Seollal

What Is Seollal?

Seollal, also known as Korean New Year, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea. It marks the first day of the lunisolar calendar, typically occurring in late January or early February on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday is a central period for family reunions, ancestral observances, and the practice of long-held cultural customs.

The observance of Seollal extends beyond a single day, forming a three-day public holiday in both South Korea and North Korea. During this time, many Koreans travel to their hometowns to celebrate with their extended families. It is a time for paying respect to elders and ancestors, exchanging well wishes, and engaging in traditional games and activities.

History and Origins of Seollal

The origins of Seollal can be traced back to ancient agrarian societies in Korea, where the start of the new lunisolar year held deep importance for agricultural cycles. Early records indicate that customs resembling Seollal observances were present during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE). These early observances involved special foods, clothing, and rituals to mark the seasonal transition.

Throughout subsequent Korean dynasties, including Goryeo and Joseon, Seollal continued to evolve and solidify its position as a major national holiday. The customs of ancestral rites (charye) and bowing to elders (sebae) became central to the holiday’s practices, reinforcing family bonds and respect for one’s lineage. Despite periods where the use of the lunar calendar was suppressed or de-emphasised, particularly during Japanese colonial rule, the traditions of Seollal persisted through private observance. After gaining independence, Seollal was formally re-established as a national holiday, reinforcing its cultural importance in modern Korea.

How Seollal Is Celebrated

Seollal celebrations are deeply rooted in family and tradition, typically involving a series of established customs that have been passed down through generations.

Ancestral Rites and Family Gatherings

A key part of Seollal is the performance of charye, ancestral rites held on the morning of New Year’s Day. Families prepare an elaborate table of food offerings for their ancestors, performing bows to show respect and gratitude. Following charye, younger family members perform sebae, a deep bow, to their elders, offering New Year’s greetings. In return, elders often offer words of blessing (deokdam) and sometimes small envelopes of money (sebaetdon), particularly to children.

Traditional Attire and Food

Many individuals wear hanbok, traditional Korean attire, during Seollal. This formal clothing is donned for ancestral rites and family greetings, adding to the festive atmosphere. The most iconic food of Seollal is tteokguk, a soup made with thinly sliced rice cakes. Consuming tteokguk is symbolic; it is believed to represent becoming one year older and starting the new year with good fortune. Other traditional foods include jeon (savoury pancakes), galbi-jjim (braised short ribs), and various hangwa (traditional sweets).

Games and Activities

Traditional games are a common feature of Seollal gatherings. Yutnori, a board game played with four wooden sticks, is particularly popular among families, often played for friendly wagers. Other activities may include flying kites, spinning tops (paengi chigi), and playing traditional card games. These activities foster camaraderie and provide entertainment during the extended holiday period.

When Is Seollal?

Seollal is a moveable feast, as its date is determined by the lunisolar calendar, specifically the Korean calendar. This means its date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February. It aligns with the first day of the lunisolar New Year, which is also celebrated in other East Asian countries, though often with distinct cultural practices.

In South Korea and North Korea, Seollal is observed as a national public holiday for three consecutive days. This usually includes the day before the New Year, the New Year’s Day itself, and the day after the New Year. This extended period allows ample time for travel, family reunions, and the performance of all associated traditions.

Seollal Key Facts