Seollal (설날): Korean Lunar New Year
Seollal (설날), or Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the biggest and most meaningful holidays in Korea. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is a time for families to gather, honor ancestors, and welcome the new year with hopes for happiness and good fortune.
🎎 Origins and Meaning
The term Seollal comes from the word "seol (설)," meaning "new," and "nal (날)," meaning "day." The exact origins are unclear, but the tradition of celebrating the lunar new year goes back centuries, influenced by ancient agricultural society rituals and Confucian practices. It is a time to pay respect to ancestors and elders while celebrating new beginnings.
🏠 How Koreans Celebrate
- ✅ Charye (차례): A memorial service held at home where families prepare a table of special foods to honor their ancestors.
- ✅ Seollal Greetings (세배): Younger family members perform a deep bow (sebae) to elders, wishing them a happy new year, and in return, receive words of wisdom and "sebae money" (세뱃돈).
- ✅ Feasting: Families enjoy traditional dishes such as tteokguk (떡국), a soup with thinly sliced rice cakes that symbolizes growing a year older.
- ✅ Folk Games: Games like yutnori (윷놀이), a traditional board game played with four wooden sticks, and jegichagi (제기차기), Korean hacky sack.
🍲 What is Tteokguk? (떡국)
Tteokguk (떡국) is the signature dish of Seollal. It’s a clear broth soup with soft, chewy sliced rice cakes and often includes egg garnish, seaweed, and beef. Eating a bowl of tteokguk on New Year's Day symbolizes gaining a year in age — you can’t become a year older without it!
📅 When Is Seollal?
Seollal follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in late January or early February. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Seollal Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 29 | January 28–30 |
| 2026 | February 17 | February 16–18 |
🎉 Fun and Surprising Facts
- 🔹 Korean age system traditionally counted everyone as one year older on Seollal — though the system is now changing to international age.
- 🔹 Seollal traffic jams are legendary, as millions of Koreans return to their hometowns.
- 🔹 In addition to traditional games, many families now enjoy playing board games or watching special TV programs together during the holiday.
🌍 Modern Changes
While many families still follow traditional customs, modern celebrations often blend old and new. Some families choose to travel abroad or enjoy more simplified home ceremonies. Nevertheless, Seollal remains a deeply cherished holiday for reconnecting with family and welcoming the new year.
💭 Final Thoughts
Seollal offers a beautiful glimpse into Korean culture — a time of respect, family ties, and new beginnings. Whether you're in Korea or learning about Korean culture from afar, understanding Seollal enriches your appreciation of the country’s values and traditions. 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Wishing you lots of luck in the new year!)
Have you ever tried 떡국 or played 윷놀이 with friends or family?