As Korea gallops into the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign known for its unstoppable energy and daring spirit, the nation celebrates its enduring bond with horses, from royal courts to farmlands. Throughout history and across civilizations, horses have accompanied humankind — plowing fields, carrying people and goods and serving as important assets in wartime. For centuries, they were central to daily life. As tractors and vehicles replaced animal labor, horses gradually disappeared from farms. Today, they are most commonly seen at racetracks and in parks, where they are kept for sport, recreation and exhibition. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Asian zodiac. As the seventh of the 12 animals in the calendar, the horse traditionally symbolizes power, action, speed and strength. When combined with the fire element's passion and intensity, these traits create a personality that's dynamic, confident and quick to act. While the Year of the Horse returns every 12 years, the specific combination of the horse with the fire element only occurs once every 60 years, due to the zodiac’s