15 Incredibly Dramatic Photos Of Jeju Fire Festival

Situated off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a mystical place, home to UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, stunning coastal scenery and some age old traditions. We explore the Jeongwol Daeboreum Field Burning Festival, also known as the Jeju Fire Festival.

The festival is rooted in the tradition of bangae, in which farmers set their pastures alight to get rid of old grass and kill harmful pests between late winter and early spring, before the cattle and horses grazed in the fields. It was traditionally held on the first full moon of the new lunar year. Nowadays, however, it celebrates the arrival of spring, and takes place during gyungchip, (which takes place in March), a period of time in which frogs are thought to wake up from their winter sleep.

The highlight of the festival is the burning of the daljip. Literally meaning, “moon house,” daljip are large bonfire structures made of pine tree branches and other logs, which were typically set on fire with the rise of the full moon. It was believed that these fires would help deliver villagers’ prayers for good fortune, protection from evil and a good harvest.

Daljip were traditionally burned on the first full moon of the new lunar year

Experience the beauty of the Jeju Fire Festival for yourself in the images below.

Flags mark the site of the festival, Saebyeol Oreum

Cultural programs at the Jeju Fire Festival

The festival is rooted in the tradition of bangae

Participants celebrate the beginning of spring with song and dance

The fires are said to deliver prayers for good fortune

The Jeju Fire Festival is representative of the island’s unique cultural heritage

Festival goers wonder at the beauty of the Jeju Fire Festival

The Saebyeol Oreum area is brought to life with a warm, fiery glow

Torch marching for good fortune in the new year

Festival visitors take in a spectacular fireworks display

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.