-being of all.

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Todd Thacker

Until recently the Jeju Fire Festival used to be called the Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival. In 2013, however, organizers decided to permanently move the event to early March, citing previous problems with cold, windy conditions. This year’s festival runs from March 2nd to the 5th.

Todd Thacker KCTV