Jeongwol Daeboreum (Great Full Moon Festival): Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually in February), this festival marks the first full moon of the lunar new year. Traditional customs include the eating of special foods, like nuts and rice cakes, to ensure good health and fortune.
Buddha's Birthday (Seokga Tansinil): Celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (usually in May), this holiday commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Temples are adorned with colorful lanterns, and parades are held to celebrate this important event in Buddhism.
Chuseok: Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September). It's a major harvest festival where families gather, pay respects to ancestors, and share traditional foods.
National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol): Celebrated on October 3rd, National Foundation Day commemorates the legendary founding of the first Korean state, Gojoseon, by Dangun. While its historical accuracy is debated, it remains a national holiday.
Hangeul Day: Celebrated on October 9th, Hangeul Day honors the creation and proclamation of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century.
Christmas: While not a traditional Korean holiday, Christmas is celebrated by some South Koreans, especially among the Christian community. It's more of a romantic and festive occasion, with couples exchanging gifts and enjoying decorations.
New Year's Eve (Sijeun Nal): Similar to many countries, South Korea welcomes the new year with celebrations, parties, and fireworks on New Year's Eve, and January 1st is a public holiday.