Korean New Year (Seollal)

Korean culture · lunar calendar · family celebration · traditions

Follows the moon. Seollal happens on a different date each year because it follows the lunar calendar instead of the regular calendar, usually falling somewhere between late January and mid-February.

Huge family gathering. Families travel across the country to reunite and celebrate together, making it one of the busiest travel times in Korea as people head home to their hometowns.

Bowing with respect. Children perform a special bow called 'sebae' to their elders, who then give them money and blessings for good health and happiness in the new year.

Special holiday foods. Families prepare and share traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and various side dishes, with the rice cake soup believed to bring a year of good fortune.

Celebrated worldwide. Koreans living in countries all around the world celebrate Seollal together, keeping their cultural traditions alive no matter where they live.