New Year's Day in South Korea

Posted by CelebrateZone.com on Thu, May 11, 2023

New Year’s Day in South Korea

New Year’s Day is a holiday in South Korea.

When is New Year’s Day in South Korea

New Year’s Day is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in South Korea.

About New Year’s Day in South Korea

New Year’s Day, also known as Seollal, is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or early February.

During Seollal, Koreans traditionally gather with their families to pay respect to their ancestors and to wish for good fortune in the coming year. Many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones during this time.

One of the most important customs of Seollal is the ancestral rite, where families visit their ancestors’ graves and perform a ritual to honor them. This is followed by a feast with traditional Korean foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), jeon (pan-fried vegetables or meat), and various side dishes.

Another popular activity during Seollal is playing traditional games such as yutnori, a board game played with four sticks, and jegichagi, a game where players kick a shuttlecock-like object with their feet.

In recent years, many Koreans have also started to celebrate Seollal by taking a short vacation or traveling abroad. However, the traditional customs and family gatherings remain an important part of the holiday for most Koreans.

History of New Year’s Day in South Korea

New Year’s Day, or Seollal in Korean, is one of the most important traditional holidays in South Korea. The holiday is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February.

The origins of Seollal can be traced back to the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD), where it was celebrated as a day to honor ancestors and offer prayers for a good harvest. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Seollal became a more elaborate holiday, with various customs and traditions added to the celebration.

One of the most important traditions of Seollal is the ancestral rite, where families gather to pay respect to their ancestors and offer food and drinks. Another custom is the playing of traditional games such as yutnori and jegichagi, which are enjoyed by both young and old.

In modern times, Seollal has become a national holiday in South Korea, and many people use this time to travel and spend time with family. The holiday is also a time for reflection and setting new goals for the coming year.

Overall, Seollal is a holiday that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of South Korea and the importance of family and community.

How is New Year’s Day celebrated in South Korea

New Year’s Day, or Seollal, is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or early February. Here are some of the ways that Seollal is celebrated in South Korea:

  1. Family gatherings: Seollal is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many Koreans travel long distances to be with their families during this time. They traditionally wear hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, and perform ancestral rites.

  2. Food: Food is an important part of Seollal celebrations. Tteokguk, a soup made with rice cakes, is a traditional dish that is eaten on Seollal. It is believed that eating tteokguk brings good luck and longevity.

  3. Games: Many families play traditional Korean games during Seollal. Yutnori, a board game played with sticks, is a popular game played during Seollal.

  4. Gift-giving: It is customary to give gifts during Seollal. Children receive money in small envelopes called sebaedon, and adults exchange gifts with their family members.

  5. Visiting ancestors’ graves: Many families visit the graves of their ancestors during Seollal to pay their respects and perform ancestral rites.

Overall, Seollal is a time for Koreans to come together with their families, eat traditional food, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Dates

New Year’s Day will be celebrated in South Korea on 2023-01-01 2024-01-01 2025-01-01 2026-01-01 2027-01-01 in the comming years.