What is Seollal?
Seollal (설날) is the Korean Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Korea. It typically falls between late January and mid-February.
Seollal Traditions
1. 세배 (Sebae) — New Year's Bow
Young people bow deeply to elders. In return, elders give blessings and money in envelopes.
Traditional phrase: 새해 복 많이 받으세요 = "May you receive lots of luck in the new year"
2. 떡국 (Tteokguk) — Rice Cake Soup
Eating tteokguk on Seollal Day is mandatory — it's what makes you age one year!
3. 한복 (Hanbok) — Traditional Clothing
4. Traditional Games
- Yutnori (윷놀이): Board game with sticks
- Neolttwigi (널뛰기): Seesaw jumping
Seollal Vocabulary
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 설날 | Lunar New Year |
| 세배 | New Year's bow |
| 세뱃돈 | New Year money |
| 떡국 | Rice cake soup |
| 한복 | Traditional clothing |