Travelers, how would you like to spend the final moments of 2025? In Korea, there’s a unique tradition: celebrating the New Year twice. First comes January 1st, a high-energy and lively occasion, followed by Seollal, the Lunar New Year, filled with warmth, family, and meaningful traditions. Experiencing both offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the perfect blend of modern Korean vibrancy and cultural heritage.
Part 2: A Traditional New Year and Warm Reunions
After the excitement of January 1st, Koreans prepare for Seollal, the Lunar New Year, the most important family holiday of the year. Families gather to honor ancestors and celebrate the start of a new year together.
Seollal Traditions:
Greetings: The most common phrase is “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (새해 복 많이 받으세요), meaning “May you receive lots of blessings in the New Year.”
Sebae and Sebaetdon: During Seollal, children perform a deep traditional bow called sebae to their elders. In return, elders offer blessings and give sebaetdon—small envelopes containing money. This tradition is one of the most heartwarming and iconic scenes of Korean Lunar New Year, filled with laughter, respect, and familial warmth.
Food – Tteokguk: On New Year’s morning, families enjoy tteokguk, a soup made with sliced rice cakes in clear broth. Eating it symbolizes purification, renewal, and growing one year older—a simple dish that embodies Korean warmth and hospitality.
A Song of Seollal:
A popular children’s song called “Seollal” beautifully captures the festive spirit of Korean Lunar New Year:
- “Magpie, magpie, New Year was yesterday,
- Our, our New Year is today.
- Dressed in colorful hanbok so bright and gay,
- Our, our New Year is today.”
In this song, the phrase “magpie’s New Year was yesterday” is a playful metaphor. It reflects how eagerly Koreans anticipate Seollal—so much so that it feels as if the holiday arrives a day early, even for the magpies. This charming lyric conveys the excitement and joyful anticipation leading up to Korea’s most cherished holiday.
Two Celebrations, One Journey
Experiencing two New Years in Korea offers travelers the best of both worlds: the dazzling, energetic celebrations of the Western New Year and the warm, intimate traditions of Seollal. Together, they create a rich, unforgettable winter journey—one that blends the modern and the traditional, the spectacular and the heartfelt.
Source:
National Folk Museum of Korea website – www.nfm.go.kr
Korean National Culture Encyclopedia website – encykorea.aks.ac.kr
Naver website: www.naver.com
