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Located in Hapdeok-eup, Dangjin City, the Hapdeok Reservoir and the Hapdeok Water Management Folk Museum are well-known travel destinations for visitors. At the reservoir, lotus leaves are growing rapidly, preparing to bloom soon.

You can find people strolling along the beautiful willow-lined paths, which are perfect for taking photos and enjoying a peaceful walk.

Inside the museum, the exhibits are well-organized, making it easy to understand the history and cultural significance of the Hapdeok Reservoir, attracting a steady stream of visitors. Behind the parking lot of the museum is a traditional thatched-roof experience center, which I visited during my trip.

Seeing the thatched-roof cottages built with rice straw immediately brought back images of Korea’s past. For children used to living in apartment buildings, this is an especially rare and fascinating sight that can only be experienced in places like folk villages.

???? Welcoming Summer with Dano, a Traditional Korean Holiday

Now that the rice planting season has ended, the greenery of summer is in full swing. Among Korea’s traditional holidays is Dano (단오) — a day that many may not be familiar with, unlike Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Festival).

Dano is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, known to be the day when yang energy is at its peak. Also called Suritnal, Jungojeol, Cheonjungjeol, or Danyang, it is one of Korea’s three major traditional holidays, along with Seollal and Chuseok. It traditionally marks the end of rice planting and is a time to wish for a bountiful harvest.

????️ Writing & Drawing Contest at Hapdeok Reservoir

Around the Hapdeok Reservoir, vibrant red poppies were blooming in clusters, creating a beautiful scene. On Dano (lunar May 5), a special event took place — the 11th Hapdeok Ecological Culture Writing & Drawing Contest, hosted by the Namdangjin Youth Chamber.

Families and friends participated, hand-in-hand, in a joyful opening ceremony. With the topic announced, children and adults alike expressed their thoughts and creativity, inspired by the beautiful natural and historical backdrop of Hapdeok.

The weather was perfect for a family outing — not too hot, and full of smiles and meaningful experiences.

???? “The Story of Dano” – A Cultural Experience

The “Dano Story” event offered hands-on experiences that brought the spirit of the holiday to life:

• Washing hair with changpo water (sweet flag)

• Making surichitteok (mugwort rice cakes)

• Drawing protective "ssuk-tiger" charms on Dano fans

At the outdoor booths, families enthusiastically joined in these traditional activities, enjoying quality time together.

???? Washing Hair with Changpo Water

Boiled changpo (sweet flag) water was prepared, and many tried washing their hands or hair with it. This tradition is believed to strengthen hair, add shine, and ward off bad luck. Some children were fascinated, saying their hands felt soft afterward, while others wrinkled their noses at the herbal scent. Despite the unfamiliarity, it was an exciting experience for everyone — especially for the kids who volunteered, “I want to wash my hair too!” Dads capturing their daughters’ smiles made it all the more heartwarming.

???? Making Surichitteok (Mugwort Rice Cakes)

Dano is also called “Suritnal,” with suri meaning wheel, symbolized in the wheel-patterned rice cakes. Families made these chewy steamed cakes using rice flour mixed with mugwort or other herbs, pressing them with a patterned mold and brushing them with sesame oil.

Through this hands-on activity, participants learned the cultural importance of sharing food and traditions during Dano.

???? Other Festive Traditions

Besides surichitteok, people also enjoy cherry punch (aengdu hwachae) and engage in traditional games like swing rides and ssireum (Korean wrestling) during Dano.

After the main activities, children had fun grinding grain on millstones, carrying loads with a traditional A-frame, and playing drums and gongs with friends — creating laughter and unforgettable memories.

???? Celebrating Culture at the Hapdeok Water Management Folk Museum

The “Story of Dano” traditional culture event at Hapdeok Water Management Folk Museum was a meaningful way to reflect on one of Korea’s traditional holidays and experience seasonal customs and folk traditions firsthand.

It was a day filled with learning, joy, and a deeper connection to Korea’s cultural roots.