Lunar New Year

In Korea, Lunar New Year is known as Seollal (설날), one of the country’s most important traditional holidays and a major occasion for family reunions. It is observed on the first day of the Korean lunisolar calendar, which in 2026 falls on February 17. The holiday period generally includes the day before and the day after Seollal, although the exact public-holiday schedule is determined by South Korean calendar regulations. Seollal marks the beginning of a new year and traditionally represents renewal, good fortune, respect for ancestors, and hopes for health and prosperity.

Seollal developed from longstanding East Asian lunisolar traditions and was shaped in Korea by Confucian family ethics, agricultural rhythms, and indigenous customs. During the Joseon period, ancestor veneration, formal family rites, and respect for elders became especially influential in holiday observances. Although urbanization and modern lifestyles have changed the way Koreans celebrate, Seollal remains a powerful cultural occasion: millions travel to their ancestral hometowns, families preserve traditional ceremonies, and younger generations continue to learn the etiquette, foods, games, and greetings associated with Korean Lunar New Year. The 2026 Seollal year begins under the zodiac sign of the Horse, according to the traditional Korean zodiac cycle.

A central Seollal custom is charye, a formal ancestral memorial service in which families prepare and arrange foods before an ancestral table and pay respects to deceased relatives. Many people also visit family graves in a practice called seongmyo, cleaning the site and offering remembrance. Younger family members perform sebae, a deep traditional bow to parents, grandparents, and other elders, who respond with blessings and often give sebaetdon, or New Year’s money, traditionally placed in an ornamental pouch. A common greeting is “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (새해 복 많이 받으세요), meaning “May you receive lots of New Year’s blessings.”

The signature Seollal food is tteokguk, a clear soup containing sliced rice cakes. Eating it symbolizes welcoming the New Year and, traditionally, gaining another year of age. Families may also serve jeon, japchae, mandu, grilled meats, fruit, and other carefully prepared dishes, while traditional sweets and rice-based treats accompany tea or other refreshments. During the holiday, people wear hanbok or neat festive clothing, play folk games such as yutnori, fly kites, spin tops, and enjoy time with relatives. Modern celebrations may also include travel, televised holiday programs, cultural performances, and visits to museums or heritage sites, combining contemporary leisure with the values of family, gratitude, and good fortune that define Korean Lunar New Year.