Seoul city said Friday that a variety of folk games and performances will be held Sunday afternoon to mark the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul city said Friday that a variety of folk games and performances will be held Sunday afternoon to mark the first full moon of the Lunar New Year.
Traditionally, Koreans practice plenty of ceremonial customs and games, wishing for happiness, health and well-being throughout the year. This year’s first full moon on the lunar calendar falls on Monday.
Seoul city officials said citizens and foreign tourists will have the opportunity to experience traditional rituals and games at Namsan Tower square in central Seoul for two hours from 3 p.m. for the ceremony called “Jeongwol Daeboreum.”
“Jeongwol” means the first month of the lunar calendar and “Daeboreum” means big full moon.
The participants will experience events such as “bureom” sharing, “jegichagi” games, “ogoknamulbap” tasting, “tuho” games, “yutnori” games and “samulnori” performances.
Peanuts, walnuts and chestnuts are prepared for “bureom,” which refers to the nuts people eat in the belief that they will be protected from boils and toothaches for the year.
In “jegichagi,” players try to kick a small object, called jegi, high with their feet.
People will also have chance to taste “ogoknamulbap” made of vegetables, rice and various corn, which is said to bring them health.
They will be able to practice “yutnori,” a Korean chess game with four sticks, and “tuho,” another popular game where people try to throw sticks into a canister.
During the “samulnori” performance, citizens and foreigners will join in with the traditional Korean music event, according to city officials.
Other performances include martial arts practices performed in the era of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the ritual lighting of a signal fire conducted in the Joseon era.
Traditionally, Koreans living in rural areas played a game called “jwibulnori,” in which villagers spin canisters containing burning charcoal to pray for the prosperity and safety of their village. Jwibulnori is usually performed on the night of the first full moon.
On the eve of the full moon day, people also gather at a large bonfire, or “daljip,” to celebrate the day, wishing for happiness and well-being throughout the year.
Located at the top of Mount Nam (Namsan) in central Seoul, Namsan Tower offers a panoramic view of the capital city.
Seoul city officials have identified seven great locations for people to see the first full moon of the lunar new year, such as “sebitseom” in the Han River.
Another location to see the full moon and panoramic view of the city is “seoraeseom” located in the southern part of the Han River.
“Jecheonjeong” on the northern part of the Han River also offers a good view of the capital city, especially at night, according to officials.’
(Yonhap)
