설날
Seollal
Korea's lunar new year — bowing to elders, tteokguk, and the promise of a fresh year.
Origin
Seollal is the Korean Lunar New Year, marking the first day of the traditional Korean lunisolar calendar. It is one of the two most important holidays in Korea and spans three days — the day before, the day itself, and the day after. Seollal is fundamentally about family reunion, gratitude to ancestors, and rituals that usher in good fortune for the year ahead. Eating tteokguk (rice cake soup) on Seollal morning is said to grant the eater an additional year of age — it is how Koreans count growing a year older in the traditional reckoning.
History
Historical records show Seollal was celebrated during the Silla dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE). The holiday was briefly suppressed during Japanese colonial rule, when the Gregorian New Year (January 1) was promoted as the official celebration. After liberation in 1945, Seollal was restored, and by 1985 it was officially designated a public holiday again. Today it coexists with January 1 (Solar New Year) as both are public holidays, though Seollal carries deeper cultural and familial significance.
Modern Celebration
The morning begins with charye — the ancestral rites in which food and drink are arranged before a table and bows are offered to honour ancestors. Children then perform sebae: a deep ceremonial bow (큰절) to parents and grandparents, wishing them good health and fortune in the new year. In return, elders give sebaetdon — cash gifts in colourful silk pouches. The family then eats tteokguk together, signifying the new year. Traditional games include yut nori (a board game using throwing sticks), neolttwigi (see-saw jumping), and yukhwa. New hanboks are traditionally worn. Across the country, traffic surges as Koreans travel to their hometowns — the journey that defines Seollal as much as any ritual.
Traditional Foods
Tteokguk (떡국)
White rice cake soup — the essential Seollal dish. The oval slices of tteok are added to a clear beef or pheasant broth with egg ribbons and green onion. The pure white colour symbolises a clean new start, and eating a bowl is said to make you one year older.
Japchae (잡채)
Glass noodles with vegetables and beef — a festive staple that appears at virtually every major Korean celebration. On Seollal, it is prepared in large batches to serve the whole family.
Galbijjim (갈비찜)
Braised beef short ribs slow-cooked in soy sauce, Asian pear, garlic, and ginger. A rich, celebratory dish that requires hours of preparation and signals the importance of the occasion.
Yugwa (유과)
Traditional Korean confections made from glutinous rice, puffed and coated in honey and sesame seeds or pine pollen. These sweet, crunchy treats are exchanged as gifts and arranged on the charye table as offerings.
Sikhye (식혜)
Sweet cold rice punch, often served after the meal as a refreshing digestive. Its pale amber colour and mild sweetness make it a favourite across all ages at Seollal gatherings.
How to Participate
- 01Perform charye — the ancestral rites with the family food offering table
- 02Do sebae — the ceremonial deep bow to elders, with New Year greetings
- 03Eat tteokguk together as a family on the morning of Seollal
- 04Play yut nori — the traditional board game using four throwing sticks and colourful markers
- 05Wear a new hanbok and take family photographs
- 06Send sebae money (세뱃돈) in traditional silk pouches to children in your family
Travel Tips
Seollal creates the same mass travel conditions as Chuseok. All forms of intercity transportation — KTX trains, express buses, flights — sell out rapidly. Book 4–8 weeks in advance if you plan to travel. Seoul becomes unusually quiet on Seollal day itself as millions leave for their hometowns — it is actually a good time to visit major tourist sites in Seoul without crowds. However, many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on the holiday itself. Cultural events and markets are usually held in the days surrounding Seollal.
Frequently asked questions
When is Seollal?+
Seollal falls on 1st day of the 1st lunar month (Jan–Feb). Because it follows the lunar calendar, the Gregorian date shifts each year — check the calendar links below for exact dates.
Is Seollal a public holiday?+
Seollal is a public holiday in South Korea. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day. It is one of the most significant national holidays in the country.
What do people eat during Seollal?+
Traditional foods eaten during Seollal include Tteokguk (떡국), Japchae (잡채), Galbijjim (갈비찜). White rice cake soup — the essential Seollal dish. The oval slices of tteok are added to a clear beef or pheasant broth with egg ribbons and green onion. The pure white colour symbolises a clean new start, and eating a bowl is said to make you one year older.
What are some activities associated with Seollal?+
Perform charye — the ancestral rites with the family food offering table Do sebae — the ceremonial deep bow to elders, with New Year greetings Eat tteokguk together as a family on the morning of Seollal
Is Seollal a good time to visit South Korea?+
Seollal creates the same mass travel conditions as Chuseok. All forms of intercity transportation — KTX trains, express buses, flights — sell out rapidly. Book 4–8 weeks in advance if you plan to travel. Seoul becomes unusually quiet on Seollal day itself as millions leave for their hometowns — it is actually a good time to visit major tourist sites in Seoul without crowds. However, many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed on the holiday itself. Cultural events and markets are usually held in the days surrounding Seollal.
Printable Calendars
Download a free printable calendar for Seollal — includes all public holidays.
🇰🇷 South Korea