Hello, this is JIRO! As we welcome June, we're back with the second post in our Korean Seasonal Customs Series. This time, we're introducing Dano, a traditional Korean holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. This year, Dano falls on June 19 (Friday) on the solar calendar, so it's just around the corner! Let's take a look at how people in Korea have celebrated this special day throughout history. Driving Away Misfortune and Welcoming Abundance Dano (Korea’s High-Energy Summer Festival) The Most Energetic Day of the Year! This year, Dano falls on June 19 (Fri). Dano falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, when the yang number five is doubled. It is also called Suritnal, meaning “ the High Day ” or “ the Joyful Day. ” Dano was one of the three most important holidays during the Joseon Dynasty! Dano is a holiday when people celebrate and rest after harvesting barley and finishing rice planting . It also carries the meaning of a farming ritual to pr...
Hello~~ This is JIRO. The May 2026 edition of JIRO Letter featuring Yeongdeok County has been released! With this issue, JIRO Letter has already reached its 5th edition. Thank you always for your continued support and for following JIRO Letter. In this issue, we explore the story of the famous Yeongdeok snow crab loved by King Taejo Wang Geon, local legends surrounding snow crabs, and stories of local businesses that bring Yeongdeok’s charm to life. Now, let’s dive right in~~ The following story is recorded in Yangchonjip, written by Gwon Geun: “When Taejo of Goryeo (Wang Geon) fought against Gyeon Hwon’s forces near Hahoe Village in Andong, he achieved victory with the help of the Yeonghae Park family in Andong. As a gesture of gratitude, Wang Geon later visited Yeongdeok and ate snow crab with them in Chayu Village, where he was deeply impressed by its taste.” From that point on, Yeongdeok snow crab is said to have become a delicacy offered to the king. Although this is not a s...