Breaking it down: 정월 (jeongwol / 正月) = The first month of the lunar year. 대 (dae / 大) = Great / Grand. 보름 (boreum) = Full moon (the 15th day). “The Great Full Moon of the First Month” — celebrated on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, exactly two weeks after 설날.

정월대보름 has roots stretching back thousands of years to Korea’s agrarian past. It marks the first full moon of the new year — considered the most powerful and auspicious moon. Communities would gather to pray for a good harvest, drive away evil spirits, and celebrate together as a village.

First thing in the morning, Koreans crack hard-shelled nuts with their teeth — 부럼깨기 (bureom kkaegi). The belief? The cracking sound scares away evil spirits and protects you from skin ailments (부스럼) all year. Nuts include walnuts, chestnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, and ginkgo nuts. It’s oddly satisfying. Your dentist may disagree. 😄

The signature dish of 대보름 is 오곡밥 (ogokbap) — rice cooked with five grains: Rice, millet, sorghum, red beans, and black beans. Each grain symbolizes a different blessing — health, wealth, and a bountiful harvest. You’re also supposed to eat 9 different dried vegetable side dishes (묵은 나물, “aged herbs”) and share your rice with at least 3 neighbors.

Here’s a tradition Makgeolli lovers will appreciate: 귀밝이술 (gwibalgisul) means “ear-brightening wine.” On the morning of 대보름, you drink a cup of cold rice wine before anything else. The belief? It sharpens your ears so you’ll only hear good news all year. Best excuse ever to drink before breakfast. 🍶

The most spectacular 대보름 tradition: 달집태우기 — burning the “moon house.” Villagers build a large structure of pine branches, bamboo, and straw, then set it ablaze as the full moon rises. The fire is believed to burn away bad luck and evil spirits from the old year. If your wish-paper burns completely → your wish will come true. ✨

This might be Korea’s funniest tradition: On 대보름 morning, before anyone else calls your name, you shout: “내 더위 사가!” (“Buy my heat!”) If someone answers you, they “buy” your summer heat — meaning YOU won’t suffer in the hot months ahead. It’s basically a game of catching someone off-guard. The early bird avoids the sweat. 😂

Have you ever made a wish under a full moon? 🌕 👇