Seollal, Lunar New Year in Korea, is one of the two biggest holidays in South Korea along with Chuseok.
Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations that mark this joyous occasion. Discover when Seollal is in 2027, the meaning of Seollal, Seollal traditions, Seollal food, and more.
On This Post
- What Is Seollal?
- What Does “Seollal” Mean?
- When Is Seollal in 2027?
- How to Say “Happy New Year” in Korean?
- History of Seollal
- What Are Seollal Traditions?
- What Are Popular Seollal Food?
- Seollal Games and Activities
- How Can International Visitors and Foreigners Enjoy Seollal?
- More Information about Seollal in Modern Days
- Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Seollal (설날)?
Seollal is the Korean New Year, a significant traditional holiday celebrated according to the lunar calendar. It typically falls in January or February.
What Does “Seollal” Mean?
There are several theories about the origin and meaning of the name “Seollal.”
One widely accepted theory suggests that it is derived from the term ‘설,’ which carries meanings like ‘new,’ ‘unfamiliar,’ and ‘not accustomed,’ combined with the word ‘날,’ meaning a day.
When Is Seollal in 2027?
In 2027, Seollal is on February 7, Sunday.
Seollal falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Because Koreans celebrate this holiday according to the lunar calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar changes every year.
For your information, these are the dates of Seollal in the next five years.
- 2028: January 27 (Thu)
- 2029: February 13 (Tue)
- 2030: February 3 (Sun)
- 2031: January 23 (Thu)
- 2032: February 11 (Wed)
Seollal marks an extended holiday in South Korea, typically spanning three days.
How to Say “Happy New Year” in Korean?
“새해 복 많이 받으세요 /sae-hae bok ma-ni ba-deu-se-yo/” is a Korean New Year’s greeting that translates to “May you receive a lot of blessings in the New Year” in English. “새해 /sae-hae/” is the Korean word for New Year, and “복” means blessings or fortune.
It is a customary and heartfelt Korean New Year’s greeting, expressing wishes for abundant blessings, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. Koreans share this warm sentiment during Seollal, the Korean New Year, in the days leading up to the arrival of the New Year, or for a while after the day.
Related Page: Learning Korean
History of Seollal
Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, has a rich history deeply rooted in Korean traditions.
The detailed records of Seollal customs are traced back to the Silla Dynasty. According to historical records, during the Silla period, people exchanged New Year’s greetings on the first day of the year. The king hosted grand feasts to celebrate the day with people and held ceremonies to honor the deities of the sun and the moon.
Additionally, Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) has a record of King Goi of Baekje having performed rituals to deities in the first month. During the reign of King Chaekgye, people conducted rituals in the first month of the year for the ancestral king Dongmyeong. This suggests that the tradition of paying respects to ancestors during Seollal dates back quite some time.
Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon periods, Seollal remained a significant holiday, indicating its longstanding importance. Traditionally, from Seollal to Jeongwol Daeboreum (정월대보름, the first full moon of the lunar new year), a continuous festive period was observed, during which certain activities like debt collections were avoided.
What Are Seollal Traditions?
Seollal reflects the preservation and evolution of traditions and customs throughout Korea’s extensive history, shaping and adapting them to the present day.
1. Sebae & Sebaetdon (세배, 세뱃돈)
Sebae (세배) is a traditional Korean New Year’s bowing ritual, where younger individuals pay respects to their elders by performing a deep bow. This gesture is accompanied by well-wishing phrases expressing good health, prosperity, and happiness.
Sebaetdon (세뱃돈) refers to the money that elders give to younger family members during Seollal, typically presented during the Sebae ritual. The act of receiving sebaetdon is a cherished tradition during the Seollal celebration, especially enjoyed by young kids.
2. Charye (차례)
Korean charye (차례) refers to rituals performed to honor and pay respects to ancestors. Charye typically involves setting up an ancestral formal table with specific offerings such as food, fruits, and other symbolic items.
3. Wearing Hanbok or Seolbim (설빔)
Seolbim (설빔) are new clothes made from fresh fabrics for the Korean Lunar New Year. Adults typically wear pants, a top, and a traditional overcoat, while children wear vibrant and colorful outfits. Especially for women, the skirt and overcoat are adorned with elaborate designs. Even the elderly wear new attire for the occasion.
In the past, when fabric was considered precious, putting on new clothes for Seollal must have been an exciting and joyful event. Children eagerly anticipated the day to wear Seolbim, proudly showcasing their new outfits by visiting friends and family.
4. Seollal Gifts
In South Korea, it’s customary to exchange gifts during Seollal and Chuseok, commonly given to parents or grandparents. Gift-giving is also not uncommon in business relationships and occasionally among friends.
Special gift sets are readily available at supermarkets or department stores during this season. Popular choices include beef sets, health food or supplement sets, and fruit sets. Spam sets and Korean-style hygiene gift sets are also quite common.
5. Seongmyo (성묘)
Families visit ancestral gravesites, clean the area, offer food, and pay their respects through bowing and rituals. It is a meaningful tradition that emphasizes filial piety and the importance of honoring one’s ancestors in Korean culture.
6. Tojeongbigyeol (토정비결)
The tradition of consulting fortune telling at the beginning of the lunar new year is a practice that combines expectations for the coming year with playful elements. While the younger generation may lean towards practices such as MBTI or Tarot readings, some individuals still adhere to traditional customs.
What Are Popular Seollal Foods?
During Seollal, traditional foods play a significant role in celebrations. Some common Korean foods associated with the Korean Lunar New Year include:
1. Tteokguk (떡국)
Tteokguk is a soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes. Eating tteokguk during Seollal is a symbolic tradition, as it is believed to bring good luck and symbolizes the gaining of a year in age.
2. Galbi jjim (갈비찜)
Galbi jjim is made with marinated beef short ribs. It is a popular Korean dish. Like Japchae, it is often enjoyed on special occasions or as a part of festive meals when families gather to celebrate.
3. Jeon (전)
Jeon refers to various types of savory pancakes. They are made with ingredients like vegetables, seafood, or meat, coated in a flour and egg batter, and pan-fried.
Jeon is not only for Seollal but also for other Korean holidays as well. Popular jeon dishes for Seollal include Nokdubindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes), saengseonjeon (fish), and yukjeon (beef).
4. Yakgwa (약과)
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean snack. It is made by mixing finely sifted wheat flour with sesame oil, adding honey and alcohol to the mixture, imprinting patterns on it using a yakgwa mold, and then deep-frying it in oil.
5. Sikhye (식혜)
Sikhye (식혜) is one of Korea’s traditional beverages, made by fermenting malt water with cooked glutinous rice. Sometimes it is called Rice Punch.
It is commonly consumed during holidays like Chuseok and Seollal, and is widely loved as a beverage in daily life. Some households still make it at home, and it is also available in cans or bottles for purchase.
6. Sujeonggwa (수정과)
Sujeonggwa (수정과) is a traditional Korean beverage made mainly from cinnamon and ginger. It is then garnished with dried persimmons and pine nuts.
It is a sweet and fragrant drink, often served during special occasions and holidays. Sujeonggwa is known for its rich and comforting taste, making it a popular choice, especially during the festive seasons.
Related Page: Korean Food
Seollal Games and Activities
1. Yutnori (윷놀이)
Yutnori (윷놀이) is a traditional Korean board game that has been enjoyed for centuries. The game is usually played during traditional holidays, including Seollal.
The game involves four wooden sticks, known as “yut,” which are tossed to determine the player’s moves on the board. Depending on the direction in which the yut sticks fall on a certain side, there are five moves: Do (도), Gae (개), Geol (걸), Yut (윷), and Mo (모). Based on these moves, players advance their game pieces on the board.
2. Jegichagi (제기차기)
Jegichagi is a traditional Korean outdoor game where players kick a jegi, a small shuttlecock-like object, to keep it off the ground. The objective is to prevent the jegi from touching the ground using various kicking techniques.
3. Yeonalligi or Kite Flying (연날리기)
Yeonnalligi, or kite flying, has been a traditional folk game passed down since ancient times in Korea. It was a popular activity throughout various regions during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing the casting away of bad luck for the new year.
4. Neolttwigi (널뛰기)
Neolttwigi is a traditional Korean seesaw game where two people, usually women or girls, jump on either end of a long wooden board to propel someone standing on the other side into the air. It is often played during traditional Korean holidays and festivities.
5. Paengichigi or Spinning Top (팽이치기)
Historically, children used to carve tops from wood and play the spinning top game on frozen surfaces like rivers, ponds, and rice paddies during the cold winter.
How Can International Visitors and Foreigners Enjoy Seollal?
Seollal stands as the most significant celebration for Koreans. However, its observance can lead to irregular business hours, unforeseen traffic delays, and potential inconveniences for international travelers. Therefore, if you plan to visit Korea during this period, careful planning is essential.
International visitors can enjoy Seollal in South Korea by participating in various cultural activities and experiencing traditional customs. Here are some ways to make the most of Seollal:
1. Attend Cultural Performances:
Check for special Seollal events and performances taking place in cultural centers, palaces, or traditional villages. These events often include traditional music, dance, and performances.
2. Visit Historic Sites
Explore historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or traditional folk villages to get a sense of Korea’s rich history and architecture. Sometimes these places offer special programs or activities for Seollal.
3. Take Part in Folk Games
Try playing traditional Korean games like Yutnori (traditional board game) or Jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking). Many public spaces organize game events during Seollal.
4. Try Seollal Foods
Sample traditional Seollal foods like tteokguk and sikhye at local restaurants or street vendors. If possible, even participate in cooking classes or try making traditional Seollal foods. It’s a fun way to learn about Korean culinary traditions.
5. Join Sebae (New Year’s Bow)
Experience the Sebae tradition, where younger family members bow to their elders as a sign of respect. This is a significant part of Seollal customs, and joining in can be a meaningful cultural experience.
6. Visit Hanbok Rental Shops
Rent a Hanbok (Korean traditional attire) and wear it to experience the festive atmosphere. Many places offer Hanbok rentals, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the traditional culture.
7. Experience Templestay
Consider participating in a temple stay program, where you can experience Buddhist traditions, meditation, and cultural activities.
8. Find Sports Events
Seollal is a great time to watch Korean sports games like ssireum, Korean Professional Basketball games, and valley ball games. If you want to watch the game in the stadium, you may need to purchase a ticket in advance, though.
9. Explore Street Markets
Visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market or Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, where you can enjoy street food. Not all the shops are open, but many food vendors are open even on Seollal.
10. Contact Local Support Centers
Local support centers for foreigners often organize events, markets, and fairs during Seollal. Attend these gatherings to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Here are a few of the local support centers for foreigners:
- Busan: Busan Foreign Residents Center
- Seoul: Seoul Foreign Residents Center
- Seoul (Gangnam): Gangnam Global Village Center
- Incheon: Incheon Support Center for Foreign Residents
- Daejeon: Daejeon Support Center For Foreign Residents
- Gyeongsangnam-do: Gyeongsangnam-do Forerign Residents Support Center
Furthermore, you can contact 1330, the phone number for the Travel Helpline provided by the Korea Tourism Organization.
11. Plan Your Trip to South Korea Accordingly
Exploring South Korea during major holiday seasons can be a wonderful experience. However, it’s important to note that factors like traffic and business hours may differ during these periods, necessitating careful trip planning. As mentioned earlier, the dates of two major holidays vary each year.
More Information about Seollal in Modern Days
Seollal stands as one of the oldest and most enduring Korean traditions. Over time, these traditions have evolved, incorporating new elements that were not historically part of the holiday.
1. Heavy Traffic
The Seollal holiday period marks one of the most challenging traffic days in South Korea. In 2023, over 28 million people were on the move, representing more than half of the Korean population.
The usual travel time between Seoul and Busan by car is approximately 5 hours. However, during peak times in the holidays, this journey can extend to almost 10 hours.
Securing train or flight tickets during this holiday is a considerable challenge, with availability nearly impossible. Some individuals resort to going to PC Bangs (internet cafes) for better internet speed when Korail starts selling train tickets for Seollal.
2. Post-Holiday Syndrome (명절증후군)
Another concern during holidays is the phenomenon known as “Holiday Stress,” captured by the term “Post-Holiday Syndrome” (명절증후군 /myong-jeol-jeung-hu-gun/) in Korean.
Initially coined to describe the physical and mental symptoms experienced by daughters-in-law due to the stress and workload associated with holiday preparations, it has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum.
This stress now affects various individuals, particularly younger generations, including college graduates seeking employment, singles in their thirties and forties still unmarried, and high school seniors. The source of stress typically stems from inquiries and expectations posed by relatives during the holiday period.
3. International Travel
The Seollal holiday period often extends beyond three days. When it coincides with the middle of the week, numerous companies opt to create an extended holiday.
This extended break provides an excellent opportunity for many individuals to embark on international travel. The annual increase in the number of people undertaking international trips during the Seollal holiday period reflects the popularity of utilizing this time for travel.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions about Seollal
1. Are Seollal and Chuseok the same?
No. Seollal and Chuseok are different holidays in Korea. Seollal and Chuseok are both major traditional holidays in South Korea, but they are distinct celebrations with different dates, significance, and customs.
2. Are Seollal and the Chinese New Year the same?
Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) and Chinese New Year are on the same date, but they are distinct celebrations associated with different cultures.
If you have more questions about Seollal or anything about Korean culture, please leave your questions or comments below. I’ll answer to your questions.
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