Korean new year

Seollal () is the Korean New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Chuseok. It is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea, and it is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually in late January or early February.

Here are some interesting facts about Seollal:

  1. Date: Seollal is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which usually falls between January 21st and February 20th.
  2. Preparations: Before Seollal, Koreans typically clean their homes, decorate with traditional decorations such as tangerines and pine branches, and prepare traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and yaksik (sweet rice dish).
  3. Traditional clothing: Koreans wear traditional clothing, such as hanbok, to celebrate Seollal. The hanbok is a symbol of Korean culture and is worn on special occasions.
  4. Family gatherings: Seollal is a time for family reunions. Koreans typically visit their elderly relatives, pay respects to their ancestors, and enjoy traditional foods and games together.
  5. Food: Traditional Seollal foods include tteokguk, yaksik, and other sweet and savory dishes. Tteokguk is a must-eat dish during Seollal, as it symbolizes good luck and longevity.
  6. Games and activities: During Seollal, Koreans play traditional games like yut nori (a game of chance), jegi (a game of skill), and participate in traditional activities like traditional music and dance performances.
  7. Gift-giving: It is customary to give gifts, such as money, fruit, and traditional snacks, to children and elderly relatives during Seollal.
  8. Visiting ancestral graves: Koreans visit their ancestral graves to pay respects to their ancestors and offer food and drink offerings.
  9. Traditional activities: Seollal is a time for traditional activities like traditional music and dance performances, and traditional games like jegi and yut nori.
  10. Duration: Seollal is typically celebrated for three days, but some people may take up to a week off work or school to fully enjoy the holiday.

Overall, Seollal is a significant holiday in Korean culture, and it is a time for Koreans to come together with family and friends, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the beginning of a new year.