Ipchun is the first of the 24 solar terms and, in Korean astrology (Saju), the point at which the year's pillar changes. Though winter's cold lingers, the energy of spring begins to stir underground.
Ipchun means "entering spring" and arrives around February 4. In Korean fortune-telling, it marks the start of the new year, so the animal sign and the yearly pillar change from this day.
It still feels like deep winter, yet the days grow noticeably longer and the frozen earth begins to thaw. Farmers treated it as the starting point for the year's work.
The signature custom is posting "Ipchun daegil"—calligraphy wishing great fortune—on doors and pillars. People welcomed spring with osinban, a dish of five fresh seasoned greens.
Post a spring wish to open the new year
Air out and tidy the winter-stale home
Awaken your appetite with spring greens
A good time to check your yearly fortune
Adjacent terms:
Start of Spring is the 1th of the 24 solar terms, falling around around February 4. The first solar term, marking the start of spring—the day to open the year's fortune.
Ipchun is the first of the 24 solar terms and, in Korean astrology (Saju), the point at which the year's pillar changes. Though winter's cold lingers, the energy of spring begins to stir underground.
Post a spring wish to open the new year Air out and tidy the winter-stale home Awaken your appetite with spring greens A good time to check your yearly fortune