Views
Meet the moon at Dalmaji-gil
Get an up-close look at the next supermoon from Haewoljeong Pavilion atop Dalmaji-gil. Ancient Koreans looked to the moon and prayed for good fortune and prosperity.
The moon has always been a significant symbol in Korean culture. Its phases marked the passage of time. A full moon symbolized prosperity, the luminous splendor embodying abundance and fortune. While modern life is organized around the Gregorian calendar, certain aspects of Korean culture still revolve around the moon. For instance, Korea's major holidays and cultural events are still dictated by lunar phases.
This year, Chuseok, one of Korea's most important holidays, falls on Sept. 17. Traditionally known as "Hangawi," or "the 15th day of the eighth lunar month," Chuseok celebrates the Harvest Moon. While most Koreans no longer celebrate the harvest, Chuseok traditions remain important today. Families still gather to spend time together, and some people make wishes under the full moon, hoping for continued or newly-achieved prosperity.
To make a full moon wish, visit Dalmaji-gil in Haeundae-gu District, which offers visitors an unparalleled view of the moon in the night sky.
■ The road to Haewoljeong
Dalmaji-gil is the pass leading up Wausan Mountain, on the east side of Haeundae Beach. The 8-kilometer coastal road is lined with cherry and pine trees and connects to Songjeong Beach. It is the perfect place for romantic seaside drives or for tranquil walks under shady trees and birdsong.
At the foot of Dalmaji-gil is the 2.2-kilometer walking path, Moontan Road. Christened in 2008, the term "moontan" conjures ideas of basking in the moonlight to get a tan, akin to sunbathers tanning at the beach. Whether walking during the day or evening, those who make the uphill climb will be rewarded with coastal lookouts and breathtaking ocean views.
About halfway up, Moontan Road splits into two sections. You can continue up the same tree-lined road, where the brick sidewalk turns into a wooden boardwalk. This is the most direct way to the summit. Or, you can take the forest trail. The well-maintained trail hugs the side of the mountain and offers a longer, meandering footpath bathed in verdant greenery.
Individuals who prefer the solitude of late nights or early mornings can walk Moontan Road safely. Street lamps along all sections of Moontan Road are lit from sunset to 11 p.m. and again from 5 a.m. to sunrise.
At the summit, you will find restaurants, cafes and art galleries. However, these are merely distractions. Keep going to discover Dalmaji-gil's real treasure － the Haewoljeong Pavilion, an elegant structure that offers visitors a place to relax. Historically, this spot has been celebrated as one of the best places to
enjoy a full moon. In the 1930s, a folk ballad titled "The Eight Scenic Views of Joseon" praised the beauty of Haeundae in the moonlight.
Haewoljeong Pavilion also consistently ranks in the top-10 of lists highlighting the best night views in the region. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Haeundae Beach and Gwangandaegyo Bridge from the top of Wausan Mountain.
Address: 190 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu
■ Bigger and brighter
According to BBC Sky at Night, there will be four supermoons in 2024. The first was on Aug. 19. The next will be the Harvest Moon on Sept. 18, coinciding with the Chuseok holiday. What's more, this moon will also undergo a partial lunar eclipse.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth along its orbit. When this happens, the supermoon appears bigger and brighter than an average full moon.
After Chuseok, the next supermoons of 2024 will occur on Oct. 17 and Nov. 15'
Dalmaji-gil bustles with locals and visitors alike.
The glittering towers of Haeundae look magical in the moonlight.
<Vocab Spotlight>
fortune: 행운
prosperity: 번영
luminous: 빛나는
splendor: 화려함
unparalleled: 타의추종을 불허하는
conjure: 머리 속에 떠올리게 하는, (마법의 힘으로) 불러내는
coinciding with: ~과 일치하는
undergo: ~을 겪다
orbit: 궤도