Dongzhi Festival-Winter Solstice
Schedule
Sat, 20 Dec, 2025 at 09:00 am to Sun, 21 Dec, 2025 at 01:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
1004 Hoosick Road, Troy, NY, United States, New York 12180 | Troy, NY
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As winter settles in and the days grow short, Koreans look forward to 동지(冬至)—the winter solstice—when warmth, community, and tradition bring light to the longest night of the year. This meaningful day has long been seen as a “small New Year,” a moment when fortune begins to shift and brighter days slowly return.At the heart of Dongji is 팥죽 (patjuk), a velvety red bean porridge simmered until smooth and served with soft, chewy 새알심 rice balls. Historically, red beans were believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, making patjuk both a comforting seasonal food and a protective ritual. Families would share the warm porridge together and sometimes place small bowls around the home to invite blessings and safeguard the household. Even today, eating patjuk on Dongji symbolizes comfort, renewal, and hope as daylight begins to grow again.
To honor this beautiful tradition, we invite you to join us for our Winter Solstice Buffet, a festive spread inspired by Korea’s winter flavors. Enjoy classic patjuk alongside a curated selection of seasonal dishes—from hearty banchan and soothing teas to special holiday desserts. Whether you’re celebrating cultural heritage or simply craving a warm, comforting feast, our solstice table offers the perfect gathering place. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today and welcome the return of the light with us!!
(a) Buffet – December 20 and 21st, 2025 - Reservations Available between 8:30am-12:30pm Saturday and Sunday
(b) Special Food - The traditional Dongzhi (Winter Solstice) food in Korea is patjuk (팥죽), a hearty red bean porridge with glutinous rice balls called saealshim (새알심). The red beans are believed to ward off evil spirits, and the rice balls, which symbolize "bird's eggs," represent wishes for good fortune and fertility in the new year.
(c) Patjuk (팥죽) This is the main dish of the Korean Dongzhi (동지) celebration.
a. Red bean porridge: The rich crimson color of the red beans is said to repel evil spirits and welcome good luck for the coming year.
b. Saealshim (새알심): These are small, round glutinous rice balls that are mixed into the porridge. They represent "bird's eggs" and are associated with wishes for fertility, abundance, and good health.
(d) Other customs:
a. Beyond the food, some families also sprinkle red beans around their homes as an additional way to ward off bad energy.
b. The celebration is a time for family to gather and share the warm, hearty meal.
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Where is it happening?
1004 Hoosick Road, Troy, NY, United States, New York 12180Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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