Celebrating Dongji (Winter Solstice): Bidding Farewell to Fortune at Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace

The season of the longest night is upon us! Seoul is hosting special events at two of its most beautiful traditional cultural sites - Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace - to celebrate Dongji (Winter Solstice).

Historically known as "Little Seollal" (Mini New Year), Dongji marks the moment when the night is longest and the daylight hours begin to stretch again, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun. Our ancestors traditionally ate patjuk (red bean porridge) to ward off bad luck and shared calendars to wish for peace and prosperity in the coming year.

You are invited to join these free, hands-on events to shed the misfortune of the old year and welcome the blessings of the new.

Part 1: Namsangol Hanok Village

Event: 2025 Namsangol Seasonal Rituals: Dongji, Connecting the Year

• Date: December 20 (Saturday).
• Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Throughout Namsangol Hanok Village
• Cost: Free

Highlights

• Sharing and Blessings:

• • From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: 2026 Desk Calendar Handout based on the Joseon-era tradition of Dongji chaeknyeok (calendar distribution).
• From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Sweet Rice Cake (Chapssaltteok) and Red Bean Tea Tasting for warmth and good fortune.

• Hands-on Activities (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM):

• • Making Dongji Charms: Create paper amulets believed to repel evil spirits (Okindong House).
• • Making Guardian Pollack (Aekmagi Myeongtae): Craft a dried pollack ornament, also meant to ward off misfortune (Okindong House).
• • New Year's Phrase Copying: Practice your calligraphy by transcribing auspicious phrases for the coming year (Lee Seung-eop House).

• Exhibition:

• • < Phrases Crossing the Solstice >: A special exhibition held in collaboration with Café Hubble & Namsan Chaekbang (Lee Seung-eop House).

Part 2: Unhyeongung Palace

Event: 2025 Little New Year at Unhyeongung Palace, Dongji

• Date: December 22 (Monday) - Dongji Day.
• Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Location: Unhyeongung Palace Grounds.
• Cost: Free

Highlights

• Red Bean Porridge Ritual (Dongji Cheomchi):

• • Starting at 11:30 AM in the Main Yard: Free Red Bean Porridge (Patjuk) Sharing (limited to 400 servings, until supplies last). Eating patjuk is the essential Dongji ritual to cleanse bad energy.

• Calendar and Poster Handout:

• • 2026 Red Horse Illustration Poster Calendar will be distributed, reinterpreting the traditional Dongji chaeknyeok.

• Creative and Traditional Play (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM):

• • Craft Workshops: Try making a Beoseon (Traditional Sock) Knot Keychain, a Cheongsachorong (Traditional Lantern), or participate in Calendar Poster Coloring.
• • Folk Games: Engage in traditional Korean games such as Tuho (arrow throwing), Yut Nori (stick game), and Ttakji Chigi (paper slapping game).

A Meaningful Seasonal Closure

Both events offer a heartwarming way for citizens and visitors alike to connect with Korea's seasonal heritage. As Seoul City noted, Dongji is a meaningful juncture to reflect on the past year and pray for health and good fortune in the new one.

You can find more detailed information on the respective websites and social media channels for Namsangol Hanok Village and Unhyeongung Palace. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the warmth of Korean tradition during the coldest time of the year!

Source: Seoul Newsletter