Making a wish to the year's first full moon is traditionally believed in Korea to pave the way for a smooth year ahead.
According to the lunar calendar, the 15th day of the year falls on Monday, February 9th and thousands of people gathered for the Full Moon Festival at the National Theater of Korea a night earlier to wish upon the full moon.
[Interview : Kim Kwangheon, Producer
National Theater of Korea] "The highlight of today's festival is the Moon House Burning Event, in which a large pile of straw is burnt down to make the wishes of people come true."
A nine-meter-tall pile of dry branches and hay was placed in front of the theater two weeks ago for visitors to write their 2009 wishes on a piece of paper and hang them on the stack.
[Interview : Ju Ji-hye] "I wish for my mom and my dad to be happy and for my sick grandparents to get better."
[Interview : Jo Joo-hee] "I want to get employed!"
In the evening, a couple of hours before moonrise, a traditional dance, a musical performance as well as a memorial rite for ancestors was held.
Then by the time the first full moon of 2009 came into sight the stack was set on fire.
With several explosions of bamboo sticks inside the straw pile thunderous sounds were made which are believed to chase away evil spirits.
And the stack then started to light up the night sky.
It is a traditional belief, that the stronger the fire burns, the merrier the year ahead will be.
[Reporter : JANG SOUIE
sjang@arirang.co.kr] "As you can see, the flames are huge tonight, assuring people that 2009 will be a year full of happiness."
Over in Misari, Gyeonggi Province, another traditional performance was held on the eve of the full moon.
A 120-thousand square-meter field of pampas grass was set on fire as a means to kill rats and insects.
This tradition dates back to the old days as a ritual for the year's good harvest and bigger flames mean a better harvest.
And thanks to the dry and windy weather on Sunday night this year's fire was stronger than ever.
Many in Korea are going through tough times these days due to the slow economy but if this year's full moon flames are any indication, better times lay ahead.
Jang Souie, Arirang News.
FEB 09, 2009
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Arirang Town
Tuesday, FEB 09, 2010, (KST) 
