As the longest night of the year descended upon Seoul on December 22, 2025, the city’s historic Jogyesa Temple became a beacon of tradition, hope, and unity. In a scene that blended centuries-old rituals with the warmth of community, thousands gathered for the annual Dongji (winter solstice) cleansing ceremony, a vibrant event that has come to symbolize both the resilience of the Korean people and the enduring power of shared heritage.
The Dongji, known as the 22nd of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, is often called the "Little New Year" in Korea. It’s a day steeped in symbolism—when the night is at its longest and the darkness is believed to be at its peak, communities come together to perform rituals that chase away evil spirits and usher in good fortune for the year ahead. According to The Fact, this year’s ceremony at Jogyesa marked the 22nd consecutive annual gathering, drawing an estimated 9,000 participants, including monks, laypeople, and local residents.
From the early hours, visitors arrived at the temple’s grounds in Jongno-gu, greeted by the aroma of simmering red bean porridge, or "patjuk," a dish traditionally consumed during Dongji to ward off misfortune. Volunteers and members of the Jogyesa congregation had spent the previous night preparing an astonishing 9,000 servings of patjuk, each bowl brimming with hand-rolled rice cake balls known as "saealsim." As reported by ibulgyo, the effort was nothing short of Herculean, with teams working through the dawn to ensure every guest could partake in the ritual meal.
But the event was more than just a culinary affair. The temple grounds buzzed with activity as devotees participated in a series of purification rituals. About 700 people gathered in the main hall for a cleansing ceremony led by chief monk Jinwoo and other senior monks. According to BBS News, incense was burned, prayers were chanted, and symbolic acts of cleansing were performed—all with the intention of banishing negativity and invoking peace for the coming year. The rituals extended into the evening, with an additional 8,000 devotees joining nighttime ceremonies that further cemented the day’s spirit of communal renewal.
Chief monk Jinwoo’s words resonated with many in attendance. Reflecting on the challenges faced by both the nation and the Buddhist community over the past year—including the fire at the Korean Buddhist History Memorial Hall—he expressed gratitude for those who had worked tirelessly to maintain social order and safety. In a gesture of appreciation, Jinwoo visited the Jongno Police Station, delivering 700 servings of patjuk to officers and honoring Inspector Shin Yeonsu, a longtime leader of the station’s Buddhist association, with a special commendation. “There have been many difficulties nationally and within our order, including the fire at the history memorial,” Jinwoo said, as quoted by BBS News. “The Jongno Police Station has truly worked hard at the center of it all. We hope you enjoy this porridge, prepared with our heartfelt sincerity.”
The generosity didn’t stop there. Of the 9,000 servings of patjuk prepared, 500 were set aside for distribution to vulnerable neighbors through the Jongno District Office, while others were delivered to local welfare centers, facilities for people with disabilities, and even the nearby police and fire stations. The temple also handed out 30,000 complimentary New Year’s calendars, each one a tangible token of hope for a brighter 2026. As ibulgyo noted, the event’s outreach extended to Buddhist organizations and central religious offices, ensuring that the spirit of Dongji reached every corner of the community.
For many attendees, the day was about more than personal wishes. “I hope all citizens can live happily and well,” said Yu Sun-ok, a visitor from Ilsan, in an interview with BBS News. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pray before Buddha.” Others echoed similar sentiments, wishing for national stability, family happiness, and good health for all. “I hope the country remains stable, and personally, I wish for my son to get married and my daughter to be happy,” shared Hwang Mi-ae from Suseo-dong. “I hope everyone stays healthy and well.”
The festivities weren’t limited to Jogyesa alone. Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul’s Gangnam district also held a Dongji service, distributing 8,000 servings of patjuk crafted by volunteers over three days and nights. At the COEX South Gate, an additional 1,000 bowls were handed out to citizens who might not otherwise have access to the traditional dish. Meanwhile, Cheonggyesa Temple in Uiwang prepared 3,000 servings for local residents and devotees, and distributed 2,000 servings of red bean rice cakes to welfare centers and public institutions, all in the spirit of driving away misfortune and spreading well-wishes.
The cleansing rituals themselves were steeped in symbolism. As The Fact explained, red beans are believed to possess the power to repel evil, while the act of eating patjuk is thought to purify the body and soul. This year’s Dongji, which fell before the lunar November 10th and was thus considered "Aedongji," even saw some families with young children substituting red bean rice cakes for porridge, preserving the tradition while adapting it to individual needs.
Beyond the rituals and the food, the Dongji celebration at Jogyesa was marked by a spirit of interfaith solidarity. According to Christian Daily, the temple hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at its entrance, inviting leaders from seven major religious groups to join in a public display of unity and peace. Chief monk Jinwoo’s congratulatory message captured the mood: “I sincerely celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, who came to light up a dark world. The love of Jesus and the compassion of Buddha are truths that transcend religion.” He added, “Religious harmony is the strongest social force for reducing conflict and building peace. Today, as we light this Christmas tree, I hope its light melts hatred and conflict, and remains a symbol of compassion and love.”
The ceremony, attended by representatives from Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, Confucian, and other faiths, was a testament to the temple’s commitment to fostering social cohesion. As the Christmas lights illuminated the cold December night, the message was clear: in times of hardship, unity and compassion are more important than ever.
The Dongji celebration at Jogyesa in 2025 was a vivid reminder that even as traditions evolve, their core purpose remains unchanged: to bring people together, to offer solace and hope, and to chart a path forward through the darkest nights. As participants departed with bowls of patjuk and hearts full of hope, the temple’s message—of renewal, peace, and community—resonated far beyond its ancient gates.
