Shall We Wish for New Year’s Blessings at Seokchon Lake on Jeongwol Daeboreum?

On the 24th from 6 to 9 PM, Jeongwol Daeboreum Event Held at Seokchon Lake, a Moon Viewing Spot in the City Center
Enjoy Various Activities Including Burning Daljip (Wish Papers) to Pray for a Safe Year and Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances

On the evening of the 24th, Jeongwol Daeboreum, Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) will hold a moon-viewing event at the Seokchon Lake waterfront stage and Seoul Nori Madang to pray for peace and a bountiful year.

Hosted by the Songpa Folklore Preservation Society, this event offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional culture in the midst of urban daily life. There will be a variety of attractions, from Songpa-gu’s traditional folk performance, Seoul City Intangible Cultural Property No. 3 ‘Songpa Daribalgi’ (Songpa Bridge Stepping), to seasonal customs such as burning the Daljip (wish papers).

Around 6 p.m., when the first full moon of the lunar new year rises, lively and cheerful Gyeonggi folk songs and pungmulnori (traditional Korean percussion music) will welcome visitors at the Seokchon Lake waterfront stage.

The soon-to-begin ‘Songpa Daribalgi’ is a folk game based on linguistic and magical beliefs such as “stepping on the bridge (橋) strengthens the legs (脚) and cures leg ailments.” Participants cross back and forth over a wooden bridge as many times as their age while playing instruments and singing, praying for the health of their legs. The uniqueness of Songpa-gu stands out in that it uses a wooden bridge rather than an actual bridge structure, distinguishing it from other regions.

Not only can visitors watch this precious intangible cultural heritage performance, but they will also have the chance to step on the bridge and make wishes on the spot, adding to the fun of participation.

Following this, performers carrying the ‘Songpa Daribalgi’ flag and command flag will lead the audience, dancing, to the highlight of the Jeongwol Daeboreum event, the ‘Daljip Burning’ site at the Seoul Nori Madang public parking lot. At the end of the 200-meter lakeside path lined with cheongsachorong lanterns, visitors can see a huge Daljip tied with numerous wish papers, which gathers the hopes of residents collected over the past five days from places such as the Seokchon Lake Atelier and Songpa Book Museum.

Upon arrival, after performing a village blessing ritual accompanied by binari (traditional Korean singing), the accumulated Daljip pile is set on fire. Under the bright full moon in the city night, visitors can enjoy a special moment making their wishes while watching the spectacular sight of the blazing Daljip and feeling the spirit of Jeongwol Daeboreum.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “We have thoroughly prepared to respond quickly to emergencies by deploying fire trucks, ambulances, and safety personnel, conducting prior safety inspections, and operating a joint control room. We hope visitors come with peace of mind to experience the fading traditional culture and create precious memories praying for peace throughout the year.”