Experience Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) – Traditions & Travel Tips
Korean Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날), is one of the most significant holidays in South Korea. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and typically lasts for three days—one day before, the day of Seollal, and the day after.
For travelers visiting South Korea during this period, Seollal presents a unique opportunity to witness rich traditions, enjoy festive foods, and experience the warmth of Korean hospitality.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Seollal, traditional customs, and what foreigners can experience during this special holiday.
🎎 The Significance of Seollal
Seollal is more than just the beginning of a new lunar year—it’s a time for family reunions, ancestral rites, and well-wishing rituals.
Historically, Seollal has been celebrated for centuries as a way to honor ancestors and bring good fortune for the coming year. Families gather to perform Charye (차례), an ancestral ritual where food offerings are made to deceased ancestors to express gratitude and seek blessings.
Another major aspect of Seollal is Seollal greetings and bowing ceremonies. Younger family members show respect to their elders by performing Sebae (세배), a deep traditional bow.
In return, elders give New Year’s money (Sebaetdon, 세배돈) along with words of wisdom.
Every child is very exciting to receive this pocket money from elders.
🎉 How Koreans Celebrate Seollal
During Seollal, South Koreans partake in a variety of traditional activities. Here are some key customs:
🏡 Family Gatherings & Ancestral Rites
- Families travel to their hometowns to reunite and pay respects to their ancestors.
- They prepare a large feast and conduct Charye, where offerings of food and drinks are placed on an ancestral table.
🍲 Eating Traditional Seollal Foods
- Tteokguk (떡국): A warm, savory rice cake soup that symbolizes growing a year older.
- Jeon (전): Korean-style pancakes made with a variety of ingredients, such as kimchi, seafood, or vegetables.
- Yakgwa (약과): Sweet honey cookies often enjoyed as a snack. This is one of my favorites.
🏮 Playing Traditional Games
- Yutnori (윷놀이): A board game played with four wooden sticks, often enjoyed by families.
- Jegichagi (제기차기): A Korean-style hacky sack game where players kick a small weighted shuttlecock to keep it in the air.
- Hwatu (화투): A traditional Korean card game often played during holidays. It is simlar like card play.
👘 Wearing Hanbok
Many Koreans wear Hanbok (한복), traditional Korean clothing, during Seollal to honor the occasion. Hanbok is known for its vibrant colors and elegant design, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
✈️ What Can Foreigners Experience During Seollal?
Seollal is a fantastic time for foreign visitors to experience traditional Korean culture.
However, as most Koreans travel to their hometowns, many businesses close, and major cities like Seoul can feel quieter than usual. Here’s what you can do:
🎭 Visit Cultural Attractions (Free admission)
- Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung Palaces: These historical sites offer Seollal-themed events, including traditional performances and activities.
- Korean Folk Village: A great place to see Seollal traditions in action, with performances, food stalls, and hands-on experiences.
- Namsangol Hanok Village: Try Sebae (New Year’s bow), play folk games, and even dress up in Hanbok. I am sure this will be very fun.
🍵 Try Traditional Seollal Foods
Since many restaurants close for the holiday, look for traditional markets or department store food courts to enjoy Seollal dishes. Some hotels also offer special Seollal-themed menus.
🚊 Travel Outside of Seoul
Seollal is an opportunity to explore less crowded destinations such as:
- Jeju Island: A peaceful getaway with stunning nature and traditional village experiences.
- Andong Hahoe Village: Experience Korea’s deep cultural heritage in a traditional village setting.
- Busan: Enjoy the coastal city’s fresh seafood and vibrant local culture.
🛍 Be Mindful of Closures
Many small shops, restaurants, and businesses close during Seollal. However, no worries at all since malls, convenience stores, and major tourist attractions remain open, so plan accordingly.
🎊 Final Tips for Enjoying Seollal as a Foreigner
✅ Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transportation early, as many Koreans travel during this period.
✅ Try a Hanbok Experience: Rental shops allow visitors to wear Hanbok and take memorable photos.
✅ Engage with Locals: If you have Korean friends, don’t hesitate to join their Seollal celebrations!
✅ Enjoy the Quiet: Unlike Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), Seollal makes major cities feel calm—perfect for sightseeing without crowds.
📌 Conclusion
Seollal is a meaningful and vibrant holiday that offers a glimpse into Korea’s deep-rooted traditions. Whether you choose to participate in cultural activities, try traditional foods, or explore the peaceful cityscape, Seollal is a special time to experience Korean hospitality and heritage.
📢 Have you experienced Seollal in Korea? Share your thoughts or any experience you had in the comments!
It will be warm welcome to have any feedback or q.