80 saved#2,664 of 6,224

Korean New Year

Ring in the Korean New Year with traditional customs, mouthwatering food and joyful reunions! A celebration of culture, family and fresh beginnings!

Saturday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEChinese New Year

OBSERVED INSouth Korea

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to shout "Seollal Chukhahamnida" as we prepare to commemorate the Korean New Year on February 10! Also known as "Seollal," this is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Korea, marking the first day of the lunar calendar. The history of this illustrious event dates back to the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty and is a time for Koreans to pay homage to their ancestors, feast on traditional food, and engage in age-old customs and games. It’s an exciting celebration of heritage, family unities, and the anticipation of a prosperous year ahead! So, let’s immerse ourselves in this wonderful cultural extravaganza and usher in the Korean New Year with joy and reverence!

TIMELINE

Korean New Year Timeline

Korean New Year's Origin

The observance of the Korean New Year began during the Joseon Dynasty, tying in with the first day of the lunar calendar.

Integration of Shamanistic Practices

Traditional Shamanistic practices were integrated into New Year's, including rituals to honor and appease household spirits.

Seollal During the Gabo Reform

During the Gabo Reform, a moon calendar reform resulted in the adoption of the solar Gregorian calendar. Despite the shift, Seollal continued to be celebrated according to the lunar calendar.

Recognition as National Holiday

The South Korean government officially recognized Seollal as a national holiday in 1967, reaffirming its cultural significance.

Extended Holiday Period

In 2003, the South Korean government extended the Seollal holiday from one day to three days to allow for travel and comprehensive celebrations.

Modern Celebration

Today, Seollal continues to be one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Korea, marking the fusion of Korea's historical traditions and contemporary customs.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Korean New Year

Build a Sebaetdon Tree

Incorporate this traditional Korean custom at your household. A Sebaetdon tree is where you hang envelopes with money as a gift for the kids in the family. This would be a fun activity and interesting addition to your home decoration during the holiday.

PREPARE

Prepare a Korean New Year Feast

Food plays an integral role in the Korean New Year celebration. Prepare traditional foods like Tteokguk (rice cake soup) which is said to grant a year of good luck to whoever consumes it.

PLAY

Play Yunnori

Emphasize the holiday's focus on family and togetherness by engaging in traditional Korean games like Yunnori. It’s a kind of board game that has been played for thousands of years and will bring out the competitive spirit in everyone.

DRESS

Dress in Hanbok

Wear Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress to fully embrace the Korean New Year atmosphere. The vibrant colors and elegant lines of the Hanbok will make anyone feel festive and stylish at the same time.

PERFORM

Perform the ancestral rite of Charye

Honor your ancestors by conducting Charye, an ancestral rite that's traditionally performed during Seollal. By preparing a ritual table with food offerings and performing bows, it’s a sign of respect and remembrance to those who came before us.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Korean New Year

A Fresh Start

Ringing in the Korean New Year signifies a fresh start, offering a chance for self-reflection and setting new goals. The anticipation of a prosperous year ahead motivates us to embrace change and aspire for growth in all aspects of our lives.

Preservation and Celebration of Culture

Korean New Year, or Seollal, allows us to actively participate in and celebrate rich Korean customs and traditions dating back to the 14th century. This enhances our understanding of the culture and strengthens our appreciation for it.

Fostering Family Unity

Seollal emphasizes the importance of family unions and provides an opportunity for joyful reunions, engaging games, and the sharing of meals. This communal atmosphere fosters deeper bonds and creates lasting memories with loved ones.