Experience Korea’s Lunar New Year (Seollal): Top Attractions and Activities
The Korean Lunar New Year, known as Seollal (설날), is one of the most significant holidays in Korea. It’s a time for families to gather, honor ancestors, and celebrate the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar.
For foreign visitors, Seollal offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture and festivities.
Below are the top things to see and experience during Seollal in Korea.
Note: If you wish to experience Seollal firsthand, make sure to apply for your K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Korea.
Our website, ETAKOREA.NET, provides complete assistance with your application process.
1. Witness Traditional Rituals (Charye, 차례)
Seollal is centered around ancestral rituals known as Charye.
Families prepare a special table with traditional dishes to honor their ancestors and pray for blessings in the new year.
While this is a private family activity, many cultural centers and events showcase reenactments of these rituals for visitors.
Where to Experience
Namsangol Hanok Village (Seoul): Offers demonstrations of Seollal rituals in a traditional Korean house setting.
Korean Folk Village (Yongin): Learn about Charye rituals and the significance of each offering on the table.
2. Explore Traditional Games and Activities
During Seollal, families and friends come together to play traditional games that are both fun and culturally significant.
Popular Games
- Yutnori (윷놀이): A board game played with four wooden sticks. It’s easy to learn and engaging for people of all ages.
- Jegichagi (제기차기): Similar to hacky sack, where players kick a small object (jegis) to keep it in the air.
- Tuho (투호): A game of skill where players throw sticks into narrow-necked jars.
Where to Try These Games
Seoul’s National Folk Museum: Hosts annual Seollal events where visitors can try these games.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Offers hands-on experiences with traditional games and cultural activities during the holiday.
3. Enjoy Traditional Korean Food for Seollal
Food plays a vital role during Seollal, with families preparing and sharing symbolic dishes.
One of the must-try foods during this time is Tteokguk (떡국), a rice cake soup that signifies growth and a fresh start in the new year.
Eating a bowl of tteokguk is believed to add a year to your age.
- Other Popular Dishes
Jeon (전): Korean-style pancakes with various fillings like seafood, vegetables, and meat. - Galbijjim (갈비찜): Braised short ribs cooked in a savory-sweet sauce.
- Hangwa (한과): Traditional Korean sweets often served as desserts.
Where to Try
Traditional restaurants across Korea often serve Seollal-special menus during the holiday.
Local markets like Gwangjang Market (Seoul) and Noryangjin Fish Market (Seoul) for fresh ingredients and prepared dishes.
4. Attend Cultural Performances
Many cultural venues in Korea host special performances during Seollal.
These performances highlight the country’s rich traditions, including Samulnori (사물놀이), a dynamic percussion performance, and Talchum (탈춤), traditional Korean mask dances.
Best Places for Performances
- National Gugak Center (Seoul): Offers traditional music and dance performances.
- Korean Folk Village (Yongin): Regularly features traditional dances, tightrope walking, and other folk performances.
- Jeonju Hanok Village (Jeonju): Known for its focus on preserving Korean cultural arts, with many performances during the holiday.
5. Visit Hanok Villages and Palaces
To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Seollal, visit Korea’s traditional hanok villages and historic palaces.
These places are often adorned with festive decorations and host Seollal-specific events like folk games, performances, and traditional food tastings.
Top Places to Visit
- Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul): A picturesque area with traditional Korean houses.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul): One of Korea’s grandest palaces, offering free hanbok rentals for visitors to experience traditional clothing during Seollal.
- Andong Hahoe Folk Village (Andong): A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing authentic Korean traditions and architecture.
6. Explore Seollal-Themed Markets
Local markets come alive during Seollal, as families prepare for the holiday by shopping for special ingredients, gifts, and holiday treats.
Visiting these markets allows you to experience the festive atmosphere firsthand.
Best Markets for Seollal Shopping
- Namdaemun Market (Seoul): Perfect for picking up Seollal-themed souvenirs and gifts.
- Jagalchi Market (Busan): A seafood lover’s paradise with an array of fresh and prepared delicacies.
- Insadong (Seoul): Great for traditional crafts, gifts, and cultural experiences.
- Important Note: Apply for Your K-ETA Before Traveling
To experience Korea’s vibrant Seollal celebrations, make sure to apply for your K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before your trip.
Without a valid K-ETA, travelers from visa-exempt countries cannot enter Korea.
Where to Apply: Visit ETAPORTAL.NET for a simple and efficient application process.
Processing Time: Applications are typically approved within 24-72 hours.
Seollal is a truly magical time to visit Korea, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich traditions and festive spirit.
With proper preparation, including applying for your K-ETA at ETAPORTAL.NET, you can enjoy a seamless and unforgettable cultural experience.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate Korea’s Lunar New Year in style! Safe travels and Happy Seollal!
