Korean festivals are a time for families to come together, reflect on the past, and celebrate the future. But besides the customs and festivities, food plays a significant role in these celebrations. Each festival is marked by dishes but also deeply rooted in symbolism. From dishes that represent health and prosperity to those that honor ancestors, the foods offered during Korean festivals furnish a taste into the rich cultural heritage of the country. Let’s take a closer look at the traditional dishes Koreans enjoy during their major holidays.
Seollal (설날) : A Bowl of Good Fortune with ‘Tteokguk’ (떡국)
Seollal(설날), the Lunar New Year, signifies the beginning of the year according to the lunar calendar. It’s a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and wishing for a prosperous year ahead. The most important dish of Seollal is ‘Tteokguk’ (떡국), a clear broth soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes. Eating tteokguk represents gaining a year of age and beginning the new year with a fresh start . The rice cakes themselves, which are white and round, represent purity and the cycle of life.
Chuseok (추석) : Honoring Nature’s Bounty with ‘Songpyeon’ (송편)
Chuseok (추석), often referred as Korean harvest festival. This is the festival to express gratitude for the year’s harvest and honor ancestors by offering food. The most famous dishes during this festival is ‘Songpyeon’ (송편), a half moon shaped rice cake filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, chestnut, or red bean paste. These rice cakes, traditionally steamed over pine needles, carry a distinctive aroma and are said to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Daeboreum (대보름) : Welcoming the Full Moon with ‘Ogokbap’ (오곡밥)
Daeboreum (대보름) is celebrated on the first full moon of the lunar year. This festival is devoted to health and vitality. The traditional dish during this festival is ‘Ogokbap’ (오곡밥), five-grain rice mixed with barley, millet, and black beans, among other grains. This dish is also rich in nutrients and represents balance, symbolizing the harmony of nature and importance of good health. Another key tradition during this festival is the eating of ‘Bureom kkaegi’ (부럼 깨기), a mix of nuts such as walnuts and peanuts. Cracking open these nuts symbolizes the hope for good fortune and strong teeth. Alongside, Koreans also enjoy ‘Mugeun-namul’ (무근나물), seasoned vegetable, a light and healthy dish representing renewal and the awakening of nature.
Dongji (동지) : Warmth and Protection with ‘Patjuk’(팥죽)
Dongji (동지), refers to the ‘Winter Solstice’, marks the longest night of the year and is a time for families to gather and ward off evil spirits. The most cherished dish of this festival is ‘patjuk’(팥죽), a rich red bean porridge believed to drive away bad luck and bring good fortune. The color red, associated with power and protection, plays an important role in the symbolism of the dish.
Dano (단오) : Celebrating Renewal with ‘Surichwi-tteok’ (수리취떡)
Dano, the Spring Festival take place in late spring or early summer which signifies the arrival of warmer weather and the renewal of nature. A traditional dish enjoyed during this festival is ‘surichwi-tteok’ (수리취떡), a rice cake made with ‘surichwi’ (수리취). It is a mountain herb with cleansing properties. This dish is believed to rejuvenate the body and spirit, celebrating the season’s fresh energy and growth.
Buddha’s Birthday : Celebrating Simplicity and Harmony with ‘Bibimbap’ (비빔밥)
Buddha’s Birthday, a celebration of Buddha’s birth, is recognized by simple and harmonious foods that embodies Buddhist principles of mindfulness and simple peaceful nature. The food admired during this festival is ‘Bibimbap’ (비빔밥), a rice dish topped with colorful vegetables, a staple, represent balance and the interconnectedness of all life.
These meals are not just about nourishment and tradition, they are a reflection of values passed down through generations after generations, a way of honoring ancestors, and a ritual to wish for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
Written by – Aanchal Pathak
About the Author-
Hello, I’m Aanchal Pathak, a law student with a deep love for Korean culture. Whether it’s the language, K-pop, K-dramas, or the rich traditions, Korea has a special place in my heart. Writing about it is my way of exploring my passion and sharing the beauty of this culture with others.