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Hello~~ This is JIRO. In Korea, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month is called Chilseok, a traditional seasonal festival associated with the legendary lovers Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo. Separated by the Milky Way, they are said to meet only once a year with the help of magpies forming the Ojakgyo Bridge. In this article, we explore their legend, Korean Chilseok traditions, the meaning of Chilseok Rain, and how this seasonal tradition is celebrated in neighboring China and Japan. JIRO SEASONAL TRADITIONS SPECIAL #003 CHILSEOK JIRO SEASONAL TRADITIONS SPECIAL #003 CHILSEOK The Legend of Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo Jiknyeo was the granddaughter of the Heavenly God. She was a skilled weaver and a hardworking young woman. The Heavenly God arranged for her to marry  Gyeonwoo, a cowherd known as “Hago,” who lived on the other side of the Milky Way. The two fell in love at first sight, and their love grew so deep that they eventually got married. However, caught up in the joys of ...

Hello! This is JIRO! Did you know that Korea's famous folk tale Heungbu and Nolbu is connected to a real place? Known for its timeless message that kindness is rewarded, Heungbu and Nolbu has been cherished for generations in Korea. In Namwon, there is a village believed to be where Heungbu began a new life and found prosperity. Local legends and traditional place names still preserve traces of the story, allowing visitors to experience the tale beyond the pages of the book. Let's explore Heungbu Village and discover where folklore meets travel. Where Is the Setting of Heungbu and Nolbu? A beloved Korean folk tale about kindness, generosity, and good fortune. Seong-ri Village in Namwon is believed to be the place where Heungbu settled and found prosperity, based on local legends and traditional place names. According to local tradition, this village is considered a place that brings good fortune and prosperity. Heungbu and Nolbu is one of Korea's best-known folk tales. It t...

​Hello everyone! This is JIRO. Today, we’re excited to introduce the Eumseong Pumba Festival, which is happening right now in Eumseong County! We’ll be diving deep into the heartwarming history and origins of this unique festival. Curious to know the story? Let’s jump right in! Eumseong Pumba Festival: The Inspiring Story of Grandpa Choi Gwi-dong Born into a wealthy family, he was cherished and named "Gwi-dong" (meaning "precious child"). However, his life changed forever when he was forced into wartime labor in Japan, where he endured brutal torture. Upon returning home, he found his family ruined and his home gone. With nowhere else to turn, he had no choice but to live under the Mugeukcheon Bridge. The Awakening of Sharing Under the Mugeukcheon Bridge, he encountered other helpless beggars who had nowhere else to turn. Despite his own suffering, Grandpa Choi gathered leftover food to feed those who couldn't move, and with deepest respect, he buried the deceas...