top of page

Festivals and Celebrations in Korea: Cultural Events and Customs



Throughout the year, Korea, a country rich in tradition and culture, marks a profusion of festivals and unique occasions. These events highlight Korea's diverse heritage and offer unique insights into its people's habits, beliefs, and values. Since today is #ChuseokDay, let's look at their traditions and celebrations, shining light on their cultural significance and ceremonies.


Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of South Korea's most important and cherished festivals. It's a time for family gatherings, giving thanks, and celebrating the autumn harvest.


In this article, we'll look at Chuseok customs and traditions, as well as how Koreans across the country celebrate this unique day. Chuseok symbolizes the spirit of Korean culture and society, from ancestral rites to delectable feasts.



 

Mud Festival in Boryeong


Boryeong Mud Festival (#보령머드축제) is a more modern celebration held in Boryeong, a seaside city, every July.


Mud wrestling, mudslides, and mud baths are among the activities available to visitors.


It's a unique and entertaining celebration that draws both residents and tourists.












Lunar New Year (Seollal)

Seollal (#설날), commonly known as Korean Lunar New Year, is a major traditional event in Korea.

It is the start of the lunar calendar and a time for family reunions.


Koreans honour their ancestors by performing a Charye ceremony, bowing to ancestral tablets, and eating traditional delicacies such as tteokguk (rice cake soup).


Elders bestow blessings and pocket money (sebaetdon) on children. Folk games and activities, such as yutnori (a board game) and kite-flying, are also part of the celebration.


Korean Thanksgiving Day (Chuseok #추석)

It is a time for offering thanks for the year's crop and is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Families gather to perform ancestral ceremonies, prepare and eat traditional dishes such as songpyeon (rice cakes), and participate in sports such as ssireum (Korean wrestling) and Ganggangsullae (a traditional circle dance).


The Great Full Moon (Jeongwol Daeboreum)

Jeongwol Daeboreum (#대보름) is a festival commemorating the first full moon of the lunar year.


People practice traditions such as burning daljip (straw bonfires) to fend off evil spirits, cracking five-grain rice, and flying kites to ensure a fruitful harvest.








Dano (Surit-nal)

Dano (#단오), also known as Surit-nal (#수릿날), is a traditional Korean holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It's a day to pray for a good harvest and ward off evil spirits. One of the customs is making and wearing a special type of colourful silk cloth called chima jeogori. Villagers participate in folk dances, sing songs, and enjoy various traditional games.


Gwangbokjeol (Independence Day)

Gwangbokjeol (#광복절), or Korean Independence Day, marks the independence of Korea from the Japanese colonial authority on August 15, 1945.


Flag-raising rituals, patriotic speeches, and cultural events honour the national holiday.


People frequently dress in traditional attire to commemorate their country's independence.


 

SUMMARY

Festivals and ceremonies in Korea offer a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. These festivals not only allow Koreans to reconnect with their roots, but they also encourage visitors from all over the world to experience the warmth, hospitality, and unique customs of Korean culture. There's something for everyone in Korea's unique calendar of festivals, whether it's the family-focused Seollal and Chuseok, or the lighthearted ambiance of the Boryeong Mud Festival.




Honey Grace has more than 2 years of experience as a social media professional. She has successfully executed comprehensive social media strategies across multiple platforms. Her skills encompass developing and implementing content calendars, creating engaging and shareable content, monitoring social media analytics, and nurturing meaningful connections with followers.


 
 
 

Comments


Email:
nectarkenthusiast@gmail.com

 

©2021 by Nectar. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page