In the first week of February, across both the United States and Korea, the air remains undeniably sharp. Snow may still be on the ground, and the heavy wool coats of mid-winter are far from being tucked away. Yet, in the traditional Korean calendar, this period marks Ipchun, which literally translates to the “Beginning of Spring.”
To a modern observer, calling these freezing weeks "spring" seems like a contradiction. However, Ipchun is not defined by the immediate temperature outside your window. Instead, it follows a traditional solar calendar, marking the moment the sun begins to shift and the days slowly lengthen. It is a day that looks past the current frost to acknowledge that the cycle of growth has officially restarted.
The First Doorway: Calligraphy and Seasonal Wishes
To understand Ipchun, one must understand the Jeolgi, or the 24 solar terms. This ancient system divided the year into 15-day segments based on the sun’s path, serving as a celestial clock for farmers and scholars alike. Falling usually around February 4th in the solar calendar, Ipchun is the very first of these terms—the official "New Year’s Day" of the seasonal cycle.
Traditionally, families marked this transition by brushing elegant calligraphy onto long strips of paper called Ipchun-bang and pasting them onto the gates of their homes. The most iconic phrase used is Ipchun-daegil Gunyang-dagyeong, a poetic blessing that translates to: “May the beginning of spring bring great luck, and may the increasing sunlight bring many celebrations.”
This ritual was a defiant act of optimism, inviting the vitality of spring into the home even while the ground remained frozen. This collective hope for an auspicious year was naturally mirrored in the way the seasonal table was set, turning the act of eating into a private extension of these public wishes.
Awakening the Body: The Pungent Bitters of Osinban
Because Ipchun represents a shift in energy, the traditional Hansik (Korean cuisine) of this season focuses on waking up the body’s dormant systems. After a long winter of eating heavy, preserved foods, the palate and the body require a restorative "reset." This led to the tradition of Osinban, a platter of five pungent spring herbs chosen to stimulate the senses and harmonize the body’s energy.
From the royal courts, where Osinban was served with a zingy mustard dressing, to common households enjoying thinly shredded Sesaengchae, and even to the northern regions celebrating with Myeongtae-sundae (pollock stuffed with seasoned vegetables)—every regional dish shared a common thread of wisdom. These diverse culinary traditions were, in essence, an ancestral "spring detox," intentionally designed to restore what the body lacked after a long winter.
The Modern Table: A Quiet Invitation to Spring
In our modern lives, the sight of calligraphy banners on every doorway has largely disappeared, but we can still welcome the spirit of the season through the simple choices we make in the kitchen. While many of us now only recognize Ipchun by glancing at a calendar, the act of preparing a meal can turn that date into a meaningful experience of anticipation.
Even if we cannot find traditional wild Korean herbs like Dallae (wild chives) or Naengi (shepherd’s purse) in an urban setting, we can still achieve that same "awakening" effect by using accessible greens like arugula, watercress, or young radicchio. The secret to bringing this tradition home lies in how we season these vibrant greens.
To honor the Ipchun philosophy of refreshing the body, it is best to avoid heavy or creamy dressings. Instead, opt for a Geotjeori style—freshly tossed with a light touch of soy sauce and a splash of aged Sikcho (traditional vinegar). The finishing touch, a generous drizzle of premium Deulgireum (cold-pressed perilla oil), adds a deep, nutty fragrance that carries the "soul" of Hansik.
The transition of Ipchun reminds us that growth often begins in the dark, well before it is visible to the eye. While the February wind might suggest otherwise, the season of renewal has officially started. This week, we invite you to welcome this subtle shift into your home. Seek out the first bitter greens of the season and awaken your senses with the clarity of traditional vinegar and the warmth of perilla oil. By aligning your table with this ancient celestial rhythm, you turn a simple meal into an act of cultural continuity and personal revival.
FAQ
Is Ipchun the same as the Lunar New Year (Seollal)?
No, they are different. Seollal follows the lunar calendar and is a family holiday, while Ipchun is a fixed solar marker focused on the entrance of spring energy and the agricultural cycle.
Why was mustard traditionally used in Ipchun dishes?
Mustard was considered a "warming" ingredient. Its heat was believed to help the body transition from the stagnant, "cold" energy of winter to the active, "warm" energy of spring, acting as a metabolic spark.
How can I practice the tradition of Ipchun-bang today?
The essence of the tradition is inviting good fortune. Placing the calligraphy on your front door or even an interior wall serves as a visual reminder to stay optimistic and mindful of the changing seasons as the new cycle begins.