Singugan, a unique seasonal custom in Jeju Island which is in a period of seven days between the fifth day after Daehan(大寒) and two days before Ipchun(立春). During Singugan, since there would be an exchange between the old gods and new ones, gods are absent in the world. Therefore people can move or repair their house during this period.
Singugan has a close relations with customs introduced in the 「Tusi」part of Cheongidaeyo from China and the phrase of 'Segwangyoseung' in 「Seontaek」 of Sallimgyeongju written in the late Joseon. In spite of date differences, they provide sufficient information to find the origin of Singugan. Considering records from Sallimgyeongje, Singugan seems to disappear fairly early times in the mainland and due to eco-environmental condition and religious feature in a isolated island, it can be continued in the island. In particular, 『A comprehensive report of Korean folk customs(South Gyeongsang province)』 published in 1972, we can assume that singugan was one of the mainland's folk customs since we find a similar custom with Singugan.
Some scholars have pointed that Singugan was appeared in modern times since there is no literatures to show the origin of Singugan. However, there is possibility that it came to be created in Jeju with poor environment before the introduction of Cheongidaeyo and settled as a folk custom in a concrete period of time after Cheongidaeyo. Today Singugan has significantly faded away. On the other hand, we can still find people arrange their house-moving day during this period and it is difficult for them to move their house on non-Singugan times. All things considered, there is a kind of formula which is Singugan is the best time for house-moving. Moreover it functions as a fiscal year for house-release. From this perspective, Singugan in Jeju has become one of sustained modern customs as a new folk practice after industrialization and urbanization.
Singugan had been criticised as one of old customs to be removed by the regional authorities. Finally during a period of 2004~5, it has been revalued as one of Jeju ethnic culture in a positive way. This results from recognition to raise its cultural sovereignty by finding identity of regional culture. There positive acknowledgement, however, seems insufficient to solve different problems stemming from Singugan. If the regional authorities try to tackle this problem, Singugan can keep its authentic value of regional folk culture in Jeju Island. Singugan has drawn more attention since it has aspects of continuance and succession of folk customs and establishment of unique regional culture.