Korean Dictionary
How to say "Dongji (Winter Solstice)" in Korean
“Dongji (Winter Solstice)” in Korean is 동지 (pronounced "dongji").
동지
dongji
Usage & Context
동지 the winter solstice is an important traditional Korean holiday falling around December 22. Koreans traditionally eat 팥죽 (red bean porridge) on 동지 as the red color is believed to ward off evil spirits. The 동지 팥죽 ritual is one of the most enduring food traditions in Korean folk culture.
Example Sentence
동지에는 귀신을 쫓는다고 팥죽을 먹어요.
On the winter solstice we eat red bean porridge to chase away evil spirits.
How to use 동지 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Dongji (Winter Solstice)” is 동지, romanized as dongji.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 동지.
Pronunciation Guide
동 (dong) rhymes with 'song' but with a 'd' sound. 지 (ji) sounds like 'jee' in 'jeep'. The pronunciation is straightforward, with equal emphasis on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
A common saying or belief related to Dongji and aging.
동지에는 팥죽을 먹어야 나이를 한 살 더 먹는다고 해요.
They say you get a year older if you eat patjuk on Dongji.
Someone expressing a preference for homemade patjuk on Dongji.
동지 팥죽은 집에서 직접 만드는 게 제일 맛있어요.
Dongji patjuk tastes best when you make it yourself at home.
Asking about the date of Dongji for the current year.
올해 동지는 언제예요?
When is Dongji this year?
Cultural Context
동지 (Dongji), the winter solstice, is a deeply rooted traditional holiday in Korea. It's famously associated with eating 팥죽 (patjuk, red bean porridge). The vibrant red color of the red beans is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, making it a protective and auspicious food. Families often gather to share patjuk, sometimes even sprinkling it around the house to cleanse the space. It's a time for reflection and preparing for the new year.
Editorial note
We review entries like 동지 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
동지 팥죽
Dongji red bean porridge
동지에는 팥죽을 먹어요.
We eat patjuk on Dongji.
동지 잘 보내세요!
Have a good Dongji!
Related Expressions
팥죽
patjuk
Red bean porridge
동짓달
dongjitdal
The month of Dongji (traditional name for the 11th lunar month)
입춘
ipchun
Beginning of spring (one of the 24 solar terms)
절기
jeolgi
Solar terms (24 divisions of the year in traditional East Asian calendars)
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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