eollal, or Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in Korea. It’s a time for families to gather, honor ancestors, and celebrate new beginnings. Whether you’re visiting Korea or simply curious about its traditions, here’s a guide to everything you need to know about celebrating Seollal.
What is Seollal?
Seollal marks the first day of the Lunar Calendar and typically falls in January or February. This three-day celebration includes the day before Seollal, Seollal itself, and the day after. It’s a time for Koreans to pay respect to their heritage, connect with family, and look forward to a prosperous year.
Traditional Seollal Customs
1. Wearing Hanbok
One of the most beautiful Seollal traditions is wearing the hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire. Hanbok is known for its vibrant colors and elegant design, symbolizing Korean culture and history. While modern Koreans don’t wear hanbok daily, it’s often worn during Seollal to honor tradition. Many families take photos in their hanbok to commemorate the occasion.
2. Preparing Tteokguk
Tteokguk, or rice cake soup, is a must-eat dish during Seollal. The soup’s round rice cakes symbolize coins, representing prosperity, and eating it is believed to bring good fortune. The dish also has a symbolic meaning of “growing a year older” as Koreans traditionally celebrate their collective aging on Seollal. The soup is made with a clear broth, often beef-based, and topped with sliced rice cakes, egg, seaweed, and green onions.
3. Bowing Ceremonies (Sebae)
Sebae is a formal bow performed by younger family members to show respect to their elders. This tradition is a cornerstone of Seollal celebrations. After bowing, the elders typically offer blessings for a prosperous year and often give sebaetdon, or New Year’s money, to the younger generation. Sebae is a meaningful gesture that strengthens family bonds.
4. Eating Rice Cake and Festive Foods
Aside from tteokguk, the Seollal feast includes a variety of traditional dishes such as jeon (savory pancakes), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and galbijjim (braised short ribs). These meals are prepared with great care, often as part of the ancestral rite (charye), where food is offered to ancestors as a sign of respect.
5. Playing Traditional Games
Seollal is also a time for fun and games. Families often play traditional Korean games like yutnori, a board game using wooden sticks, and jegichagi, a game similar to hacky sack. These activities add an element of joy to the holiday and bring generations together.
How to Celebrate Seollal as a Visitor
If you’re in Korea during Seollal, here are some tips to immerse yourself in the festivities:
- Visit Folk Villages or Cultural Centers: Places like Namsangol Hanok Village or the Korean Folk Village host special Seollal events, including hanbok experiences, traditional games, and cooking classes.
- Try Seollal Foods: Many restaurants offer special Seollal menus featuring tteokguk and other festive dishes.
- Respect Local Customs: Seollal is a family-centered holiday, so many businesses may close or have limited hours. Plan accordingly and be mindful of the holiday’s significance.
Conclusion
Seollal is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of Korean heritage, family, and new beginnings. From wearing hanbok and preparing tteokguk to playing traditional games, Seollal offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s rich culture. Whether you’re observing Seollal at home or in Korea, embracing these traditions will make the experience truly special.
Happy Seollal! Or as Koreans say, “새해 복 많이 받으세요!” (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!) – wishing you many blessings in the New Year.