Seollal

Seollal, the Korean New Year celebration, marks the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and kicks off on January 29 this year. This vibrant festival is steeped in cultural traditions and lasts for three full days! It’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in traditional delicacies, connect with family, share laughter, and engage in festive activities. During Seollal, families visit one another, partake in folk games, and often give pocket money to children. With its rich customs and traditions, this national holiday is an experience that transcends borders and should be embraced by everyone. Don your hanboks and get ready to usher in the new year with joy!

The history of Seollal can be traced back to 57 B.C., with references found in the “Book of Sui” and the “Book of Tang.” The illustrious Joseon dynasty celebrated this day with gatherings of government officials in five grand palaces. Evidence suggests that Seollal was recognized as a Korean holiday during the Goryeo dynasty, which spanned from 918 A.D. to 1392 A.D. This cherished tradition has been preserved and continues to be celebrated today with significant fanfare to honor the first day of the Lunar Korean Calendar. Because this holiday holds great significance for Koreans, businesses often close, and families embark on long journeys to reunite for the festivities. As a result, travel plans are typically arranged well in advance, leading to fully booked flights and hotels during this period. Remarkably, in 2016, 36 million South Koreans traveled to reconnect with their families during the Korean New Year!

Gifts are exchanged among family members, traditional Korean dishes are prepared, and new outfits are donned to welcome the year ahead.

Let’s take a look at the timeline of Seollal:

7th Century B.C.: Historic festivities are documented in the “Old Book of Tang.”
13th Century A.D.: The New Year is established as one of the nine major Korean festivals, including ancestral rites.
1895—1945: The Japanese prohibit the Lunar New Year during their occupation.
1985: The festival is officially recognized as a public holiday in South Korea.

Seollal FAQs

How long does Seollal last? While officially it’s just one day, celebrations often extend beyond that.
What attire is worn during Seollal? Koreans typically wear vibrant and colorful traditional garments known as hanboks.
What activities take place during Seollal? This holiday serves as a special time for families to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Seollal Activities:

Feast on traditional Korean dishes: On this day, indulge in as much traditional food as your heart desires, especially if you’re visiting home from abroad.
Listen to folk tales: This day is perfect for gathering with elders and soaking in captivating stories that have been passed down through generations, offering insight into cultural traditions.
Bond with family: No matter how busy life gets, Seollal provides the chance to reconnect and appreciate your loved ones.

Five Fun Facts About Seollal:

What does Seollal mean? It translates to “Lunar New Year.”
Charye tradition: Female relatives prepare the meals, which are then served to ancestors by the males.
Traditional dish: ‘Ddeokguk’ is a soup made from rice cakes that is served during this celebration.
Unique customs: The morning of Seollal sees family members donning their traditional attire.
Post-holiday exhaustion: The massive amounts of food prepared can leave everyone feeling quite tired afterward!

Why We Adore Seollal:

It marks the new year: This occasion is significant as it signifies a fresh start for Koreans.
It strengthens family bonds: The day focuses on spending quality time with family, especially the elders, while work takes a backseat.
Cultural significance: Seollal is an integral part of Korean culture, setting it apart on the global stage.

Seollal Dates: