Experience the Enchanting Dongji Event: Celebrating South Korea’s Rich Tradition at the National Folk Museum

Discover the Rich Tradition of South Korea through the Dongji Event at the National Folk Museum

The National Folk Museum of Korea is hosting a vibrant event called “Our Little Seol, Celebrating Dongji” on December 22nd. Dongji, the 22nd solar term, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It holds great cultural significance in Korean society, symbolizing the gradual lengthening of daylight after Dongji, which is seen as the resurrection of the sun.

Exploring Dongji Customs and Rituals

Dongji is deeply rooted in South Korean culture, and various customs and rituals are associated with this special day. In the past, the royal court distributed almanacs to officials, who then passed them down to their families. These almanacs were highly valued as they recorded daily life events and provided crucial information about the best times for farming.

Additionally, Dongji was celebrated by offering patjuk, a traditional red bean porridge, to ward off evil spirits and ensure the longevity of elders. People would also spread patjuk around their homes for good luck. Another fascinating tradition was the creation of patjuk-shaped paper decorations, symbolizing the desire for a prosperous new year.

The Dongji Event at the National Folk Museum

The National Folk Museum of Korea is offering a range of engaging activities and events to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of Dongji customs. On December 22nd, starting at 10 am, the museum’s main building and children’s museum will be transformed into a hub of cultural festivities.

The event will kick off with a lion dance at the main entrance, followed by a captivating performance of Bongsan Talchum, a traditional mask dance. Visitors can witness the beauty and grace of these cultural performances while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the event is the “New Year’s Patjuk Sharing Event,” where visitors can participate in the time-honored tradition of sharing patjuk to wish for a healthy and prosperous new year. This heartwarming activity will take place at the museum’s main building from 11 am onwards.

Engaging Programs and Events

The Dongji event offers a wide range of interactive programs for visitors to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Dongji. Participants can engage in activities such as creating paper decorations in the shape of patjuk, making woolen cups resembling patjuk, and capturing the moment with a four-panel photo event.

Children can also enjoy special activities tailored just for them, including the “Capture the Moment of Dongji Patjuk” photo event. Additionally, there will be opportunities to receive a 2024 calendar as a gift and create personalized Dongji almanacs.

Embrace the Spirit of Dongji at the Paju Branch

The National Folk Museum’s Paju branch is also hosting a series of activities related to Dongji. Visitors can participate in programs such as “Find the Dongji-themed Artifacts in the Open Storage” and “Make Your Own Dongji Almanac.” These activities provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of South Korea.

Whether you’re interested in traditional customs, cultural performances, or hands-on experiences, the Dongji event at the National Folk Museum of Korea promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for all. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of South Korea and celebrate the spirit of Dongji!